As an avid reader (when I have time), I thought you might benefit from learning a little about the material that has helped me. Enjoy...
Naked and Not Ashamed
Author: Bishop T. D. Jakes
ISBN:
The front cover depicts a naked Jesus on the cross, and when I first saw this book, I noticed two ladies in the store looking at that cover and discussing it as though appalled. Their reaction amused me. It amazes me how easily nudity offends others. In this case, the book didn't even show anything. You only saw the length of one side of Him.
Having read the book, I now know that they truly missed out. And why? Simply because they assumed the worst, literally "judging the book by its cover." Seeing the cover, they refused to examine it further. Unfortunately, I think that is a fairly common problem.
Anyway, although this excellent book IS NOT about nudism/naturism, it might as well be. I mean, as far as I know, T. D. Jakes is not a nudist/naturist, yet when you read his book, you see it how agrees with naturism. In it, you learn the same exact principles you learn as a naturist. For instance, he says, "We have to love and be loved by someone to the degree that we can say, 'THIS IS WHO I AM, AND IT IS ALL THAT I AM. LOVE ME AND BE PATIENT WITH ME. THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT I WILL BECOME, BUT TODAY THIS IS WHO I AM.' When you find someone who can see your flaws and your underdeveloped character, and love you in spite of it all, you are blessed." Ironically, this is the very heart of nudism/naturism.
Although he would probably not support going nude as nudists/naturists do (I'm guessing), his book seems to actually agree with Christian nudists/naturists in several ways. Primarily that "naked and not ashamed" is what God intends...that you should be open, honest, real and unashamed. He says, "...resist the temptation to hide behind the fig leaves of past issues. Come out of hiding and show yourself - NAKED AND NOT ASHAMED!" Later, he says, "WE NEED NO LOINCLOTH; THE BODY OF CHRIST WAS MEANT TO BE NAKED AND NOT ASHAMED."
My point is, whether he would support nudism/naturism or not, his points agree with nudists/naturists, teaching the same principles. More importantly, to me, what you learn through this book, and through naturism, is more scripturally accurate than what you normally learn through others. And I guess, the only difference between his teaching in this book and Christian nudists/naturists is, Christian nudists/naturists exemplify "naked and not ashamed" through their naturism.
As it is, his teaching is what really helped me understand naturism fully. At the time, I was not a naturist, but I was looking for answers. This book solidified what I now understand so well and actually helped me become a naturist.
I recommend you read this book, but especially if you want to understand the truths that nudists/naturists uphold. While it may seem unusual to suggest a non-nudist/naturist book as a way to understand nudism/naturism better, I really believe his book did an excellent job explaining it. I commend T. D. Jakes for being so bold, and for offering an excellent teaching on the subject. He likely did not intend I go so far with it as I did (i.e. actually going nude), but God knew. Praise the Lord!
Visit T. D. Jakes' site
Nudist Among Us
Author: Allen Parker
ISBN:
Would you enjoy a good laugh? This book is it. It will make you laugh. I found it very enjoyable. Allen's unique perspective gives his stories quite a twist. Although I believe his stories are fictitious, I wondered how many of them were based on truth...because they all seemed plausible.
I recommend you read this book, but especially if you enjoy a good story and good laugh. The book is excellent lighthearted reading. Even more, do you have non-nudists/naturists friends? (Of course, you do.) :) I recommend you buy them a copy, too...or at least let them borrow your copy. I mean, Allen's lighthearted look at nudism/naturism might just help them lighten up and see nudism/naturism in a different light. They would certainly have a chance to see life through a nudist's eyes, and that can be interesting in itself.
Visit Allen Parker's site...
Nudity, Therapy and Joy
The Therapeutic Use of Nudity Through the Ages
Author: Aileen Goodson Ph. D.
ISBN:
A Christian naturist friend gave me this book, and after reading it, I appreciated his generosity even more. What an excellent read overall. Very informative. Although, to me, it seemed a little slow at first, it eventually, about the forth chapter, got interesting, and as I read, it got better and better.
I found the information thorough, fascinating and helpful. I always believed social nudity was therapeutic and I have heard many who agree. This books offers some evidence to prove it. Of course, as a Christian, I must admit that I disagree with some methods and conclusions it mentions. However, you do obtain greater understanding concerning the dynamics of various situations.
One thing I appreciated about this book is, it is chock full of references...references to studies, varied opinions on the subject, other books, etc. Now I just hope to read some of these references it mentions.
I recommend you read this book, but only if you want to see the facts for yourself. I say "only" because this book will only help you if you are interested in facts.