Continuing with the series on Christian Naturism, today I want to address why I consider it a relevant topic. My answer may seem contradictory: I consider it relevant precisely because it is not.
This apparent contradiction arises because the only thing that makes it relevant is that it has become a taboo topic for many people. However, what is truly important in Christianity is following Christ, who teaches us that where He is, there is freedom. So, why are some Christians denied the freedom to practice their faith in this way?
Christian naturism has become a kind of "no man's land," similar to the strip of land between two trenches in a war, where anyone can be wounded by "friendly fire" or by the enemy. As a Christian naturist, your vision of naturism does not align with the world's conception, but neither is your Christianity accepted by many religious communities.
I am not concerned with the opinion of those "in the world," who, as the Psalm says, are like "turbulent waters." Christianity is not about conforming to the world’s expectations but about living in the freedom that Christ grants us. Our peace is not found in the opinions of others but in Him.
However, What concerns me is how we are perceived within our congregations. Why is the freedom we proclaim in Christ restricted when expressing our faith through naturism? This freedom, which is fundamental to Christian life, is often limited or judged for being different. This leads us to a crucial question: Shouldn't the diversity of expressions of faith be a manifestation of the freedom Christ has given us?
This rejection originates from a particular interpretation of the Bible, based on the "fear of sin." From this perspective, sins related to the desires of the flesh, such as lust, must be fought with repression and control, rather than being approached from a perspective of freedom and redemption. This legalistic and restrictive view of Christianity forgets that our faith is based on God’s grace and love, not on condemnation or fear.
The Bible teaches us that we have been freed in Christ (Galatians 5:1), and that our true freedom is not found in adherence to rules and traditions, but in a living relationship with Him. However, some Christian communities seem to have lost sight of this fundamental principle.
Instead of judging and limiting the expression of others' faith, we should strive to understand and support the diversity of ways in which believers can live their relationship with God. Christian naturism, like any other expression of faith, should be evaluated not through prejudices, but by its coherence with biblical principles and its capacity to deepen our relationship with Christ.
The question remains: How can we reconcile the freedom we proclaim in Christ with the restriction and judgment we face within our own congregations? How can we create a space where the diversity of expressions in faith is valued and celebrated, rather than feared and rejected?
In summary, it is time for the Christian community to reconsider its approach to diversity and freedom in faith. We must accept and celebrate the diversity of expressions in faith, rather than fear and reject them. God does not make mistakes: if we are so numerous, it is because He desires countless expressions of worship. It is time to open an honest and respectful dialogue about diversity in faith, seeking to understand and support those who express their love for God in different ways.
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