Not far from our “family friendly” city is an art gallery located in a very busy business area. Just recently a young visitor to this gallery walked in and was exposed to a completely nude young woman posing in front of a room full of mostly older men. This young person was surprised and extremely embarrassed to say the least. Nudity under these circumstances is defended, by some, as art and therefore not shameful. When I questioned a prosecutor concerning nudity/pornography laws, I was told that this is determined by community standards. That’s interesting. When did the community participate in this discussion? I would have liked to participate as a member of the community.
Is the naked body to be viewed as evil? The first man and woman were guiltless in their nakedness, but when they sinned by eating fruit from the forbidden tree, “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings” (Gen. 3:7). Sin created guilt and shame in the hearts and minds of Adam and Eve which also caused fear at the thought of appearing before God unclothed (Gen. 3:10). In attempting to cover their shame they instinctively tried to cover their bodies. God took away their inadequate covering and replaced it with animal skin coats (Gen. 3:21). Thus, God deemed clothing as necessary in a world where sin now existed. It should be understood that at that time God established the guidelines of modesty; a time when there was just one man/husband and one woman/wife on the earth.
The human body is a beautiful part of God’s creation. But God has determined when, where and how the revealing of nakedness is pure and holy. The only scriptures in which nudity is free of shame are those that deal with marital relations. (Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-19; S. of Solomon 4).
All other passages present nakedness as shameful (Gen. 9:21; Ex. 20:26; 32:25; 2 Chron. 28:19; Isa. 47:3; Ez. 16:35-36; Lk. 8:27; Rev. 3:17; 16:15; 17:16).
But what about nudity in art? Some have argued that viewing nudity in an art class is no different than someone who studies the human body in training for a health profession. Really? The individuals studying to become part of the medical field are preparing themselves to help heal the sick and save lives. Jesus gave his approval of the medical profession. He said those who are sick need to see a physician (Mk. 2:17). The work of a doctor, that involves the revealing of nakedness, is not put on display in a gallery for the gazing pleasure of the general public. For what reason does the art student need to study nudity if it is not for the purpose of drawing nudity and displaying this for others to view? And by what Christian precept can this be shown to be right and acceptable before God?
Lust is a sin (Matt. 5:28; 1 Jo. 2:16). When someone lusts at a picture it does not matter what the intent of the picture is. Sin has occurred. Christians have the responsibility to guard their own heart against lust (Ja. 1:14-15). But we also have the responsibility of not putting a stumbling block before others (Mk. 9:42) which also includes dressing modestly and not revealing nakedness (1 Tim. 2:9).
Some have argued, “But Michelangelo studied the human body! He even involved himself in autopsies in order to draw that which lies beneath the skin.” Michelangelo also studied human nakedness for the purpose of displaying nakedness in the name of art. I find it interesting that man finds it tasteful to gaze upon Michelangelo’s nude “David,” and yet his nude depiction of Christ on display in Rome has a covering over the private body parts. Michelangelo, no matter how brilliant and talented, is not our authority.
Western culture has determined that nudity in art is permissible. But does man/culture determine what is acceptable and unacceptable to God? Following a societal principle is permitted by the Lord, but only if it is for the purpose of saving souls (1 Cor. 9:22), and does not violate God’s established precepts (Acts 5:29).
Nudity in art is sinful. This does not correspond with the thinking of the world. But we should not be surprised to find the world at odds with biblical principles. I am not encouraging a withdrawal from the art world. Our society is in need of Christian artists. But those creating the art should never expose what God has covered and defined as shameful if exposed.
Comments