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Christian naturism is not a compromise with secular culture, but a full reclamation of the Edenic creation design and the ultimate victory of the Gospel. By separating the human body from the curse of sin, and decoupling the human form from modern cultural hyper-sexualization, believers are liberated to experience the body as God originally intended: good, unashamed, and free from artificial shame.

We believe that the human body is God's handiwork, created "very good" in Genesis 1 and 2, where humanity originally walked naked and unashamed. Traditional theology often makes the mistake of starting with Genesis 3 (the Fall, where clothing, fear, and shame entered the world as a consequence of sin) rather than starting with God's original, unfallen design.

Through the finished work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Resurrection, believers are liberated from living "in Adam" (bound by cultural shame and body-hatred) and invited to live "in Christ." Just as Christ left His grave clothes behind in the tomb, He broke the spiritual curse tied to artificial shame.

Far from adopting secular culture's hyper-sexualization, which mistakenly views the human form solely through a lens of lust, biblical naturism seeks an experiential return to Edenic innocence. It is a wholesome, family-centered practice rooted in body neutrality, recognizing that in a redeemed community, we can appreciate God's creation free from fear, pretense, or hiddenness.

For a deeper study, explore the writings of our elders:

• Matthew Neal: The Biblical Naturist
• Jason Stern: ReNude Life
• Philip Oak: Surprised Into Freedom and Aching for Eden

You can read what unites us on our Core Beliefs page.

We reject asceticism and recognize that God created us as physical, sensory beings. There is a profound difference between sensuality, the wholesome appreciation of God's creation, beauty, and the physical senses, and lust, which is the selfish objectification of another person.

• On lust vs. sensuality: Scripture teaches that lust is an issue of the heart (Matthew 5:28), rooted in taking rather than appreciating. In a Christian naturist environment, the human form is viewed as God's handiwork: ordinary, beautiful, and non-sexualized. When nudity is normalized in a wholesome context, the cultural hyper-sexualization fades, allowing believers to experience physical presence and beauty without falling into objectification. We don't suppress our senses; we redeem them from shame.
• On modesty: Biblical modesty is an attitude of humility, authenticity, and heart-purity rather than a rigid dress code (1 Timothy 2:9–10). True immodesty is drawing narcissistic attention to oneself or flaunting status and pride. Social nudity acts as an equalizer, stripping away worldly status symbols and pretension to foster a genuine, humble community.
• On relationships and purity: We honor marriage as a sacred covenant between a husband and wife (Hebrews 13:4), and we expect all attendees to conduct themselves with mutual respect, kindness, and personal integrity. Our gatherings are designed to be safe, relaxed environments where families, couples, and individuals can enjoy fellowship and recreation together. While our events are social and platonic in nature, we celebrate healthy marriages and wholesome family dynamics, trusting adults to exercise Christian discretion and maturity.

For further reading on biblical modesty and the theology of the body:

• Jason Stern: ReNude Life ("What About Modesty?" and "Does Nudity Equal Lust?")
• Matthew Neal: The Biblical Naturist ("Are Women's Breasts for Men's Sexual Pleasure?")
• Philip Oak: Surprised Into Freedom

Our family retreats are designed to be a healthy, unhurried blend of spiritual growth, outdoor recreation, shared meals, and deep community fellowship. Rather than a rigid schedule, our days mirror a wholesome family camp experience rooted in Christ. A typical retreat day includes:

• Worship and teaching: gathering together for morning prayer, scriptural teaching, and times of testimony or praise that point us back to God's original design.
• Open-air recreation: enjoying nature through hiking, swimming, games, and unhurried outdoor time where families can relax and appreciate creation.
• Shared meals and community: eating together, sharing stories, and sitting around the campfire or soaking in the hot tub late into the evening.
• Meaningful milestones: depending on the retreat, our gatherings have also featured baptisms in natural waters, vow renewals, and deep, lasting friendships.

It's an environment built around authenticity and presence, where families and individuals can step away from the noise of modern life and experience what it means to walk unashamed, surrounded by a supportive community of fellow believers.

We practice what we like to call "comfortablism." Simply put, clothing is a tool: wear it when you need it, and take it off when you don't! We believe God designed the human body to be comfortable in its natural state, free from the pretense, social status, and body-shame that clothes often represent.

• Freedom without legalism: In our fellowship spaces, we don't enforce rigid rules on either extreme. Whether you are fully nude or choose to stay clothed as you adjust, you are welcomed with grace and hospitality. We don't mandate nudity, nor do we use shame; we prioritize authenticity and heart-purity above all.
• Practicality rules: You might wear shoes when walking on hot gravel, just as you might pull out an umbrella during a rainstorm. If you're allergic to horsehair, it makes sense to wear something between your skin and the horse. Many naturists put on a light jacket when the air turns cool. We've learned that clothing is a tool, and not to let it rule our lives.
• Venue standards and hygiene: We respect the host facilities that open their gates to us. Established family naturist parks often have specific rules, such as requiring nudity in pools, hot tubs, and saunas for health and sanitation reasons, or maintaining "nudity-required" zones across the grounds. When we gather at these venues, we happily follow their guidelines out of respect for our hosts. Good hygiene goes with us wherever we gather, too: naturists always sit on their own towel, and many of us shower several times a day.

Our gatherings are hosted across the country in places that offer safety, natural beauty, and appropriate privacy for families and individuals.

• Partner naturist parks: For our larger national family retreats, we partner with AANR-affiliated, family-oriented naturist resorts in different regions of the United States. Past hosts include Oak Lake Trails in Oklahoma, Star Ranch in Texas, Cypress Cove in Florida, and Turtle Lake Resort in Michigan. These facilities provide gated privacy, RV hookups, cabin rentals, swimming pools, hiking trails, and communal meeting spaces.
• Public lands and naturist beaches: For smaller regional meetups, day trips, and informal gatherings, our members often meet at naturist-friendly parks, lakeshores, and designated clothing-optional beaches to enjoy God's creation together.
• Leased and private facilities: We also use privately leased retreat centers or private acreage where our fellowship can enjoy exclusive access to the grounds.
• Future vision, Eden Ridge: While we are grateful for the host resorts and public lands that open their gates to us, our fellowship is working toward a permanent home of our own called Eden Ridge: a planned Christian family naturist resort for camps, retreats, worship, and rest, year-round. Learn more about Eden Ridge.

The safety, well-being, and peace of mind of our families and children are our highest priority. We take a proactive, multi-layered approach to child protection and event security so that parents can relax and children can enjoy outdoor recreation in safety.

• Vetted registration and vouching: Our retreats are not open-door public events. Every attendee goes through a formal registration process. First-time participants are screened through leadership phone conversations, reference checks, or vetting through existing fellowship members before attendance is approved.
• Parental responsibility and active supervision: Parents remain directly responsible for their children at all times. Children are not left unattended, and activities are structured so that families stay together. We follow safety practices similar to standard Christian youth and family ministries, ensuring that no adult is ever alone in a private setting with a child who is not their own.
• Strict behavioral standards: We have zero tolerance for any inappropriate, predatory, or boundary-crossing behavior. Anyone whose conduct violates our statement of faith or fellowship guidelines is subject to immediate removal from the event.
• Secure environments: By hosting our major retreats at gated, private naturist resorts, leased grounds, or carefully chosen private areas, we ensure a secure perimeter free from outside onlookers, unvetted visitors, or unwanted intrusion.

Beyond our spiritual convictions, research supports the psychological benefits of wholesome, non-sexual social nudity for children and youth. Peer-reviewed work by social psychologist Dr. Keon West, including his study "Think of the Children! Relationships Between Nudity-Related Experiences in Childhood, Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Adjustment", found that:

• Higher self-esteem and life satisfaction: people exposed to healthy, non-sexual family nudity in childhood report higher self-esteem, better body appreciation, and greater overall life satisfaction.
• Less body anxiety: environments where ordinary, diverse bodies are normal help children resist media-driven, unrealistic body standards and lower their risk of eating disorders.
• No negative outcomes found: the research found no negative behavioral, social, or psychological effects from family-centered social nudity.

Far from being harmful, raising children to see the body without shame aligns with both biblical creation theology and modern psychology, equipping kids with a confident, healthy identity in a body-obsessed world.

Naturism has often hidden away as if it were something shameful. But the Gospel calls us to live above reproach. If we truly believe the human body is a good creation free from inherent shame, we don't need to treat photography with paranoid secrecy. Instead, our policy is rooted in respect, clear consent, and personal integrity:

• Permission is mandatory: you must get clear permission from every person shown before taking any photo or video that includes nude individuals.
• Consent is required for sharing: content showing nude individuals may not be posted online or shared publicly without the explicit consent of everyone in it.
• The right to remove: any posted content must be removed immediately at the request of leadership or anyone visible in it.
• Respecting boundaries: photos and video of our outdoor adventures and fellowship are welcome, but always put the comfort and privacy of others first. Anyone who photographs people without consent will be asked to stop and, if necessary, to leave the event.

By replacing fear with clear rules of consent and mutual respect, we model a community that is open, honest, and at ease with God's creation.

Differing comfort levels between spouses are very common, and navigating them with grace takes wisdom, patience, and mutual respect.

• Avoid coercion and pressure: no spouse should ever force, guilt, or pressure the other into undressing or attending an event against their will. Marital unity and trust matter far more than any lifestyle preference.
• Avoid weaponizing hesitation: at the same time, we encourage honest, open communication rather than letting fear shut the conversation down. Hesitation should be an invitation to talk, pray, and understand why, not an automatic veto.
• Come and observe, clothed is welcome: if one spouse is curious and the other hesitant, we often invite them to attend together, with the clear agreement that the hesitant spouse stays fully clothed. Seeing the wholesome, family-friendly, non-sexual reality of the community first-hand often eases fears and changes the conversation.
• Patience and grace: take things at a pace that honors you both. If anxiety persists, our leadership is always happy to talk confidentially with couples and help them navigate these conversations lovingly.

Because our gatherings are centered on family safety, spiritual integrity, and mutual trust, we have a thoughtful, step-by-step process for first-time attendees.

1. Register: start on our registration page to register yourself or your family.
2. Welcome call: a member of our leadership team or a host couple will reach out for a brief, friendly phone or video call to get to know you, hear a bit of your story, answer your questions, and make sure the retreat is a good fit for what you're seeking.
3. Reference check: if you were invited by a fellowship member or partner organization, they can vouch for you directly. If you're completely new to the community, we may ask for a pastoral or personal reference as part of our child and family safety policy.
4. Confirmation and event details: once approved, you'll receive event logistics, venue information, lodging links, and the schedule.
5. On-site welcome: when you arrive, you won't be left to figure things out alone. First-time participants are paired with a seasoned "buddy couple" or host family who will show you around, introduce you to others, and help you settle in.

It's completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before your first gathering. Nearly every member of our fellowship was once in your shoes! Our hosts work hard to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.

• A clothed arrival: arrival and check-in are always fully clothed. You'll park, check in, unload, and settle into your room, cabin, or campsite without any pressure to undress.
• Orientation: your host family or buddy couple will walk you through the grounds, point out meeting areas and restrooms, explain facility rules (like pool guidelines), and introduce you to others.
• Transition at your own pace: there's no dramatic "big reveal" or set time to undress. When you're ready, you simply move into your comfort zone, whether that's swimwear, full social nudity, or staying clothed. Most people find that within 10 to 15 minutes, the nervousness is gone.
• Conversation and community: you'll quickly find that people engage with your eyes and heart, not your body. The focus is on shared meals, worship, outdoor recreation, and good conversation.

Feeling anxious or self-conscious before your first social naturist experience is completely natural. Perhaps you're drawn to the idea because it's new to you; perhaps you've felt the weight of advertising, religion, or a lifetime of cultural conditioning. Nudity is a kind of vulnerability, and we embrace it in a safe, wholesome way. Just as you'd undress to sink into a warm bath, or remember running through the sprinklers as a child, we aim to recapture that Edenic innocence. Vulnerability is a good thing here. It brings us closer to God and to each other.

• The 15-minute rule: almost without exception, the initial awkwardness lasts no more than 10 to 15 minutes. Once you're among people who are relaxed, talking, laughing, and looking each other in the eye, your brain recalibrates. What felt intimidating becomes ordinary and remarkably natural.
• Involuntary reactions: a common worry is an involuntary physical response, such as an erection in men, or physical reactions in women that are just as natural but less visible. Two things help:
  • Biology isn't intent. A cool breeze, a change in temperature, or nervous adrenaline can trigger automatic responses entirely apart from sexual thoughts. They are not a moral failing or a sign of lust; they're normal human biology.
  • Handle it calmly. There's no need to panic or feel ashamed. Stay calm, lay a towel across your lap if you're sitting, step into the water, or turn your attention to the conversation until your body settles. Everyone in our community understands how bodies work, and experienced members respond with grace and discretion. Nobody will stare or embarrass you.
• Connection, not perfection: social naturism isn't about showing off or judging bodies. It's about setting aside status and pretense to connect with others heart to heart. Once you realize no one is evaluating your body, the anxiety gives way to real freedom.

Packing for a Christian naturist retreat is surprisingly simple! You'll leave most of your wardrobe at home, but a few essentials will keep you comfortable:

• A seating towel or cushion: sitting on your own towel or pad on shared furniture, benches, and lawn chairs is standard naturist hygiene. Many people pack a small seating towel alongside their regular towel, though plenty prefer to air-dry after a swim!
• Sun and shade protection: sunscreen or your preferred sun care, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a light long-sleeve shirt or rash guard for when your skin needs a break.
• Practical footwear: comfortable shoes or sandals for hiking, and flip-flops for the pool, showers, and shared areas.
• Something warm: a light jacket, sweater, or hoodie for cool evenings by the campfire, and rain gear if the forecast calls for it.
• Bible, journal, and tech: your Bible and a notebook for morning worship and devotions, plus a phone charger and power bank if you're camping.
• Toiletries and a water bottle: staying hydrated outdoors matters, so keep a reusable bottle with you.

Our community runs on mutual respect, Christian love, and common-sense courtesy:

1. The towel rule: always sit on your own clean towel on shared chairs, benches, or other seating.
2. Eye contact and presence: engage with people eye to eye and heart to heart, just as you would anywhere else.
3. Respect personal space: keep ordinary physical boundaries. Uninvited physical contact is strictly prohibited.
4. Mind the camera guidelines: remember our consent-first photography policy. Always ask before pulling out a camera or phone.
5. Leave no trace: treat host resorts, retreat grounds, and public lands with care, leaving every space cleaner than you found it.

Exploring bodily freedom in community can stir up deep-seated thoughts, past wounds, or cultural conditioning. We encourage everyone to spend time in prayer before attending:

• Pray for purity of heart, and surrender shame: ask God to renew your mind (Romans 12:2) and to give you eyes that see others through Christ's love rather than worldly judgment or objectification.
• Meditate on creation and redemption: reflect on Genesis 1–2 and God's original design, while holding fast to Revelation 21:5: "He who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" Christ's redemption is not only about our future in heaven but about making us new today. He took on all our sins and transgressions; by His stripes we are healed! He is willing to heal body shame, restore childlike innocence, and bring our minds back into harmony with God's goodness.
• Focus on fellowship: come with an expectant heart, ready to build authentic, Christ-centered friendships, serve others, and rest in creation.