“Clothing Required”

Monday, January 14, 2013

I've enrolled in a drawing class as part of getting my Associates in Fine Arts.  Last week, the teacher mentioned that toward the end of the quarter, we will do figure studies, which will include a model coming in to pose nude.  The teacher mentioned that if anyone has religious qualms toward that part, to come see her.  That got me thinking, is this sin or putting myself in a sinful situation?  If it is more of a personal choice or what feels comfortable, I really don't mind.  I've always loved art, and the human form is a very common subject in various styles of art.  I just want to feel confident in my decisions; as far as what God expects, what are the choices I should be making?

Sincerely,
Art Student

Dear Art Student,

It would be a sin for you to look at and paint a nude model.  Though more socially acceptable, nude paintings are essentially low-tech pornography.  The only person you should ever see nude is your spouse (Eph 5:31, 1 Cor 7:1-2).  Go ahead and tell the teacher that you do have religious convictions that make it impossible for you to take part in that section of the curriculum.

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