Mormon naturists

[Tenchi]

Just out of curiousity are there any other Mormon naturists on the board, besides Greensunshine and I? I heard there was, and I am curious to know who they are.

Of course don't get me wrong, I am a very open person and I'll talk, befriend, and love those that are of different faiths or that are even athiests. Still I can't help but be curious if their are more Mormons on this board.

[Trailscout]

Are there any official positions by the LDS church or some LDS statements of faith or sacred books that specifically forbid social nudity?

[Abiqua]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Trailscout:
Are there any official positions by the LDS church or some LDS statements of faith or sacred books that specifically forbid social nudity? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I'm not Mormon, but I came across an LDS Skinnydippers' website at www.ldssdc.info (http://www.ldssdc.info) - there's a good chance that it might answer some questions about your church's policy regarding nudity. I hope it helps.

[aquaman]

I'm a Salt Lake Mormon/naturist and will jump in on this one. I joined the church seven years ago and was a closet nudist since my teens but did not realize it until I got Internet access 7 years ago and found similarly minded people.

There are no strict policies about nudity. The Church's General Authorities years ago would all swim naked at the Deseret Gym downtown. It was church-owned and was on the site where the new conference center is located. Boys and men of all ages would go there to swim, exercise, etc. and no one ever said anything about attire.

I think much of the prudish sense of false-modesty is due to misinterpretation of the law of chastity. People I know out here somteimes dress in dark closets out of "modesty". My ex-wife included. Personally, I belive that you can remain modest in any state of dress purely by your actions. By their definition, showering is immodest. By my interpretation, actions that draw attention to certain parts of your anatomy or explicitly sexual would be immodest, certainly not showering, swimming, or hiking, or most other activities naturist enjoy in mixed company.

When I first moved to Utah, I was not LDS. My first impression of some of the college ladies aI met was that they made even the Amish look wild!

I can't speak for Mormons everywhere but I'm basing my perspectives on experiences with Mormons in 4 states in different parts of the country. Non-Utah Mormons are quite different than Utah Mormons, possibly due to the diversity.

There are many here in Utah that will not read newspapers, watch television, or or educate themselves on world events that are not churhc-related. I see this more as ignorance and naivity more than innocence.

Okay, that's my little soap box for the day. I think that's why some Mormons, primarily Utah Mormons, perceive church doctrine.

I'm registered with the LDS Skinny Dippers group and enjoy some of the communications I've received. The information offered is very beneficial and much more fact-oriented than my views here.

[LeoNJ]

Greetings,

Well I will add my name to list of Fellow LDS member that enjoy naturism as well. I joined the church just over two years but was a nudist before that. I talk about my naturism to another member in my ward and he went to the Bishop about it. It was not for several weeks that the Bishop called me to talk and he brough up about my activity as a nudist. He offered to counsel me to lead away from it but when I asked him if he knew anything about it he admitted he knew nothing so i asked him how can you council me on this issue that you know nothing about. The I offered to provide him with website where he could learn and from there we could discuss he declined to learn therefore I declined his council. What bothered me the most was that he tried to tell me that there are unwritten laws in the church that forbid this type of activity and that if I read between the lines I would understand that nudism was wrong. These statements are wrong to say becasuse a true church would not have such unwritten laws and for reading between the lines that is just a matter of one understanding of the scipture that that understand can change as we learn more and try to see things in a different light. Now please understand this I do not fault the church or any memeber for this one Bishops perspective. I know there are others in my new faith that share the same belief in naturism and there are other Christian who also share the same belief in naturism it is that knowledge that keep me strong at least in that view. Just to note we ahve a new Bishop now and he to knows of my activity fortuntly he was not condemming about it as the previous one which helps in keeping the faith in the church.

Now as for my relation to the church is still on the bumby side. I am not very active not due to my view of naturism but simply due to some personal issues to resolve.

LeoNJ

[Hooked]

Wow,
I originally had a very pointed commentary here but I decided to remove it since the thread has been so peaceful thus far. Anywho, add me to the Mormon naturist list...I was raised Mormon but have been inactive for about as many years as I was active now at this point...wow that sounds weird. Anyway, I still cherish what I have recieved from the church, it has shaped the way I view myself and my Heavenly Father in the cosmos but I am not into have a bunch of puffed up wannabes in cheap suits tell me how to live my life, like your ignorant bishop. Don't get me wrong, some of the best people I have ever known have been LDS and although I am inactive, I still hold to many of the beliefs of the church and still consider myself a member. The way I see it, I know how to read, that's all I need. Sorry, I think I am getting off topic again. Anyway, Tenchi I am here and I am LDS in a manner of speaking so chat at me if ya want /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[greensunshine]

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would share some more stuff bout me since I am a regular on this BB and a convert to the church.

I am a single actually divorced female in her mid 40's who believes it is a greater sin to deny the many blessings that have come about as a result of being a nudist than to have been inactive as long as I have. I too have had several very bad experiences in sharing my view points with my bishops in the past and thus have learned to listen to the spirits on who I should and who I shouldn't tell in the church...which sadly is the vast majority of the members /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

I currently am in the process of trying to reactivate myself for the upteenth time in my life...oh, the joys of moving so often and being single...both of which makes it really hard to sometimes get to know anyone other than my neighbors close by /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

I have also been very open to my children about my decision to become a nudist...I currently have one daughter who is and the other 3 children who sometimes wish they didn't know I was...especially my sons.

I also tried the organized social nudism thing in the clubs in attempt to meet others only to be burned beyond ones worst nightmares...this is one of the few regrets I have in life...thus to sum things up in a nutshell if I had it to do over again as far as mistakes I have made in life...this is one I would definitely put at the top of my list...I do not swing and unfortunately that is what happens at the majority of the nudist clubs behind closed doors. The other thing that occurs in this places is Rape...something I experienced first hand by more than one person and more often than not the rapest goes free while the victum is even more victumized by others who opt not to listen to the other persons side of the story.

Greensunshine in the Pacific NW /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
A minority in a majority world

PS

My yahoo id is: waorgrnsunshine

[hw]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by greensunshine:
Hi Everyone,
I thought I would share some more stuff bout me since I am a regular on this BB and a convert to the church.
I also tried the organized social nudism thing in the clubs in attempt to meet others only to be burned beyond ones worst nightmares...this is one of the few regrets I have in life...thus to sum things up in a nutshell if I had it to do over again as far as mistakes I have made in life...this is one I would definitely put at the top of my list...I do not swing and unfortunately that is what happens at the majority of the nudist clubs behind closed doors. The other thing that occurs in this places is Rape...something I experienced first hand by more than one person and more often than not the rapest goes free while the victum is even more victumized by others who opt not to listen to the other persons side of the story.
Greensunshine in the Pacific NW /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
A minority in a majority world
PS
My yahoo id is: waorgrnsunshine <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Greensunshine that was a very powerful post. I admire your strength to carry on with all you have suffered! To you and others who here who have had the guts to post something so personal about yourselves, I salute you!
Have a great day all! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[LeoNJ]

Greetings everyone,

Thanks Ben for your feedback, I am glad to say the new Bishop that we have is not condemming of the activity. He simply asked me if I had confirmed my view through my prayers. He just let me know that he knows and that the only other persons in the ward that know are just the previous Bishop and him. The fellow member that I talked to has since moved out of the ward. So the secret is safe, unless I get dumb and talk to someone else which I will not do again.

On a side note. I am glad to see that this thread has been peacefull. The last time someone posted asking for Mormon Nudist he was meet with harsh sarcasim and ridicule. This board has greatly improved since then and the bad apples that caused trouble are now gone. So on that note lets all pray that peace can continue here and that it will spread throughout the world so that all people will someday enjoy living in peace.

Sorry for straying off topic.

LeoNJ

[scottnc]

Hi,

I'm an inactive Mormon. I posted that earlier on the board & had positive & negative responses. I'm glad to see the responses have been courteous this time around.

[aquaman]

I really enjoy the church very much. I, too, had a bad run-in with a bishop who was not qualified to counsel members. He ruined my marriage as a result. But that's another story.

One of the discussion threads on the LDS Skinndydippers site was about nude baptisms and nude temple ceremonies. Have anyone ever contemplated either a nude baptism or endowments?

I think back about the Bible and wonder if they wore anytning for baptisms in the river.

The other thing I've thought about is nudity at home. If a father is the patriarch whose mission is to protect his family's spirituality and maintain an Eden-like atmosphere at home, clothing would not be needed by family members. Children are innocent by nature and remain that way until influenced by outsiders. Is this analogy way off base? My connection keeps failing and I'm typing very, very slowly and can't get my whole thought out completely due to the late hour and this annoying connection. Can anyone see where I'm heading with this?

[Marty Michaels]

Hello all. I saw this topic and couldn't resist, so I registered and here I am.

I'm also a Mormon, living in the Salt Lake area. I grew up a Mormon, but not in Utah. I also grew up believing that nudity was against my religion, although I couldn't articulate any intelligent reason why.

When I discovered the LDSSDC website, that was all I needed--to learn that there is nothing in my religion that prohibits naturist nudity. I decided to become a naturist. That was over three years ago. Since then I've had a run-in with my bishop. I envy the bishop Leo has now, who was willing to accept Leo's naturism if he had confirmation from the spirit. I've had confirmation from the spirit that my naturist practices are good, but my bishop wouldn't accept that.

In the current social climate (not just among Mormons, but in America generally), that's unfortunately the way it's going to be more often than not. What I find sad is people who have become inactive because of the extremes to which "obeying authority" has gone, unscripturally so in my opinion. At what point do we get to stop being treated like children and think for ourselves?

But that's no reason to reject the gospel. In the Book of Mormon we read of a constant recurring cycle the church and its members went through of going astray, then correcting back to the right path. Why should we expect the modern church to be any different? For the past couple of decades, the church has gone on a real power trip, but that doesn't negate the truthfulness of its core teachings. It's a phase we have to ride out, staying true to our own conscience and promptings of the spirit, no matter what some bishop may try to enforce.

Those of you who are inactive, take heart. It's not necessary to take a black-and-white approach to the church. There are more options than giving in entirely or dropping out entirely. You can be as active as you wish, following the TRUE principles of the gospel as you understand them, and ignoring those that through your intelligence and spiritual communion with God you have determined are the additions of men (will God really reject you if you have two pierced earrings per ear?)

Just don't swallow the myth that church leaders and church history must be near-perfect, or the gospel is not true. Human beings are involved, and lots of mistakes have been and will be made. Lots of whoppers.

The gospel is still true.

[greensunshine]

To All Those Who Can Relate,

It is comforting to know I am definitely not alone with some of the negative experiences I have had with our clergy...while I will always know the Gospel is true...it is next to impossible to change hard basic facts regarding the truths of the gospel but not opinions of what is right or wrong /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

It can be just as challenging to work with some in positions of power who have a VERY CLOSED mind to some of the simple pleasures in life, such as nudity in a non-sexual way. I also understand to some extent some of their concerns such as the openness of some of the sexual practices "That DO take place in Social Settings" in the clubs and C/O settings... In some ways they definitely are justified with some of their concerns but as an Adult of Consenting AGE, I in all honesty feel that I have just as much responsibility to watch out for my salvation as to what I elect to have done and do with my own body and mind.

In past experiences with several bishops I have experienced the wrath of their so called rights to make decisions for me, that had I instead listened to the spirits without their input, I may have instead remained active during my many years of inactivity /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

***Note, the following statement not only applies to our religion but to all the religions out there that put themselves in the same position as the Mormon Clergy in an attempt to control what we say or do***

Sorry Bishop/Clergy, but as an adult, you do not have the right to make the final decision for me nor do you have the same right to dictate the consequences of what I do with my body or mind as so many people in authority deem themselves judge over our actions or thoughts via the so called doctrine...these responsibilities in reality lie within my own abilities to make and "Use Good Judgement in ALL THINGS" in all things I say and DO" in life /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

In closing, I would like to say it is the basic principles of the Gospel that keep me coming back and not the interpretations of those in control, that influence my decisions not to totally walk away as I have met so many members in the past who have elected to do so just because of the differences they have had with either the doctrine or others in the church...

I joined the church many years ago because I knew it was the right religion for me no matter what or where the many paths in life would take me in my attempts to get to where I knew with the help of my Heavenly Father and the Spirits in the world, I should be...and not where another individual elects to dictate via either written or unwritten laws of any religion.

Many years ago I needed to get an answer to a problem that was in its own way destroying me inside regarding something that had happened to me in the past, and thus I wrote to the General Authorities in attempt to get an answer. It is with the answer I recieved from Elder David B. Haight I learned that the church "Does NOT" have all the answers to all of our problems and questions that we may have in this world, and that many of these, are answers we go in search of, simply are handled on a case by case bases.

Greensunshine in the Pacific NW /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
A Mormon female nudist to the end.

[ccbigdad]

It seems that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints DOES NOT have an official position on naturism. I state this for several reasons:
- A thorough search of the church web site reveals no relevant reference to the terms "nudist", "nudism", "naturist", or "naturism.
- An inquiry sent to the editor of the Ensign magazine [the church's official organ of communication] was answered with a statement to the effect that they don't answer questions of that sort. I am sure that if the question had been about premarital sex, abortion, polygamy, or any other subject about which the church has a clear position or policy, there would have been a definitive answer.
- The Ensign sent a copy of my email to the Office of the First Presidency. There was no response. Again, I am convinced that if the question had been about murder, sex, abortion, etc., the Office of the First Presidency would have responded. The fact that they were not concerned enough to respond again tells me that it is not a big issue with them.
- I have been unable to find any reference to naturism in any of the priesthood manuals, Church Handbook of Instructions, or any other reference materials to which I have access.
- There are several scriptural references to non-sexual nudity, which, except for when "nakedness" is used in reference to a state of poverty, are not indicative of something to be avoided.
Note the references in Samuel where he was naked and "among the prophets" [indicating his acceptance into their company]. It is interesting to compare this with the report of Zebedee Coltrin's reference to the nude appearance of the Father and the Son to the School of the Prophets in 1833, and Joseph Smith's description of Moroni having on "no other clothing" than just a robe during his visits. I would like to believe that Moroni hadn't just come from a toga party, but that the robe was a concession to the cultural norms of Joseph's time and his personal level of progression. It was later that the nude appearance of the Father and Son at the School of the Prophets took place, presumably after Joseph and those present had undergone some preparation and development.
Note also in Isaiah, where he was commanded to prophesy in the nude for 3 years, and in the New Testament, where Peter was fishing in the nude, and the Saviour Himself stripped down to wash the apostles' feet.
Then there are the hints in the Book of Mormon, of the likelihood that the Last Judgement will be held in the nude.

OK, so now I'm off the soap box for a while.

Paul

[aquaman]

I saw a banner at USU years ago that had a rather profound slogan. While it was political in nature, the same would apply for religion. It said, "The only things worse than unanswered questions are unquestioned answers."

[BrianM]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ccbigdad:
It seems that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints DOES NOT have an official position on naturism. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I'm certainly not Mormon, but this is not surprising, and I doubt that many mainstream Christian sects would take a public postion on this, due to the social and poltical ramifications that may arise. If they agree its OK, then what do they have to gain? Maybe a few nudist will join, but they have much to lose, like the credibility from the non-nudist public it is trying to keep or attract. Particularly Mormons, since thier beleifs seem to not allow them to condemn it, but they need as much positive public opinion as they can get. Politics are definitely present in Religion.
With that said, This may one of those don't ask, don't tell type of things, and thier action of not prohibiting it officially, may be at least an unwritten acceptance. If you run into issues with a minister, etc, use the justification that the church does not see it as a significant issue they wish to address one way or another. That may be an acceptable response. Just a thought...

[AZ Nudist]

It's good to read so many replies about LDS/naturism. I replied on Trenchi's other post also. I joined the Church when I was 19 & ahve been a member for about 27 years. I have been in a Bishopric & several Stake positions & during that time, I never came across any "official doctrine" regarding chaste nudity. The admonition to "avoid the very appearance of evel", would be the strongest point that would be presented. Understanding what evil is, is the question of the day. I have known Church leaders that were extermely hard lined & others that were more understanding & open minded. After having recently gone thru the process of reponding to my true inner self of being a naturist,(I guess I'm getting back to my Norwegian roots) I have finally come to a resolve & personal understanding re: the LDS Church. Thru alot of prayer, I truly do feel that we are each entitled to personal revelation & guidance by the Lord. I was at a point that I needed a black or white position, but I concluded that there is alot in between. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I believe that churchs in general are vehicles that convey the message of Christ. They are all made up of & directed by men & thus, there will be misinterpretations of that message. For me, the LDS Church is a great enviroment to be in if you can look past the "close mindedness". I have concluded that I will listen to the messages presented in the Church & thru prayer, I will determine what applies to my life. I do feel that the Church has to draw the line on certain subjects, or else they will be perceived as wishy-washy. But, how can one edict apply for everyone when we come from such diverse backgrounds & cultures? I know from my mission days, that what standard guidlines are for states members, vary for other members of different cultures. Again, personal prayer is the key & your relationship with the Lord. I feel that it really doesn't matter what religion we are or what credo we adhere to, what matters is how we live our lives & especially how we treat others. This mentality has brought me alot of peace. Sorry for the long discourse. It's not quite a conference talk but, about as long. Good luck to my fellow naturists.

[ned888]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tenchi:
Just out of curiousity are there any other Mormon naturists on the board, besides Greensunshine and I? I heard there was, and I am curious to know who they are.

Of course don't get me wrong, I am a very open person and I'll talk, befriend, and love those that are of different faiths or that are even athiests. Still I can't help but be curious if their are more Mormons on this board. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Use the google search engine withthe words 'mormon and nudist'. It generated some for results for me, so I suggest that you try it.

[Lance P.]

Hey,

my name's Lance and I just thought i'd let you know that im' mormon too. I live in norther CA and my AIM is Lanstopher or yahoo IM redheaded_nature_boy

l8er

Lance

[Tenchi]

WOW! THIS IS TOTALLY SWEET! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I had no idea that there would be this many Mormon naturists on this page. If only I could find some near my age that lived in Albuquerque.

[GE]

i am Russ snd I am a Mormon also. I live in Southern Ca. and see nothing wrong in dudism if its non sexual.

[GE]

Russ here again I meant to say i see nothing wrong in social nudism although i dont see anything wrong in dudism, i didnt mean to say that

[GE]

Also anyone in Glendale please email me at uncru@aol.com thank you

[GAR]

AZ Who would be the best person to talk to about nudity? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[Jochanaan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by aquaman:
I think back about the Bible and wonder if they wore anytning for baptisms in the river. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Much of the information I've found in my research on nudity--and I've done quite a bit--suggests that for about the first four centuries A.D., new Christians traditionally received baptism in the nude, with men, women, and children present. White robes were given the newly baptized as they came out of the water. We've come a long way downhill since those days.

[ccbigdad]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GAR:
AZ Who would be the best person to talk to about nudity? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Any LDS member wishing to learn more about naturism, or desiring to contact other LDS members, could go to:

http://www.ldssdc.info/

Paul

[ccbigdad]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GAR:
[qb] AZ Who would be the best person to talk to about nudity? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Another thought just occurred to me. The best person NOT to talk to [in most cases] would be your bishop or other priesthood leader. My reason for saying this is that, instead of an inspired answer, what you are likely to get is the result of that person's own personal upbringing, family tradition and values, and personal experience, coupled with their perception of what they think the position of the church OUGHT TO BE, based on all of the above. The priesthood leader, lacking clear direction, is very likely to take the most conservative outlook on the situation.

They may even try to tell you that the body should be covered because it is SACRED. While I have no argument with the sacredness of the body, [It is, after all, God's finest creation. To treat it as an object of shame or disgust would be one of the greatest victories we could give to Satan.] I very much object to the idea of covering it because of it's sacredness.

Following that kind of logic, in LDS culture, nipples and navels must be sacred, except when swimming, and then the man's nipples and navel are no longer sacred but the woman's still are. And then of course the anus must be the most sacred of all, because it is never uncovered.

[greensunshine]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ccbigdad:

They may even try to tell you that the body should be covered because it is SACRED. While I have no argument with the sacredness of the body, [It is, after all, God's finest creation. To treat it as an object of shame or disgust would be one of the greatest victories we could give to Satan.] I very much object to the idea of covering it because of it's sacredness.

Following that kind of logic, in LDS culture, nipples and navels must be sacred, except when swimming, and then the man's nipples and navel are no longer sacred but the woman's still are. And then of course the anus must be the most sacred of all, because it is never uncovered. [/QB] <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>ccbigdad,

I couldn't agree with you more on what you just said...and being a female as I am...the wrath we recieve is even worse than that that you guys get from our leaders...I even had one bishop tell me that I needed to make a choice between the 2...I tried to conform but being a non-conformast as I have been all my life...that is a VERY BIG order to fill and for some of us, that is like trying to tell us to change the color of our skin...just can't happen without a lot of extra pain /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif And I have to admit, had it not been for learning to except my body as it is through others, I have a feeling I wouldn't feel as good about myself as I do nor would I have made it this far... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Sadly religion, doesn't teach us to feel good about ourselves unless we are willing to conform to their standards...I think this is and has been a definite contribution to the problems most people have with being obese...and most if not all religions tend to make food as one of the focuses around socialization...now when was the last time anyone went to a social event where food wasn't present???? (Green scratches her head in an attempt to remember that event.)

I also agree with you on your attempt for society to cover everything including our butts and even with clothing on that is almost impossible to cover, especially the area where what we have to say is a direct extention of who we really are...sorry but sometimes I think our mouths are also an extention of what should be covered up, and while we should have an open mind...alais my reason for redirection of our anal exit to the most commonly used area that often should be covered as well /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif Actually I am not so confused, it just seems that way at times /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Greensunshine in the Pacific NW /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Proud of who and what she looks like, even if I need to lose a few pounds too, actually less than 30 /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Oh, and did I also include female mormon nudist who isn't ashamed of her body /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[AZ Nudist]

Any LDS member wishing to learn more about naturism, or desiring to contact other LDS members, could go to:

http://www.ldssdc.info/


I agree w/ Paul that http://www.ldssdc.info/ is a great support group for "like-minded" naturists. I have been in contact w/ several fellow members of ldssdc & have already developed a small nucleus of friends.

As I have mentioned before, when I share my my interest in naturism w/ friends, they seem to be OK & a few fairly receptive. I am careful to not neccessarily share this info w/ everyone, just because it will alienate them. I don't deny it if asked, but am selctive with whom I share my passion.

Regarding Church officials, as was mentioned in an earlier post, most leaders will take the conservative approach in their official capacity, but I have some friends that are currently Bishops & HC, etc, that are OK w/ & take part in a degree of social nudity, such as, nude beaches & such.

My current Bishop is "officially" concerned, but kids about it on the side. My previous Bishop was very straight-laced & I didn't even bother telling him.

I guess my advice is as mentioned earlier, use wisdom w/ whoever you share your feelings.

I came across a credo the other day that I am adopting, "Nude when possible, clothed when practical".

It is very important that we don't offend others for the sake of our personal expressions.

My wife & I went on a great 8 mile round-trip hike the other day. We took a back trail that we knew would not have any other hikers & enjoyed the hike nude the whole way. When we got to the springs, we thought that it was late enough in the day that no one else would be coming. We were skinny dipping & low & behold a small group of 4 women & 1 man arrived. We made an attempt to cover up & made our apologies. They said it was fine & just moved on.

It ended up being OK, but I try & take precautions to not make others feel uncomfortable.

A side note. At the www.hikearizona.com (http://www.hikearizona.com) site, one of the forums was on nude hikers. Most were OK w/ it, but felt that it was important to be respectful of clothed hikers. The poll that was taken indicated 64% in favor, 36% against.

Hopefully we can get that percentage up if we continue to make it a positive experience.

Sorry for rambling. I tend to do that.

AZ Nudist

[flyguy1991]

Just another LDS nudist! This one from the KC area. I stumbled on naturism and have found it a great help in balancing societies imbalance toward the body only being a sex object.

Flyguy

[greensunshine]

Ok, I know some of you post on LDSSDC's website...so time to come clean and say who you are /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Or if you prefer to keep your names secret...I can be reached via my Yahoo addy there where I am known as Greensunshine in Vanc, WA /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Greensunshine who is one of their regulars too /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
waorgrnsunshine@yahoo.com

[LeoNJ]

Greetings Green,

I am number 242 on the connections page. But just to not although I am listed under Pennsylvania and am actually in New Jersey but Philly is just a 10min drive from where I live so that is why Alan put me under Pa listing. Hope to hear from other members in the Philly area.

LeoNJ

[ccbigdad]

I use the same user ID, "ccbigdad", on the ldssdc message board, and my "connections" number on the site is #240.

Anyone needing additional information can send me an email.

Paul in Carson City, NV

[Bryan C.]

Hello all Mormon Nudists! I'm number 517 on the connections list at www.ldssdc.info (http://www.ldssdc.info) site. I recognize some of the names and user id's of people who have posted on this thread already. Hello again!

A little over a year ago I found the ldssdc site and was, as many others before me, thrilled to find it. When I discovered there were so many other like minded Mormons out there I was excited to begin exchanging ideas, stories, and concerns, questions, etc, so I began looking for a way to communicate with the 500+ (now 600+) people who had registered on the site.

Of course, I could email Alan and have him send me people's contact info, one by one, but I was certain there had to be a more efficient way. After looking and looking and looking... and finding nothing, I started my own.

Latter-day Saint's Skinny Dippers Forum: www.ldssdf.org (http://www.ldssdf.org).
It's free and just as anonymous as this forum.

All are welcome to participate! Thanks,

Bryan
(active in the church, hold current temple recomend, married with two young children)

[chocolate lover]

hello everyone

I am not a mormon, nor would I ever convert to mormonism, being very happy with the Faith I currently am involved with. But some of the most wonderful people I have EVER met are mormon. One in particular, I wished I could be just like him. He felt so bad, telling me of all his imperfections. So I assure him the worst he's ever been is still so much better than so so so many people in this world.

You mormons are so nice, very nice people.

chocolate lover

[astrallds]

I would be interested in finding any LDS Naturist who hail from Australia

[hatesclothes]

It should be noted that:
LDS/Mormons don't really consider anyone to be LDS unless/until the attend the Temple, where they 'promise' (under a bit of coercion/duress/Pressure) to wear the church provided underwear most all the time (95%?) (this is so arbitrary, the exceptions are somewhat clouded: sex, some athletics; military members are to dye them.) This is what posters refer to as a 'choice' between nudism & being LDS. The social pressure to conform to the minutae of LDS practice (white shirts for males, No tattoos, earrings size & number are dictated, (GASP!) Open toed shoes!! (Oh the Horror of Visible TOES, MG!!!!,etc) is at 180 degree odds with the non-conformism referred to by greensunshine. Dissent may appear to be allowed within LDS ranks, but the only true place it's allowed to exist is on paper, the 'sugar coated' version.
No offense intended; I was LDS (temple, mission, etc) for 40 yrs. Now I'm 'MoFree'

[Revolutionary]

I am not fully in agreement with that hatesclothes. A lot of this is member doctrine but not actual Church doctrine.

The other day a member of my bishopric came over for the renewal of my temple card. He gave me the standard questions and I was wearing my running clothes. He didn't make mention at all of not wearing garmets.

The white shirt thing is based on a church leader saying that when blessing in church meetings someone should wear at least a white shirt. Unfortunately that has been passed around to the point many people think it is a church policy -- it isn't, I have blessed sacrament with no tie or with a sweater. No big deal.

The whole thing on tatoos and piercings is not doctrine but rather was given as advice from GBH. You can have your whole body tatooed and have no trouble getting a temple recommend. Also, several women in leadership positions in my ward (including my wife) have multiple ear-rings.

Psychologically when you are a member of a minority religion there is often a push for conformity within members due to the security it gives. That's too bad but it is a fact of life for all religions. Also, conformity is something I find little of in the LDS faith (as a whole) but everyone runs into a few loud self-appointed sheep herders who make it their goal to tell those they disagree with that they should conform.

Maybe it's the Swedes that joined the church in the 1800s -- now if you want conformity try living there a while.

[hatesclothes]

Originally posted by Revolutionary:
I am not fully in agreement with that hatesclothes. A lot of this is member doctrine but not actual Church doctrine.

The other day a member of my bishopric came over for the renewal of my temple card. He gave me the standard questions and I was wearing my running clothes. He didn't make mention at all of not wearing garmets.

The white shirt thing is based on a church leader saying that when blessing in church meetings someone should wear at least a white shirt. Unfortunately that has been passed around to the point many people think it is a church policy -- it isn't, I have blessed sacrament with no tie or with a sweater. No big deal.

The whole thing on tatoos and piercings is not doctrine but rather was given as advice from GBH. You can have your whole body tatooed and have no trouble getting a temple recommend. Also, several women in leadership positions in my ward (including my wife) have multiple ear-rings.

Psychologically when you are a member of a minority religion there is often a push for conformity within members due to the security it gives. That's too bad but it is a fact of life for all religions. Also, conformity is something I find little of in the LDS faith (as a whole) but everyone runs into a few loud self-appointed sheep herders who make it their goal to tell those they disagree with that they should conform.

Maybe it's the Swedes that joined the church in the 1800s -- now if you want conformity try living there a while.

IF your Bp didn't ask abt garments, he wasn't following the standard Qs that are printed and required (they are posted online, Google "Temple recommend Questions"). I know a lot of Mos that would like to be in Your Ward!!!!(where is it?)
Determining 'real' Mo doctrine ... is like trying to nail Jello to the wall; there is little agreement abt what is/what isn't. The (official + 'sub- official) pressure to conform is pervasive, and leads people to do perverse conduct.

[Bryan C.]

Originally posted by hatesclothes:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The other day a member of my bishopric came over for the renewal of my temple card. He gave me the standard questions and I was wearing my running clothes. He didn't make mention at all of not wearing garmets.

IF your Bp didn't ask abt garments, he wasn't following the standard Qs that are printed and required (they are posted online, Google "Temple recommend Questions"). I know a lot of Mos that would like to be in Your Ward!!!!(where is it?)
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

First, I think you did not read correctly what Rev said about garments in the TR interview. He never said he was not asked the standard TR question about garments - in fact he DID say he was asked all of the standard questions. What he said was that the councilor said nothing about the fact that Rev was not wearing garments at the time of the interview.


Determining 'real' Mo doctrine ... is like trying to nail Jello to the wall

Isn't that how it's supposed to be? "It is not meat that man should be commanded in all things."


The (official + 'sub- official) pressure to conform is pervasive, and leads people to do perverse conduct.

Show me one religion in which this is NOT true. I had a good friend in high school who was raised Baptist - his earliest memory of life was of his mother beating him until he screamed "I have been saved and I give my life to Jesus."

Just one, please. Show me.

[hatesclothes]

Originally posted by Bryan C.:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hatesclothes:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The other day a member of my bishopric came over for the renewal of my temple card. He gave me the standard questions and I was wearing my running clothes. He didn't make mention at all of not wearing garmets.

IF your Bp didn't ask abt garments, he wasn't following the standard Qs that are printed and required (they are posted online, Google "Temple recommend Questions"). I know a lot of Mos that would like to be in Your Ward!!!!(where is it?)
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

First, I think you did not read correctly what Rev said about garments in the TR interview. He never said he was not asked the standard TR question about garments - in fact he DID say he was asked all of the standard questions. What he said was that the councilor said nothing about the fact that Rev was not wearing garments at the time of the interview.


Determining 'real' Mo doctrine ... is like trying to nail Jello to the wall

Isn't that how it's supposed to be? "It is not meat that man should be commanded in all things."


The (official + 'sub- official) pressure to conform is pervasive, and leads people to do perverse conduct.

Show me one religion in which this is NOT true. I had a good friend in high school who was raised Baptist - his earliest memory of life was of his mother beating him until he screamed "I have been saved and I give my life to Jesus."

Just one, please. Show me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

friend: what your friends mother did , as u presented it, an individual act-event-incident. With Most religions (myself Lutheran B4 'converting'), I can promise you: No invasive TR interviews, No Qs abt white shirts/sexual modes-positions, No badgering about minutae AT ALL. Name one? EASY: Unitarian-Universalist.
No other 'religion' (using the term loosely)is as fixated on ANY of the endless, mindless details I have mentioned.
OTOH, Mormons (with exceptions) are Clueless about Honesty (check out the frauds & bankruptcies in utah), Kindness, Mercy. one's mind has, in our fast-paced, complicated society, a limited attention bandwidth for thoughts... Momism focuses them on the 'outward appearances' (refer to Mt 23:23)... there is Absolutely, Positively NO QUESTION, NO DOUBT about it...
Once the BoM recorded that the 'higher good' of Laban's life was expendable for a few records... the Die was set, the pattern was established.
Mormonism is incompatible with Nudity, if disclosed... Would you like the name & address of my Bp who put me 'on probation' because of it?

[Revolutionary]

hatesclothes, a lot depends on the style of life of the members of your bishopric. My sister in law moved in with a man and didn't marry him for three years -- the first year she di go to church. No disciplinary action was taken -- yet there are cases one is put on probation for doing something wrong once. Now maybe the chruch is a bit more liberal in Europe than in other places -- I have heard that in the south, where most members are converts from Pentecostalism or Baptists, the atmosphere is quite a bit more conservative than in Utah.

As for the fraud thing in Utah, I saw that reported on the news a few times and each time the analysts pointed to the fact that many people in Utah are quite trusting -- the victims are generally good Mormons, the perpetrators generally aren't.

As for the Laban thing, it went further than that but if we are talking Old Testament times look what happened to the Amorites just because their king refused to let the people of Moses travel through their territory.

As for the rest, that varies as much as the membership. Some people couldn't care what others think, others are obscessed with it. I can say you'll find that anywhere -- even some nudists work out or get plastic surgery to look good (in Oregon, where I am from, nudity generally means being very basic and back to nature -- but the first time I visited Blacks Beach in La Jolla I couldn't believe it when I saw women there in full makeup).

I don't want to see a thread de-evolve into a church bashing thing. It would be nice to keep it on nudity. I will say that my wife and I had friends over one evening and we were showing a video we shot while on vacation. We had forgotten that part of the video had my wife and I in a hotspring naked. The member of that ward's bishopric thought it was quite funny and never mentioned the nudity (even though I had a high calling in the ward) or the fact that someone else had to be there to film us. He is originally from Wisconsin though, but he is quite conservative.

[hatesclothes]

Originally posted by Revolutionary:
hatesclothes, a lot depends on the style of life of the members of your bishopric. My sister in law moved in with a man and didn't marry him for three years -- the first year she di go to church. No disciplinary action was taken -- yet there are cases one is put on probation for doing something wrong once. Now maybe the chruch is a bit more liberal in Europe than in other places -- I have heard that in the south, where most members are converts from Pentecostalism or Baptists, the atmosphere is quite a bit more conservative than in Utah.

As for the fraud thing in Utah, I saw that reported on the news a few times and each time the analysts pointed to the fact that many people in Utah are quite trusting -- the victims are generally good Mormons, the perpetrators generally aren't.

As for the Laban thing, it went further than that but if we are talking Old Testament times look what happened to the Amorites just because their king refused to let the people of Moses travel through their territory.

As for the rest, that varies as much as the membership. Some people couldn't care what others think, others are obscessed with it. I can say you'll find that anywhere -- even some nudists work out or get plastic surgery to look good (in Oregon, where I am from, nudity generally means being very basic and back to nature -- but the first time I visited Blacks Beach in La Jolla I couldn't believe it when I saw women there in full makeup).

I don't want to see a thread de-evolve into a church bashing thing. It would be nice to keep it on nudity. I will say that my wife and I had friends over one evening and we were showing a video we shot while on vacation. We had forgotten that part of the video had my wife and I in a hotspring naked. The member of that ward's bishopric thought it was quite funny and never mentioned the nudity (even though I had a high calling in the ward) or the fact that someone else had to be there to film us. He is originally from Wisconsin though, but he is quite conservative.

reading between the lines of this thread reveals a couple of things: Although individual cases vary, no church leader has ever been reighned in for 'going too far' to enforce gospel standards, which assuredly include (their idea of) "modesty". LDS standards ONLY apply 'downward' from leader to rank-and-file. The beheading of Laban is a uniquely LDS signpost for endorsing vengeance/violence/retribution, which is multiple times Forbidden in the Bible.The reason a few, select cases are cited is bc they are propounded as exceptions to the general rule(s) that Are Enforced against nudist/naturist LDS, as they were against me. Due to the hierarchal nature of the church, appeals of individual cases of discipline are mostly an illusion. The original Q here was about nudity, and I remain convinced that the overwhelming tide is against it in LDS church & CULTure.

[hatesclothes]

Originally posted by Trailscout:
Are there any official positions by the LDS church or some LDS statements of faith or sacred books that specifically forbid social nudity?

the phrase 'official positions by (of) the LDS church' is a Complete, Total OXYMORON to those who know...
the thing abt white shirts is a good example. This has devolved to the point where Many people believe that the white shirt thing is 'official', partly because the church does not delineate between such things and (any?) 'official' doctrine.

'Determining official LDS doctrine is like trying to nail Jello to the wall'.

the authorities of the church could easily publish an official guide of what is & what ISN'T church policy, but even the things they do publish often contain disclaimers that they're NOT to be taken as 'official doctrine/statements'.
First Presidency statements, signed by the top three leaders sometimes leave a bit of wiggle room, Example: their stmnt that males are responsible to provide the family earnings/income (what about the massive middle manager Firings in the US? What about disabilities?) When the woman earns more than the man, chaos often results in LDS families, as it did in mine...
OTOH, their stmts about white shirts, drinking coca cola (avoid), earrings & tattoos, etc. are often left to underlings. That way, people debate/discuss endlessly about what significance they have (top leaders are all sustained as 'prophets seers & revelators).
Truly Bizarre.

[Bryan C.]

To HatesClothes,

You are becoming boring. No, you have been there for a long time.

To TrailScout: Good question! No church leader has ever made a public statement for or against social nudity.

I think one of the reasons may be (and this is only my opinion) is because the church is very international and has memebrs of many cultures.

Example: I served my mission in France. On one P-Day we went, with our Mission President's permission, to a beach party with the rest of the branch. As soon as we arrived alomst every child under the age of nine stripped down to nothing and stayed that way all day. About 1/2 of the women in the ward went topless, including the branch president's wife and 14 year old daughter.

It made us four American Elder's mighty uncomfortable, but not a sinlge member of the branch even batted an eye.

Back to your question... there have been many cases of local leaders trying to bring action against members when they have learned they are nudists, but to my knowledge (I converse with many LDS nudists on a couple different lists) no local leader has ever been successful in getting a recomend revoked, having someone dis-fellowshiped, or exed. It usualy goes up past the stake president to the General Authorities, and then dies.

Please do check out www.ldssdf.org (http://www.ldssdf.org) - you will find all kinds of personal input for LDS / Mormon nudists.

Thanks!

[hatesclothes]

Revolutionary Said 7/12:
The white shirt thing is based on a church leader saying that when blessing in church meetings someone should wear at least a white shirt. Unfortunately that has been passed around to the point many people think it is a church policy -- it isn't, I have blessed sacrament with no tie or with a sweater. No big deal.
_______________________________________________

Actually, it is a big deal. Leaders could disown, repudiate the 'white shirt' thing Any Time they wanted to, BUT THEY DONT WANT TO.
they prefer a docile, obsequious, non-thinking audience to give them the 'support' they think they need to make the membership a pliable group, which is EXACTLY why the 'white shirt' thing, and others like it, survive & thrive. IF it's different it Europe (my dad was born in Norway), then so much the better for you, BUT the ch leaders will Always look down their noses at europeans for it, and associate it with Bizarre things, such as your 'lenient' attitudes about skinny-dipping, promiscious sexual conduct, etc.
People who believe LDS thrive on a Highly Structured environment, prefer NOT to do their own thinking about life, politics, and the mystical-theoretical world of an after-life, etc.
As much as LDS leaders will enforce = coearce & intimidate people about 'outward appearances' trivia, they won't ever enforce the higher moral/ethical aspects of 'the gospel' (Honesty,Mercy, Kindness, etc); they claim those are private, individual matters.

think of what you're saying abt white shirts, other, from the reciprocal: the LDS people are the most gullible on the face of the earth.

"Believe me, I've Been There"

[Revolutionary]

No, LDS people are not the most gullable people on earth -- they are people with the same psychological basics as others. I actually have found devout LDS people to be the most analytical towards a variety of issues -- the whole point of a good priesthood lesson is to get discussion (and I have known of many GD teachers, swminary teachers and priesthood instructors who have been counceled not to go by the book so much in lesson preparation, not the other way around).

Yes, I do believe there is a problem with leaders trying to be too nice -- not to offend the membership too much. Take birth control for example; I could find tons of statements against family limitation (not child spacing, but just arbitrarily deciding to have only three chilren for instance) but only very occasionally nowadays do leaders touch on that issue. Of course maybe they know that if they come out with a forceful "Thou shalt not..." some will take it to the extreme (I know a couple who in the 60s decided they would have only one kid so as to "save the earth" but later converted to the Church and -- upon her getting a blessing that mentioned something about being blessed with great kids -- decided that even breast feeding might prevent births, so they wound up with 14 kids...of course, all 14 were honor roll students, track stars and went on to college/missions). The Church gives a policy but encourages one to consult the Lord.

Give another example -- the Church kinda is against going to a sperm bank if you are a single woman with few prospects of marriage. However, if you are 39, unmarried and decide you can't postpone it any longer you will not get in trouble for getting sperm (I guess you have to explain the pregnancy though to your bishop). Also, I have read about an LDS businessman who he and his wife initially had problems getting pregnant. Once the Lord opened the floodgates and children came along he decided that he would become a sperm doner to help people wanting kids.

Now on the issue of sperm donation maybe if I went to my bishop and asked him wht he thought he might question it, but there is nothing that he could do to take any calling from me or anything else. He might try, but once it went to the stake or higher that would be the end of that. Now does the Church go out and say "Hey everyone, we have a great health code, so why not spread some healthy genes and go donate eggs and sperm!" No they won't do that, nor will they say "You know what, if you like to be naked, and can control your lusts, you might consider nudist resorts -- as long as you don't go on Sunday.". No, this is also an issue that is just allowed to float around, for obvious reasons.

Hatesclothes, I underestand some of the issues that has turned you against the Church. However, just because a judge working for the state might have wronged you does that mean you should turn on the USA and defect to Iran? Of course not.

Please reconsider and if you can't bring yourself back to the Gospel at least forgive those who wronged you -- there are many medical studies that show that holding a grudge can cause some serious medical conditions.

[hatesclothes]

Originally posted by Revolutionary:
No, LDS people are not the most gullable people on earth -- they are people with the same psychological basics as others. I actually have found devout LDS people to be the most analytical towards a variety of issues -- the whole point of a good priesthood lesson is to get discussion (and I have known of many GD teachers, swminary teachers and priesthood instructors who have been counceled not to go by the book so much in lesson preparation, not the other way around).

Yes, I do believe there is a problem with leaders trying to be too nice -- not to offend the membership too much. Take birth control for example; I could find tons of statements against family limitation (not child spacing, but just arbitrarily deciding to have only three chilren for instance) but only very occasionally nowadays do leaders touch on that issue. Of course maybe they know that if they come out with a forceful "Thou shalt not..." some will take it to the extreme (I know a couple who in the 60s decided they would have only one kid so as to "save the earth" but later converted to the Church and -- upon her getting a blessing that mentioned something about being blessed with great kids -- decided that even breast feeding might prevent births, so they wound up with 14 kids...of course, all 14 were honor roll students, track stars and went on to college/missions). The Church gives a policy but encourages one to consult the Lord.

Give another example -- the Church kinda is against going to a sperm bank if you are a single woman with few prospects of marriage. However, if you are 39, unmarried and decide you can't postpone it any longer you will not get in trouble for getting sperm (I guess you have to explain the pregnancy though to your bishop). Also, I have read about an LDS businessman who he and his wife initially had problems getting pregnant. Once the Lord opened the floodgates and children came along he decided that he would become a sperm doner to help people wanting kids.

Now on the issue of sperm donation maybe if I went to my bishop and asked him wht he thought he might question it, but there is nothing that he could do to take any calling from me or anything else. He might try, but once it went to the stake or higher that would be the end of that. Now does the Church go out and say "Hey everyone, we have a great health code, so why not spread some healthy genes and go donate eggs and sperm!" No they won't do that, nor will they say "You know what, if you like to be naked, and can control your lusts, you might consider nudist resorts -- as long as you don't go on Sunday.". No, this is also an issue that is just allowed to float around, for obvious reasons.

Hatesclothes, I underestand some of the issues that has turned you against the Church. However, just because a judge working for the state might have wronged you does that mean you should turn on the USA and defect to Iran? Of course not.

Please reconsider and if you can't bring yourself back to the Gospel at least forgive those who wronged you -- there are many medical studies that show that holding a grudge can cause some serious medical conditions.

this is One of the ironic parts of Momism: No matter how vehiment, how strident the statements/claims are, there are seldom any without 'exceptions' Trouble is, the exceptions are held as private matters. the church could publish all these things, but won't.

Back to Nudism: You'll NEVER see a photo of a nude person or family or reference to ANY nude recreation as other than condemned in Mo publications.NOT NOW, NOT EVER

[hatesclothes]

(as loud as so much has been said abt this already...:
Momism is a VERY AUTHORITARIAN, top-down leadership style, without any meaningful feedback loop to the top decisions. MoLeaders hold themselves as above considering the viewpoint of the rank-and-file, AND consider their words to be the final say in anything; The operative phrase is: 'When the prophet (God's mouthpiece) has Spoken, the Thinking STOPS'. This is justified bc Mos think their leaders to be immune from mistakes/worldly influences... They are indeed thought to be without error.
However, In Real Life, these men are most assuredly NOT INFALLIBLE; for examples, PM me.
'Take Care, Stay Bare'

P.S. Sorry if my posts don't meet up to B's incredibly high standards; some are illusioned with Momism, some are disillusioned.

[Revolutionary]

Strange, Brigham Young cautioned members NOT to blindly accept anything he said -- he challenged them to read and ponder their scriptures and pray if they had any doubts as to something he said about doctrine.

Sad this thread has turned from an affirmation of our religion as it relates to our experiences with nudism and is taking the dreary path of "your religion says...", "No our religion says...". If people want to deabe religion then you can always go to ldstalk.com or any number of similar boards.

However, I was meaning to convey my thanks for hatesclothes for the information about the apostle Matthew Cowley. I decided to base todays's sacrament talk on a talk he gave on faith and miracles. It seemed to taouch a lot of people. Again, thank you.

[hatesclothes]

Originally posted by Revolutionary:
Strange, Brigham Young cautioned members NOT to blindly accept anything he said -- he challenged them to read and ponder their scriptures and pray if they had any doubts as to something he said about doctrine.

Sad this thread has turned from an affirmation of our religion as it relates to our experiences with nudism and is taking the dreary path of "your religion says...", "No our religion says...". If people want to deabe religion then you can always go to ldstalk.com or any number of similar boards.

However, I was meaning to convey my thanks for hatesclothes for the information about the apostle Matthew Cowley. I decided to base todays's sacrament talk on a talk he gave on faith and miracles. It seemed to taouch a lot of people. Again, thank you.
people can agree/disagree on subjective things & people (incl MC), butt (sorry pun) I don't honestly see how there could be any confusion/discussion abt LDS & Nudity.

Unfortunately=Likewise, many/most LDS take things of 'outward appearances *Mt23:23* as signs of unrighteousness=unworthiness of others, because that's what their leaders are saying & teaching.

My attitude towards gay people, nudism, tattos/earrings and all those peripheral matters is summed up in an easy-to-understand cliche: Live and Let Live.

[Bryan C.]

I hope I don't over do it by posting this too much, but i really do feel it's important to get the word out.

www.ldssdf.org (http://www.ldssdf.org) is a public discussion forum nor Mormon / LDS nudists. I started it because I felt there was a need to for like minded members of the church to discuss nudism in a setting that was strictly LDS.

In recent weeks it has taken off, and the discussion has been fantastic. Thanks to everyone who has participated. If you have not yet, please do check it out.

Thanks!

Bryan C.

[Nude4Christ]

I would also like to get the word out for the new Christian Naturism homepage:

www.christian-naturism.com (http://www.christian-naturism.com)

We have a forum and chatroom operational and are working on more features as time allows.

We are a tolerant, progressive site and all are welcome to participate.

[hatesclothes]

Originally posted by Nude4Christ:
I would also like to get the word out for the new Christian Naturism homepage:

www.christian-naturism.com (http://www.christian-naturism.com)

We have a forum and chatroom operational and are working on more features as time allows.

We are a tolerant, progressive site and all are welcome to participate.

"Without love, human society is in a very difficult state; without love, in the future we will find tremendous problems; Love is the center of human life."
"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is Kindness."

-HH 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzen Gyatso 1935 -

[JadedBehan]

well, mormons aren't perfect. But then again either are catholics. Where there is a big population of people, there will also be those that break laws and make the rest of us look bad.

Just remember people aren't perfect no matter what religion they follow. It only matters that you find the truth and follow it.


No other 'religion' (using the term loosely)is as fixated on ANY of the endless, mindless details I have mentioned.
OTOH, Mormons (with exceptions) are Clueless about Honesty (check out the frauds & bankruptcies in utah), Kindness, Mercy. one's mind has, in our fast-paced, complicated society, a limited attention bandwidth for thoughts... Momism focuses them on the 'outward appearances' (refer to Mt 23:23)... there is Absolutely, Positively NO QUESTION, NO DOUBT about it...
Once the BoM recorded that the 'higher good' of Laban's life was expendable for a few records... the Die was set, the pattern was established.
Mormonism is incompatible with Nudity, if disclosed... Would you like the name & address of my Bp who put me 'on probation' because of it?