catholic nudist saints
Return to DiscussionsCatholics actually have four saints they can consider as patron
saints of nudists, even though they aren't officially recognized as
being patron saints of nudists as of yet: Onuphrius, Peter of
Athos, Macarius of Egypt, and Paul the Hermit. They were 4th
century saints who lived naked as hermits.
Isn't there a passage in which the roman soldiers throw lots for his raiment.
But the Christian religious tradition was to show sinners naked on their way to hell and torment. Those bound for heaven are clothed. But, biblically, Jesus' crucifixion was to atone for everyone else's sins, taking them on to himself. I'm also thinking that the powerful people were punishing him for showing them up.
I dont see the Romans accommodating with a loin cloth. The whole point of a crucifixion was to make it traumatic, painful, and as degrading as possible. They were accommodating during the via Della Rosa in that The Lord wore His clothes. However that brought on its own pain as the clothing was stripped from Him and reopened any wounds that were starting to close and adhere to the cloth.
From what I read, it was because non-Jews, Greeks in particular, found the circumcised penis repulsive. If the small loincloth was allowed, it was for the benefit of the onlookers, not the victim.
Wow. I never thought a saint could be naked. Why haven't we heard of them before? So the church is saying it is ok to be a Christian and nude?
You (in the general sense) would be hard pressed to find any prohibition of nudity in the Bible. Think about it. In ancient times you couldn't go to the store and pick up a shirt for a nominal fee. Fabric was hard to come by and precious. People would leave their garments at home to work in the fields so not to soil them. That is why Mary mistook Jesus for the Gardner he was naked after the resurrection. Also, If you will read the account of Jesus removing his garments and girding himself about with a towel to wash the disciples feet, you will discover that her used the same towel to wash said feet. How does one use the towel that is supposed to be around your loins to wash others feet?
The church, of which I am devoted member would be well advised to not be so up tight regarding nudity and read the bible.
Other than JP2 for TOB which is the best theological foundation for a chaste nude life, i would say Mary of Egypt, her story (in brief summary) :She lived a rebellious, lustful life, even willingly becoming a prostitute. After her conversion, she gave up all she had, including her clothes and lived a simple, chaste, naked solitary life with God. Later in her life she was discovered by a monk. Legend is her hair had grown so long as to cover her. The monk saw her in need of food and took gave her aid, i believe nearing the end of her life. Her depiction is often half clothed, or nude with her hair covering her. She seems to personify the nudist idea that nudity can represent chastity and openness to God in contrast to the lustful actions and adornments of her past life.