Abrahamic Religions

Adam and Eve

There is a juxtaposition of meanings within Abrahamic religions when it comes to nudity. Although they helped to fortify the concept of ‘modesty’, it is also clear that they all share a vision which mirrors the modern definition of naturism. This is reflected in the passages describing the Garden of Eden or Paradise.

In the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, it is stated that Adam and Eve did not realise they were nude until they ate the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge⁶. The same is described in the Qur’an, where Shaitan tempts Adam and his wife by encouraging them to taste the fruit, at which point they realise they are naked⁷. Although these verses can be interpreted differently, if we take them at face value then it can be inferred that before obtaining knowledge, nudity was not seen by either of them as a ‘bad’ thing.

Upon learning the meaning of the word ‘shame’ and associating it with their nudity, they went against the ideal of the Paradise in which they were living, one where they were only meant to live in harmony with each other as well as their surroundings. Surprisingly, these ideals are very similar to what naturism strives for, which means that they are shared in some sense by different cultures and religions that have revolutionised history. Just like them, naturism has been preserved throughout time, and it is always working towards achieving a paradise-like lifestyle.

⁶Genesis 3:7-24

⁷Quran 7:19-22