The issue of nudity in art is a complex one that Christians have wrestled with throughout history. On one hand, the Bible affirms the goodness of the human body as created by God. On the other hand, Scripture warns against lust and calls us to modesty. How then should Christians think about nudity in art? Here are several principles to consider:
1. Artistic nudity is not necessarily the same as pornography
Pornography depicts nudity and sexuality in dehumanizing and immoral ways, reducing people to mere objects of lust. Artistic nudity, however, does not necessarily share pornography’s corrupted motivations. Great artists often portray nudity not to titillate, but to capture the beauty, vulnerability, and dignity of the human form. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “The nude (q.v.) as opposed to the naked (q.v.) is an imagined figure which transcends both the actual body and the portraying skill of the artist” ( Lewis, C. S. (1961). An experiment in criticism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press).
That being said, the line between art and pornography is not always clear. Christians should thoughtfully examine an artistic work’s treatment of nudity rather than making knee-jerk judgments.
2. Lust, not nudity itself, is the root problem
Scripture consistently identifies lust, not nudity itself, as morally problematic. Jesus himself warned, “everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). And Job declared, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?” (Job 31:1). The issue is not seeing an unclothed human body, but looking at that body with lustful motives.
If artistic nudity were intrinsically wrong, God would not have inspired Ezekiel to describe Israel as an abandoned infant, “naked and exposed” (Ezekiel 16:7). Nor would Isaiah have walked about stripped and barefoot for three years as a prophetic sign (Isaiah 20:2-3). Nudity can be portrayed without lust, even to convey powerful theological truths.
3. Christians should guard their eyes and hearts
Although artistic nudity is not inherently sinful, Christians must be vigilant against lust infecting their viewing of such art. They should approach depictions of nudity with discernment, aware of their own weaknesses. Paul’s words are relevant: “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). If a particular portrait stirs up inappropriate desire, look away.
Additionally, Christians should consider how their engagement with nude art affects others. Paul cautions, “Take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9). What we can view with a clear conscience may lead others into sin. Discernment and restraint are vital.
4. The human body has intrinsic dignity
Christian doctrine affirms the essential goodness of the material world, including our physical bodies, as part of God’s creation. This distinguishes biblical faith from philosophies like Gnosticism that denigrate bodily existence. The human form, both clothed and unclothed, possesses intrinsic dignity because it reflects the image of God. Art that honors the body aligns with the biblical worldview.
This dignifying approach appears, for instance, in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes. The nude figures depict humanity’s vulnerability yet splendor before the Creator. Honoring the body as God’s artwork demonstrates artistic maturity. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
5. Artistic nudity requires wise contextual discretion
Though nudity in art is not inherently immoral, wise discretion should govern its use. The context matters greatly. Intimate nudity best belongs within marriage and should be handled modestly otherwise. Public displays of nudity often risk significantly offending cultural mores. And nudity in media viewed by children lacks prudence.
Additionally, while nudity in classical art may be acceptable, graphic sensuality almost never suits a Christian purpose. As Philippians 4:8 instructs, the best art inspires us to contemplate whatever is honorable. Lewdness has no place.
Responsible artistic nudity serves higher aims: capturing truth, beauty, and dignity. It treats the unclothed body with reverence, avoiding tawdry sensationalism. The wise artist considers context with care.
6. Christians should prioritize modesty and self-control
Though artistic nudity is not wrong per se, Christians should emphasize modesty and self-control as greater virtues. This was Paul’s approach in encouraging modest dress and head coverings for women when gathered for worship (1 Corinthians 11). Even lawful practices may not be beneficial (1 Corinthians 6:12).
Does an artistic work stir up lust or glorify vulgarity? Then it is best avoided. Does it prompt awe for the body’s beauty without carnal appetite? Then it may be celebrated. But modesty in both artistry and viewing should prevail.
Restraint trumps license. Our calling is holiness, not indulgence. Paul summarizes fittingly: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4).
7. Art should be evaluated with wisdom and grace
When wrestling with nudity in art, Christians should offer perspective, not dogmatism; nuance, not simplistic rules. Artistic nudity requires careful analysis of motive, context, and effect. Well-meaning people may disagree on particular works while upholding shared principles.
As we evaluate nudity in art, wisdom and grace must prevail. We do best to avoid legalism and license equally. Philippians 1:9-10 provides fitting guidance: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”
8. Art will one day give way to the true beauty of glorified bodies
All artistic depictions of the human form, whether clothed or not, are but foggy mirrors compared to the perfect beauty awaiting God’s people. C.S. Lewis insightfully observed, “The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we trust to them; it was not in them, it only came through them.” Our glorified bodies at Christ’s return will far surpass even the greatest earthly art.
As 1 Corinthians 15 promises, “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable…it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (vv. 42, 44). Lewis reminds us that true beauty resides not in art but in the promised hope of bodily resurrection. Our focus should rest there, more than on any artistic expression here and now.
9. Christians should seek beauty that awakens longing for God
Artistic depictions of nudity find their best purpose not in sensuality but in stirring the viewer’s heart to desire the greater glory of God. As Augustine observed in his Confessions, “My sin was this, that I looked for pleasure, beauty, and truth not in [God] but in myself and His other creatures, and the search led me instead to pain, confusion, and error.”
The longing awakened through beauty should point beyond itself to the transcendent. C.S. Lewis called this “the Desire that is our whole being.” The loveliness in true art directs us to the source of all loveliness. That is where nudity in art finds its highest aim.
So Christians should approach potentially problematic works by asking: Does this arouse lust within me, or holy longing? Does it lead me to self-indulgence, or to worship of the Creator? Therein lies the difference between art that degrades and art that elevates.
10. Christ-like love, not condemnation, should guide our response
When approaching nudity in art, Christians must remember their highest calling: to reflect the love of Christ. Jesus reserved his strongest condemnation not for immoral Samaritans like the woman at the well, but for religious hypocrites obsessed with rule-keeping. He came to seek and save the lost, not condemn them.
A Christ-like posture values people over principles. By God’s grace, believers freed from lust may properly view art others cannot. But their discernment should produce empathy, not pride. They are blessed to enjoy freedom in Christ. Their calling is to gently restore others without judgment (Galatians 6:1).
With humility, wisdom, and selfless love, Christians can thoughtfully engage nudity in art. If controversy arises, we do well to heed Paul’s instruction: “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” Then we “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:1, 19).