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Nudity & Christianity

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Nudity & Christianity is Jim. C. Cunningham's magnum opus. At a time when philosophers pride themselves on being iconoclasts--gleefully taking pot shots at Christianity--Jim starts with the Bible as his base and argues from there. That he does this as an avowed Catholic makes it even more remarkable.

Jim is not some freethinking, pseudo-Christian, who takes snippets from Christianity, mixes it with a bit of eastern mysticism, and throws in some New Age thought for good measure. He makes no bones about his strong, Catholic faith and clearly writes how and why he came to view his Christian-based ideas regarding nudity as eminently logical. This dovetails with the Theology of the Body, introduced by Pope John Paul II. It's a shame Catholics in general don't give their faith the same honest and forthright examination--we'd all be better off for it.

Just as the title implies, Nudity & Christianity is a handbook on nudity ALL Christians can use, regardless of persuasion. Nudity & Christianity is a compendium of Christian thinking on the subject of nudity, gleaned from Jim's writings, and the writings of others. The table of contents alone is the size of a small pamphlet. In the back of the book, Jim has provided a Scriptural Index and a Topical Index--great tools in using a book of this size as a handy reference. The text is fully annotated throughout.

The sheer scope of its many treatises is amazing. Each article, whether long or short, is a concise distillation of Christian thought bent to the task of showing that simple, human nudity is not the odd, or sinful thing, most Christians think. Jim's sources are eclectic, ranging from lay friends, to the Pope himself (John Paul II).

In a book of this size and scope, it's hard to pick any particular piece (or pieces) as an example but two in particular do it for me--"Dialog of Conscience: Nudism & Scandal" and "Dialog of Conscience: The Cannes Principle" (pgs. 152-165). They discuss the issues of an innocent practice (i. e. offering wine at a family gathering) leading to someone else's sinning. In the second piece, they discuss the issue of a social practice that was once considered wrong becoming common practice through a change in social mores (i. e. swimsuit size). The principle of double effect and its four conditions is invoked. Good stuff--whether you're talking about nudity, or moral living in general. While the irreverent might think it just so much moral nit-picking, these dialogs are illustrations of how any moral person can come to grips with his or her faith, and mode of living, and not tie himself or herself into moral knots.

Another piece of must-read reading is Paul M. Bowman's "Open Letter to Evangelicals" (pgs. 166-169). It's essentially a letter to a pastor who decried Paul's view of nudity and it pulls no punches. Every Christian should have this piece copied and inserted under the front cover of his or her Bible.

If you call yourself a Christian and have an open mind, this book is a MUST in your library. Keep it on your reference shelf. It's as indispensable as the dictionary. It will remain one of my essential reference guides, right next to Strong's Concordance and Unger's Bible Handbook.

Note to all pastors (and laypersons), of all denominations: Get a copy of Nudity & Christianity and read it cover to cover. By performing this simple act, you will educate yourself on the theology of the human body, nudity, and how the body is integral to a complete faith. You will also insulate yourself from the urge to grab a picket sign and harass the naturists at the local clothing-optional beach.

This book answers the lies we have been taught by society and the church over the last 1500 years. Jim does a good job of compiling writings from sources within both history and the church. The documentation at the back of the book will help an pastor or lay person with both study and sermon notes. What is the difference between pornography and the world view of prudery? This book answers this question and the anwer may surprise you.