Why do Christians have pictures of nude people in churches, and in classical paintings?

Question

Yet they find the uncovered body offensive in real life?

And do any religionists here have an opinion on when (Westernized) society began to view nudity as 'titillating' rather than just normal?

$" - No, I'm sure I mean Christians. I've never seen any nudes in a mosque or on a muslim wall. I know that Muslims have an enormous issue with the naked human body. That's not what this question is about.

=42 - No, I'm sure I mean Christians. I've never seen any nudes in a mosque or on a muslim wall. I know that Muslims have an enormous issue with the naked human body. That's not what this question is about.

Answer 1

the nudes show they have good taste-the fact that some are against it in real life is just stupid-shows you dont have to be smart to have good taste--smile and enjoy the day
wow two down votes already--keep your fig leafs on

Answer 2

Well back in the garden Adam and Eve were created naked, and after eating the forbidden fruit they felt embarrased and made simple clothes from (I think) ferns. So the only answer I could hazard is that this shameful or embarrassed feeling carries on from then. As to why the classical pictures and such, I would have to agree with the poster who said that many believe anything that stimulates you mentally is fine, but that which causes sexual arousal is something to, again, be ashamed of and/or avoid.

Answer 3

Um, don't you mean Muslims have a problem with uncovered bodies ? With Christians and Catholics, it's more to do with society, culture and law, and nuding up in the appropriate place, i.e. not in public. I mean, historically, a fig leaf or two was fine, it's society and culture that has changed things.

Answer 4

please do not lump all Christians together as though we were all reactionary repressive evangelical fundamentalist bible thumpers.
There are many different denominations, and only the most vocal anti-sex ones are against nudity. I am a Christian and a nudist, and our denomination has no problem with that, so long as it is not deliberate exhibitionism performed with the intent to shock, or provoke sexuality in minors.
You will not find much nude art in most churches, but reasonable Christian people recognize that nudity in art is not prurient.

Answer 5

The Popes, cardinals and priests obviously enjoyed being surrounded by titillating nudes in paintings and sculpture.

Answer 6

Just go to church nude for everyone to see.

Answer 7

That's the catholics. They love to look at nude statues and at the same time, pretend to be righteous by critiquing everyone for what they do themselves.

Catholics are not saved and are not Christians. Catholics believe a false gospel of works that leads to eternal hell (Galatians 1).

Bible teachers that said the Vatican and the catholic cult are an antichrist: John Bunyan, John Huss, John Wycliffe, John Calvin, William Tyndale, John Knox, Thomas Bacon, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, Samuel Cooper, John Cotton, and Jonathan Edwards

Answer 8

I'm a non-denominational Christian, and we don't have any nude pictures or statues in our churches. In fact, we don't have any pictures or statues that represent any diety or "art".

Answer 9

Generally speaking, Christians don't find nudity offensive, but how it is being presented to the viewer.
If it appeals to the big head, it's art; if it appeals to the little one, it's porn.

Answer 10

because angels are naked. What did you think, the clothes that you are buried in you wear for eternity? That would suck especially when a lot of times it's the first time you saw the person in a damned suit.