Nothing wrong – and lots right – with a bit of public nudity

An Excerpt from an article by the New Zealand Herald by Vera Alves
(c) New Zealand Herald

Why are we so hung up on the unclothed human body?

Does any major trauma come from seeing a stranger’s intimate body parts?
If the answer is yes, you’ve really got to start asking yourself why.


[A] woman who spotted the naked swimmers in Taupō said she was “horrified” at the sight.


We need to get horrified at horrific things – and there’s no shortage of those around. Get horrified about child cancer, sexual abuse, climate change and the threat of deadly pandemics.


Nipples and penises should be the least of your worries right now.
“But won’t someone think of the children?” I hear the Karens wonder in the deepest recesses of Facebook.


Yeah, Karen, I’m thinking of the children. The children who are soon going to be adults and grow up with some really messed up views of what bodies look like, if we keep restricting them to the bodies they see on porn sites or in fashion magazines….


This repressed and archaic view of the human body as something to be hidden and ashamed of is nothing if not a form of oppression – and there are far too many people going along with it without questioning it.
Ask yourself: why do you have such a big issue with seeing people naked?
“It’s just not right” and “it’s not the done thing” are not good enough answers.


You’ve been predisposed to think bodies need to be hidden and nakedness is wrong – but here’s the good news: you can change that way of thinking and absolutely nothing bad at all will happen. Your children will not grow up to be depraved – if anything, they might just grow up more confident and empowered – and isn’t that a risk worth taking?


Besides, you’re getting upset at the wrong thing. The problem is not nudity. The problem is the over-sexualisation of the human body, which leads to all kinds of issues. But a non-sexualised naked body – and I think we can all agree there’s nothing “sexual” about breastfeeding a child or going for a swim on a hot summer’s day – should not be a cause for concern, yet it all gets dumped in the same “lewdness” basket.


In fact, “normalising” the regular human body can be a really good thing. If our children are to grow up with healthy views of what a normal human body is, we need to shed these archaic taboos.


If your child sees someone naked, they will have natural questions. It is part of your duty as a parent to ensure you address these properly. It gives you a golden opportunity to talk to them about things like boundaries, consent and respect for others.


The human body is not immoral – stop making it so….

Nudity and Christianity – Questions from a Viewer

In a fascinating conversation, Lucas, a new follower who found Jason Lee’s Instagram profile, candidly shares his disillusionment with mainstream church attitudes toward nudity and his journey toward embracing natural nudity as a spiritual practice.

Jason Lee, of Genesis Modeling and Photography, offers insights into biblical perspectives on the body, highlighting instances of nudity in scripture and resources for further exploration. They discuss the impact of shame on sexuality and the potential for cultural shifts in attitudes toward nudity and the body. Their exchange reflects a growing movement toward reclaiming the body as sacred and rejecting harmful taboos.

A new follower was frustrated with his local church and saddened with how he’d been treated for embracing the biblical view of the body. I thought you might want to listen in on our short conversation. For the purpose of this blog post, I’ll call him Lucas.

Jason Lee

Lucas: I saw your post about Jesus and wanted to talk about religion and naturism because most religious people are so against nudity. I just recently stopped going to church because even though it was very spiritual, there was still shame towards things like nudity.

Jason: Yeah. The goodness of the body is something the church is still mostly unaware of.  So much of what has been taught is based on non-christian ideas passed down through history instead of what the Bible actually teaches.

L: I went through a sort of awakening and ended up in nature and one day a voice in my head told me to get naked and I did! And it was amazing and I just wanted to share this bliss with the world… but the pastor at my church totally called me extreme and that I need to stay in the middle. That really got me down for a while, but I’m coming out of it.

J:  Did you know there’s actually lots of natural nudity in the Bible? Most people have no idea how normal being naked was in Scripture. In fact, Jesus was naked when he rose from the dead. A casual reader will notice that it says the grave clothes were left in the tomb. Mary saw Him from a distance and assumed he was the gardener. Why? Because in those days people did all their outdoor work naked. Mary wasn’t shocked by Jesus’ lack of attire. And it didn’t stop her from running up and giving Him a hug.

I believe that God is opening up this old truth again for our generation. Instead of hiding our bodies in darkness and assuming sin, we should walk freely in the light as He made us. Light pushes away darkness and brings maturity.

A great resource you’d enjoy is a website written by a friend of mine called the Biblical Naturist.  Matthew Neal has spent years connecting the dots between natural nudity and the Bible.

L:
I agree so many of us are waking up to this truth. Getting naked has been a blessing and has actually helped me deal with my sexuality and porn addiction. Now I no longer always have sex on the brain, not to mention the incredible self confidence and the added energy and joy. It’s beautiful.

J: That’s a great testimony. I want to share another website with you: mychainsaregone.org Another great resource that brings light into darkness and shows us that once we change our perspective on the body, addictions falls away.

L: I will check them both out! ?

J: Do! You will be blessed. After His resurrection, we have another glimpse of natural nudity when the disciples were fishing and it says Peter was naked because he was fishing (John 21:7). So he grabbed his shirt, threw it over his head and jumped in the lake and swam to the shore where Jesus was. I can go on!

L: I love it! It’s crazy how people can just ignore all that.

J: They haven’t been taught to see it. They wear cultural glasses when reading the scriptures. And many of the translations obscure the text so as not to offend modern sensibilities.

L: All this shame towards nudity has made porn rampant it has had the opposite effect. Instead of learning love, people instead hate and defile their bodies.

J: That’s right. Teaching people that the sight of simple nudity is sinful only fuels adds fuel to the fire. When you show someone the truth they can be set free and put the fire out!

L: Ever since I got healthy and started going out into nature I’ve been seeing the world with new eyes.

J: Let me tell you one more fun Christian nudity fact. Did you know that until infant baptism took off in the third century, all water baptisms were done in the nude? Men, women and children. Every believer!

L: No, I didn’t, but it makes sense. Why get your clothes wet?

J: Imagine that in today’s church!

L: Haha that would be awesome.

J: Yes, why get your clothes wet, but it was more than that, too. Going into and out of the water unadorned symbolizes being born again. Just as we enter the world naked, believers in Jesus Christ would be immersed in water and rise out–entering the new life given through Christ.  I pray that God’s people will rediscover these powerful truths.

L: I love that! and I pray that too. Slow but surely it is happening. Someone made a very good point how violence is so widely accepted and glorified but if someone is naked then it must be taken down…but plenty of sex in movies.

J: Yes. That makes me so sad that Americans would rather allow their children to see someone shot up or beaten to death than glimpse a simple body part like a nipple.

L: Things just don’t make any sense at all and people are starting to see that.

J: The more people recognize the silliness of hiding our bodies and join in, the harder it is for controllers to use the body as a product or as a tool for evil. And I bet there are other Christians in your area who have also learned this truth.

L: Yeah people wanna get rid of separation and old beliefs it’s beautiful. And I have found some people around here like me!

J: Thanks for reaching out, Lucas and for supporting my work. It’s encouraging to hear that God is revealing truth all over America.  Let’s keep sharing!

Open My Eyes

MODEL / Aeir
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

In a nostalgic reflection, photographer Jason Lee recalls a forest shoot from years past with model Aeir, likening her ethereal beauty to that of a mermaid. Despite the passage of time, the memory remains vivid, highlighting the timeless allure of their collaboration. Despite the sultry August heat, they ventured into the forest, where Aeir’s captivating presence transformed the woodland surroundings into an enchanting backdrop. Through Jason’s reminiscence, we glimpse a moment of shared creativity and timeless beauty captured amidst the trees.

Sometimes mermaids live in the forest. It seems like yesterday, but this shoot was quite a few years ago now. Aeir has timeless beauty!

Jason Lee

Breathing In

MODEL / Taylor
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

In a memorable milestone, model Taylor and photographer Jason Lee embark on Jason’s very first artistic nude shoot, marking the beginning of a journey filled with great memories and countless stories. Taylor’s enthusiasm and curiosity light up the shoot, infusing it with a sense of excitement and joy. Though the full story may be reserved for a future book, the experience is one to be cherished and remembered fondly. Through their collaboration, Jason and Taylor capture moments of beauty and vulnerability, celebrating the human form in its purest and most artistic expression.

This was my first artistic nude shoot. Great memories for so many reasons. One day I’ll share the full story in a book, but for now, ask me in person and I’ll share the tale.

Jason Lee
artistic nude photograph by Jason Lee

You Alone can Break my Fall – Uninhibited Self-Expression with Mayye

MODEL / MAYYE
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

In the realm of photography, there exists a powerful symbiosis between the model and the photographer, a dance of creativity and expression that unfolds frame by frame. In the case of Mayye and Jason Lee, this dynamic partnership transcends the conventional boundaries of the art form, igniting sparks of confidence, spontaneity, and uninhibited self-expression.

As Mayye steps into the spotlight of Jason Lee’s lens, she sheds not only her inhibitions but also her clothes, baring her natural form with an electrifying sense of liberation. It’s a moment of raw vulnerability, yet it’s imbued with an undeniable aura of confidence and self-assurance. With each click of the shutter, Mayye’s essence is captured in all its unadulterated glory, a testament to her fearless embrace of her own beauty and uniqueness.

For Jason Lee, Mayye is not just another subject to photograph; she is a muse, a source of inspiration, and an embodiment of the uninhibited spirit he seeks to capture in his work. Her spontaneity and willingness to push boundaries resonate deeply with him, making her one of the most enjoyable collaborators he’s ever encountered. In Mayye, he finds a kindred spirit—a fellow artist who shares his passion for capturing the fleeting moments of life with authenticity and gusto.

Their shoot by the tranquil shores of the lake becomes a canvas upon which their vibrant energy and camaraderie are painted in vivid strokes. Against the backdrop of nature’s serene beauty, Mayye’s presence electrifies the scene, infusing it with a palpable sense of vitality and joie de vivre. With each pose and gesture, she exudes a magnetic charm that captivates the viewer, inviting them to join her in celebrating the joy of being alive.

What sets Mayye apart as a model is not just her physical beauty, but her inner radiance—a luminous quality that shines through in every photograph. It’s the sparkle in her eyes, the curve of her smile, the graceful arch of her body—all brought to life by Jason Lee’s masterful lensmanship. Together, they create images that transcend mere visual representation, evoking emotions and telling stories that resonate on a deeply personal level.

As soon as we got to the shore of the lake where we were going to shoot, Mayye pulled off her t-shirt and dropped her gym shorts, revealing all of her naked glory. She was ready to model and is one of the spunkiest, fun people I’ve worked with.

Jason Lee

In the world of fashion and glamour, where perfection is often equated with beauty, Mayye and Jason Lee dare to challenge the status quo. They celebrate imperfection, embracing the flaws and quirks that make each individual unique. For them, beauty lies not in conformity, but in authenticity; not in hiding behind masks, but in revealing one’s true self to the world.

As the sun sets on their lakeside shoot, casting a golden glow over the water, Mayye and Jason Lee share a moment of quiet satisfaction. They’ve created something special together—something that transcends the boundaries of art and touches the soul. In Mayye’s fearless embrace of her own truth, and Jason Lee’s keen eye for capturing the essence of that truth, they’ve forged a partnership that is as timeless as it is exhilarating. And as they pack up their gear and prepare to depart, they know that this is just the beginning of a journey filled with creativity, passion, and boundless possibility.

When the World Was Younger

MODEL / WENDY
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

Wendy’s captivating presence shines through in Jason Lee’s photography as she makes a special journey from a neighboring state for the shoot. Her enchanting eyes and inviting smile become focal points, adding a touch of warmth and charm to the images. During the shoot, the warm winds lift the gauzy fabric around her, enhancing the scene with a dynamic and ethereal quality. Lee skillfully captures Wendy’s natural beauty and friendly demeanor amidst this enchanting moment, resulting in photographs that radiate both elegance and approachability.

Wendy has such beautiful eyes and a warm, welcoming smile!

Jason Lee
artistic nude photo by Jason Lee

Your Love is a Remedy

MODEL / Katie
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

In the presence of Jason Lee’s lens, Katie’s spontaneous action unfolded like poetry. With a simple gesture—stepping away, dropping her towel, and walking towards the river’s edge—she transformed the ordinary into something magical. In those fleeting moments, time seemed to slip away as they immersed themselves in the beauty of the surroundings. Through Lee’s photography, the essence of those captivating hours was immortalized, a testament to the ephemeral yet profound moments shared between photographer and muse.

And just like that a couple of magical hours went by in a flash.

Jason Lee

The Future’s Here

MODEL / MONICA BLUE
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

In Jason Lee’s photography session with Monica Blue, the absence of clothing transforms into an opportunity for creativity and self-expression. Monica embraces the notion that without the barrier of clothing, the body itself becomes a canvas for artistic adornment. With a playful spirit, they explore how accessories can enhance the natural beauty of the human form, turning the shoot into a whimsical and liberating experience. Through Monica’s confident and carefree attitude, Jason captures a series of images that celebrate the joy of embracing one’s true self and finding freedom in self-expression.

Monica is so fun! She had me rolling with her antics and what a beautiful athletic form!

Jason Lee