Nudity in Art (questions for christians)?

Question

What's your opinion?

Is it possible to appreciate nudity without having lustful thoughts?

Should there be a limit to the amount of nudity that is acceptable?
(breasts, buttocks and male genitalia, but not female genitalia?)

Should children be allowed to observe nudity in different art forms?

What's your opinion on Michelangelo's David?

Answer 1

I think God created the human body and it is beautiful and we should enjoy its beauty!

Answer 2

Remember, people are born naked and it's their natural state.

If you're a christian and believe in the silly creationist story, Adam and Eve were both naked.

It is entirely possible to appreciate nudity without lustful thoughts. Though I've never been, I assume a nudist colony is a good place to see this. Or hell, go to Europe and their nude beaches. It's a casual thing over there.

As for children, why the hell not? It's not like the human body is something that should be shunned or veiled. People of both genders have nipples, it shouldn't be a surprise, kids know about the penis and vagina differences... plus in the caveman days (or in many primitive tribes) kids grew up around nudity to be perfectly stable (in most cases more stable!)... Nudity is harmless for kids, indeed most studies indicate it makes them more well rounded... They don't know the sexuality of it yet, so there's no real lust there.

Michelangelo's David is a fine piece of art.

Answer 3

Well, art is a hard thing to nail down. I appreciate some of the drawings I've seen pre-schoolers do, more that Picasso. It's hard to define, really. there's a powerful scene from "Schindler's List" with all these naked women walking in front of the Nazi guards, but it wasn't shown for sexual arousal. The Nazi guards were laughing at them and their humiliation..it was powerful, and the nakedness of the women gave you a sense of the powerlessness they had over the situation. So in that case, nudity in art was appropriate...I think.

As an adult, I can choose to watch whatever I want. However, I do believe that there is FAR too much inappropriate material made available to children. Parents, we have to step up.

Michelangelo's David is classic art...magnificent work.

Answer 4

Well, I'm an artist myself and I don't see anything wrong with nudity in art. I mean, wasn't adem and eve were naked, weren't they? (except of course for maybe a leaf or two) And if it were truly immoral, god would have us born wearing coughs.

I think children should be allowed to view nudity in art. I mean, apart from the fact that keeping them away from all that sort of stuff could be, at least slightly, damaging in the long run, you still have to keep in mind that it is art. As long as it is tastefully, as most art of this nature is (such as Michelangelo's David is), then children should be allowed to view it. It would be different if you took them to view porn or something, which is another thing altogether. I mean, showing their privates is one thing, what they're doing with their privates is another.

As for Michelangelo's David, I have never seen it up close, but from what I have seen from it (pictures, etc.), it is truly a great piece of work. And one which I'm sure anyone could only benefit from seeing.

Answer 5

Society has put sex and nudity together. It is better not to see it if it tempts you. Many see nudity as Gods creation to be appreciated. Many professions deal with nudity constantly. There is a difference between nudity and sexuality or pornography. Remember,Adam and Eve covered themselves after they had shamed themselves. You have free will. If it tempts you, stay away from it. Michaelangelo's David is just art.

Answer 6

Yes, it is possible.
I don't think public nudity is acceptable. I don't want to go to the movies or to the grocery store and see someone walking around totally nude.
Each child's parent makes the decision.
Michaelangelo's David is a masterpiece, a true work of art.

Answer 7

Hello,

Presented artistically, nudity has been acceptable to many Christians; just go to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel.
Poronographically is a different kettle of fish though.

Michael

Answer 8

"Is it possible to appreciate nudity without having lustful thoughts?"

Yes;becuase each idividual has the ability to control his/her own mind


"Should there be a limit to the amount of nudity that is acceptable?"

Doesnt solve the spiritual problem.People have to learn and practice moderation and not to go overboard.

Should children be allowed to observe nudity in different art forms?"

If the parent feels they are mature enough to handle it.

"What's your opinion on Michelangelo's David?"

Never seen it

Answer 9

You are kidding; right? You don't mean to say you think a blanket rule, Or any rule for that matter, is correct for all people and all art?

Michelangelo's David? Great art, but also great gay art. What is wrong with either one?

Answer 10

Nudity must remain immoral for Christians because of the actions of Adam and Eve. If they are no longer ashamed of their nudity, then the knowledge of Good and Evil must have worn off.

Answer 11

This dates from the early cultures, cultures that had sex cults, worshipped with sex, and made pornographic icons.
Think Roman times, the fertility cults and the like.
Somehow it was viewed as art. They put it all over the place. The idea of it being art carried over to this present time.
But that is where nudity in art began. Ancient sex cults.