Are bathing suits immodest?

[lovely]

Tim (blazin bones),

I think those suits are modest too, and I am considering the idea of getting one for my daughter. They are a little expensive. Until now, I have done some makeshift things for her, but even the material is expensive. Anyway, our family is going to camp, and I want her to be able to swim. When I was a teenager, we had separate swims, but now they do mixed swimming...it's harder. My sons have swim shirts, and the trunks are very long and modest, but now it's just a matter of teaching them how to control their thoughts and treat their 'sisters with all purity'...I hope other parents are just as concerned about modesty, and then I won't have to worry so much. The thing is, everytime I go into a store I have this stuff to contend with.
The Lord bless.

 

[paisley]

I think a lot of swimsuits are very immodest. I would never wear a bikini myself and even many one pieces are unacceptable to my taste. I do have a swimsuit though but it has a skirt down to the thighs, it`s not low cut, and the straps are wide so they won`t accidently slip off. Nevertheless it is very cute! It doesn`t look like something a granny from the 1800`s would wear, but it`s not going to on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition either! It is cute, stylish and pretty but not sexy, but even with this, I must say I only wear it when I take my kids swimming at heavily kid populated locations. I wouldn`t feel comfortable walking around in even this bathing suit in front of a lot of grown men.

 

[paisley]

Lovely, I was just looking over other people`s replies and saw the site you mentioned. I think those are very nice swimsuits, and I would say they are modest. I like the leggings underneath. My swimsuit doesn`t have the leggings which I think is what would make me not feel comfortable walking around men in, but I think I would feel fine walking around in a swimsuit like this. I give it a thumbs up! I also like the colors and styles which gives it a modern feel that even teens could confidently wear. I have seen other "modest bathing suit" sites but those looked liked 1800`s clothes which would only accomplish getting a lot of embarrassing stares, but this site you posted is nice.

 

[Relic]

.

Jesus said, As a man thinketh so is he. Of course, we are not to provoke, but provoking is intentionally acting or talking in a provacative manner.

Some people are so perverted that they think to see someones toes is a turn on. So does that mean that no one should ever show their toes and when going to swim a person should cover up their toes because there might be some pervert that is being provoked because there are exposed toes? :crazy

It's the MIND of a person that is the problem. Why should all cover up because of one a two perverts in the crowd? Some Muslims think all women should be covered from head to toe by wearing a berka [sp] because of the dirty minded men might be provoked.


Give me a break. Modesty can be taken to extremes just because of a few dirty minded people. Used to be innocent skinny dipping was never a problem. I wonder if some people here would think it a sin for young kids, teens, or adults to skinny dip in pond.

.


.

 

[Relic]

.

10/6/08 |
Skinny-dipping - an old-fashioned rural tradition or a crime against humanity?

Three people have been charged with public indecency for taking naked plunges into Moosehead Lake to win free sandwiches from a restaurant. Is the law being applied correctly? Would a jury of their peers find their nude bodies less than decent? Is nudity

more acceptable in the wilds of the Moosehead region than in, say, downtown Portland? Should cops start staking-out rural swimming holes?
source: http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/90541.html

.


:o


.

 

[LostSoul]

Honestly not really sure what to think here. Then most the time I wear a tee-shirt over my bathing suit. More or less I reserve the right to see me without clothes, or close to it, to my hubby alone. Then that is me and what I feel to be comfortable, as well as scripturaly right.

Still, a one piece is not so bad. Then the bikini tends to be more popular from what I have seen. That I can understand being rather sketchy seeing as some have said, bikinis all too closely resemble a lady's undergarments.

Lovely, those swimsuits are beautiful...but I cannot afford to pay that sort of money for a single swim suit. Would rather go to Goodwill and get me a less pricey one piece. But as I said, those are gorgeous and not to mention very appropriate.

I apologize if any of this is found offensive. No harm was meant.

May God Bless You

Danielle

 

[Blazin Bones]

While skinny dipping is a separate topic and should be treated as such I will say this, there was a reason why adam and eve were ashamed when they knew they were naked in the garden. If someone wants to chase this topic any more, start a new thread.

Relic, I'm curious as to what you think about the link Lovely added.

 

[Biblereader]

YES

Look at it this way. Wouldn't you think it embarrassing for your mother to wear her
bathing suit to church?

WHY? Because she is your mother, and you have respect for her.

The main reason women wear swimsuits is to catch the guy's attentions.
Yes, that's the only reason. We are trolling for men, for dates, for someone
to ride around with.
Swimsuits don't command respect, for the most part. They are not modest, and I really
doubt if you would wear one if no one else on the beach was wearing one. It's ridiculous social
customs to do this. It does not fit with what God says.

 

[LostSoul]

YES

The main reason women wear swimsuits is to catch the guy's attentions.
Yes, that's the only reason. We are trolling for men, for dates, for someone
to ride around with.

Biblereader,

Sorry...but I am inclined to disagree here. Then....as I said...I wear a tee-shirt over my swim suit. Not all practice this I am aware, nor am I any more saintly than the next. But as I said...I am going to have to disagree here. For not all of us who wear swimsuits do it to catch the eye of the opposing gender. In truth, it was something I was brought up to believe normal or natural. So that is why I wear them.

Though I have no arguement in terms of how indecent they can appear and how that does not relate well to scripture. That much we can agree on.

Each of us is different, so I know it is not going to be the same with everyone. I apologize if I have come off as rude. I do not mean to offend you or anyone else here.

May God Bless You

Danielle

 

[handy]

YES

Look at it this way. Wouldn't you think it embarrassing for your mother to wear her
bathing suit to church?

WHY? Because she is your mother, and you have respect for her.

The main reason women wear swimsuits is to catch the guy's attentions.
Yes, that's the only reason. We are trolling for men, for dates, for someone
to ride around with.
Swimsuits don't command respect, for the most part. They are not modest, and I really
doubt if you would wear one if no one else on the beach was wearing one. It's ridiculous social
customs to do this. It does not fit with what God says.

You know, sometimes a girl just likes swimming. Especially on a hot summer day. And, I don't want to wear a ton of clothes or look ridiculous doing so. Looking ridiculous can be just as sinful as immodesty in a way. If one is being spiritually prideful, "Hey everyone, look at me. I'm so modest and you aren't", in my opinion that is just as wrong as running around like a Sport's Illustrated model.

I've had to face this question myself because I love to swim and since we don't have the money to put in a pool I do so either at the public pool and at the lakes. After a lot of shopping I did find a swimsuit much like Paisley's, fully functional straps and a skirt that covers the bum. Before I found that suit I found the best solution to be a one piece that I would wear shorts over. By selecting the right type of one piece and shorts, the result was fairly stylish but basically unremarkable.

My thoughts on the swimsuits on the site lovely shared: Very overpriced and really unnecessary. Really, does anyone think that they are more modest than this suit, which could probably be bought at Wal-Mart's for around $20 - $30?

 

[JoJo]

I'm going to be brutally honest here.

In my skinny days I wore a bikini because I had the body for it. It wasn't a string bikini or a thong or anything, but it was revealing nonetheless. Though I was a Christian, I have to admit I enjoyed turning heads. And now I have to look back and wonder if any of those turning heads were married heads or virtuous single men.

Dave's reminder, "Remember to do nothing that causes your Brother (or Sister) in the Lord to stumble." was a stinging reminder of my actions and a wake-up call for my present attitude. (if there is one thing this forum has provided for me it would be accountability and lots of wake-up calls!)

Today I ask myself, "If I had the body for a bikini would I wear one again?" and I have to be honest with myself. Like Danielle, when I go swimming I wear a t-shirt. But do I personally do it because I'm trying to be modest or because I am too flabby for a bikini? I have to search my soul.

So I want to thank Dave for starting this topic and for everyone's input. I will probably not buy a special bathing suit but will continue to wear a t-shirt when I swim. But now I know my heart is clean about it! :amen

 

[Biblereader]

However, in many parts of Europe, nudity in public beaches in commonplace.
my ... (so as to not offend anyone) :halo .

Europe is supposedly where the antichrist will rule from, too.

Bathing suits, bikinis, speedos, nude beaches, etc., are all sinful. They all cause men to commit sin in their hearts and minds....well, speedos make women think evil thoughts, and maybe they provoke homosexual males to lust. It's all bad, and none of it will stand before the throne of God. Repent or burn.

 

[Biblereader]

OK, I forgot another reason. TO FIT IN WITH THE WORLD.
Why not wear knee length shorts, and a bra, and a t shirt, when you swim?
It all gets wet, you can swim in them, and the bra covers up better.

YES

The main reason women wear swimsuits is to catch the guy's attentions.
Yes, that's the only reason. We are trolling for men, for dates, for someone
to ride around with.

Biblereader,

Sorry...but I am inclined to disagree here. Then....as I said...I wear a tee-shirt over my swim suit. Not all practice this I am aware, nor am I any more saintly than the next. But as I said...I am going to have to disagree here. For not all of us who wear swimsuits do it to catch the eye of the opposing gender. In truth, it was something I was brought up to believe normal or natural. So that is why I wear them.

Though I have no arguement in terms of how indecent they can appear and how that does not relate well to scripture. That much we can agree on.

Each of us is different, so I know it is not going to be the same with everyone. I apologize if I have come off as rude. I do not mean to offend you or anyone else here.

May God Bless You

Danielle

 

[LostSoul]

OK, I forgot another reason. TO FIT IN WITH THE WORLD.
Why not wear knee length shorts, and a bra, and a t shirt, when you swim?
It all gets wet, you can swim in them, and the bra covers up better.

Wow.... you know...this just....really goes to show....how rude people here really are anymore....I'm out.

You know...some of us were brought up not knowing better. Some of us were not as educated as others...and heck if a one piece is not modest enough with a tee-shirt over it...I guess I am on my way to hell huh?

Thank you for clearing that up for me....really appreciate it.

 

[lovely]

Danielle, you are so right sometimes we just don't know better. I grew up with a dad who didn't even address these things, and so what I did was up to me. It was the influence of women who loved the Lord that helped me through, and they did not condemn me when I made mistakes, and I made plenty. I am thankful that they loved me and gave me gentle instruction.

As a believer, I am required to teach my daughter to be chaste and modest, and I want to offer her gentle training/instruction as well. I want to do it while she is young and teachable. I personally do not believe that the world, or culture, dictates to believers what conduct or clothing is modest. I know others may argue this point, but I think this is the only area that I have heard people offer an argument that suggests the world set the standard for God's people...I don't agree. My daughter will eventually have to decide these things for herself, but I hope to give her some level-headed Godly counsel in the matter while I have her little heart. I hope that if God writes something on her heart that she will not be afraid to stand alone. I want her to reflect Christ, to be ladylike, and to be wise, and If she stands out at all I want it to be because of obedience, not because some man thinks she is hot in a cute little bathing suit...she has a higher value to Christ and me. Her price is far above rubies, and I will encourage her to be modest-minded in all matters.

My daughter liked the suits in the link I posted here, and she also likes some other things we saw at target. (Target is cheaper so they may win out ultimately.) The thing is, those girls who designed these suits charge more because it cost them more to make them. I appreciate their effort to have a business that promotes modesty, and so if I can make some extra money I may just support them because they are making a good contribution to young believing girls by encouraging them in chaste and modest behavior. I think I should support their good work. I know girls who spend more on less.

Last year Ari had a suit very similar to the ones in that link that I made for her myself, but it fell apart by the end of summer...I am not the best seamstress. Anyway, the material was modern, and she felt very comfortable to romp and play in the water. She usually just swims with our family, but she will be wearing this one to camp, and so I want her to be comfortable while she plays. The Lord bless.

 

[Timothy]

Someone please quote me a scripture that actually defines modest dress. Not just the apparel. One that actually says Modest dress is blank. Let's get some perspective. If those who consider most bathing suits immodest were to go back to Israel during Jesus day, I'd guarantee that much of there cloths would be considered immodest. Such as shorts and t-shirt. Not even a short pair of shorts. Modesty is culturally defined to a greater degree it refers to intent and one's actions as much, no more, then the physical dress.

And as far as the turn or burn mentality that is not a standpoint that takes into account God's love and how he would treat that person. It puts you in the same league as that "church" that protests the American soldiers at their funerals. It comes from a standpoint of hate and there is no statement of love behind it so be careful when you speak with it because its not anyone here you'll have to give account to for using it. God saved your soul by love alone. It was by love that he sent his convicting spirit. It was in love He showed you your sin. It was love that drove him to the cross and it was love that kept him their. Love for you. Love for every man and woman. There is not a person on this earth that God would excuse you from loving. You are God's servant, and as such you are not above your master. If he loves, you are too. Your not the convicting spirit and don't need to pass judgement and conviction to people, rather it is your job to LOVINGLY stand and give a record for what God has done for you, to his word, and to what it means to be saved. God never has nor never will need you to send conviction or judgment on someone, turn or burn mentality just will not cut it.

I would generally agree that there is an amount of rudeness in replies in these threads, One side talks with open heart honestly wanting to discuss the issue and learn from one another, the other side looks down on and accuses the other telling them to turn or burn. It is a very clear picture as to your motivation in this, a motivation that is to bring others under the law of sin and death. You want to be brought out of God's grace and back into bondage to the Law then that's your perspective, however I know Paul had some words about that standpoint.

 

[lovely]

Modesty is culturally defined to a greater degree it refers to intent and one's actions as much, no more, then the physical dress.

Timothy, I agree with this statement, because the Bible says it is conduct. I don't see where the culture teaches modesty on any level, in conduct or dress, to be honest. I also believe that the church hasn't taught it much either, and that's why we look and act much like the world. The Bible talks about women having shamefacedness and sobriety and being dressed in modest apparel. It also talks about having a meek and quiet spirit. I don't want to show my daughter that swimming and playing in a tiny piece of cloth in front of men and boys in a public pool is modest behavior, it's not. I find it forward and flirtatious in a young girl who isn't mindful or aware of herself (she needs training), and I hate to think of who may be watching her. Anyway, I think it's up to believers to influence the culture to Christ's ways, to be set apart, and it wasn't long ago that the standard of modesty was very different. I realize we don't agree, but I wanted to acknowledge that I do believe that conduct is at least half of the matter. The Lord bless you.

 

[Timothy]

I don't see where the culture teaches modesty on any level, in conduct or dress, to be honest.

I don't see how you could miss this. While there isn't a formal class cultures teach modesty and social appropriate behavior in it is very much a learned behavior from youth. There are places in South America where even the men have only a small covering for there genitals. Without it they feel shame with it they feel modest, even though it doesn't really cover a thing. Places in south America and Africa both have tribes where woman and men where less clothing, even topless, and they don't see it the same as you or I would. And when modern society catches up to them, there apparel changes, that is to say there definition of appropriate apparel changes.

I also believe that the church hasn't taught it much either, and that's why we look and act much like the world. The Bible talks about women having shamefacedness and sobriety and being dressed in modest apparel. It also talks about having a meek and quiet spirit.

It does say that scripture but it says more about woman wearing gold jewelry, pearls and braided hair then a definition of what modest clothing is in way of the amount of skin showing. You cannot define a word by using it in its definition and even going back to the Strong's to the original word, its definition does not show a real picture of what Modest clothing is.

I don't want to show my daughter that swimming and playing in a tiny piece of cloth in front of men and boys in a public pool is modest behavior, it's not. I find it forward and flirtatious in a young girl who isn't mindful or aware of herself (she needs training), and I hate to think of who may be watching her. Anyway, I think it's up to believers to influence the culture to Christ's ways, to be set apart, and it wasn't long ago that the standard of modesty was very different. I realize we don't agree, but I wanted to acknowledge that I do believe that conduct is at least half of the matter. The Lord bless you.

While I agree and even applaud your training up your child. I would also just make the point that you will never wear modest enough cloths for a man not to lust, they will find a way even wearing a burka. As for the other side of the fence, you can be immodest even wearing a burka. So in reality my point is this is an issue that needs to each one to determine for themselves what they believe through prayer, and study of God's word alone.

Let me say that I'm not saying your wrong, I'm saying its right for you and your faith, but that doesn't mean that its right for everyone. This is an issue not clearly defined in scripture, and its important for christians to recognize that and treat differing views with respect and not try to impose their morality on them. In the end that's not our Jobs as Christians and that is my point. It not even my pastor's job to tell me what I am supposed to believe or have faith in. And to be honest if I were to take what my pastor, friend or anyone else taught me about God as my faith it would be shallow and rootless faith and the seed of God's word would be plucked easily from me. It is of my opinion that each one is responsibility for their own beliefs and faith with God. When we get to heaven saying "but my pastor taught me this" Or "my parents taught me that this was truth" will not be enough of an excuse to get out of giving account for doing/believing things that are contrary to God and his word.

I'll just close with something I used to say when I preached. "my walk with God is so important that I will not let anyone dictate to me what I believe. And its the same for you. No one should be so highly thought of that there words are not brought against the filter of God's word and prayer"

 

[lovely]

Timothy,

I don't disagree with your post for the most part. I think cultural standards are not God's standards for His people utimately, but I think this may be the only main point where we seem to disagree. Of course, you are advocating the Holy Spirit changing one's heart on such things, and that I wholeheartedly agree with that.

The loin cloth example is actually a good one, but I was thinking of our culture. What of these preteens, teenage girls, and young women in the United States? Where is their tradition of modesty? Where is their loin cloth that they can't do without? The loin cloth is at least a 'standard', but we seemed to have stepped away from our standard of modest behavior, and dress, entirely. Immorality is the banner for our pop culture, and the clothes and acceptable behaviors have shifted to accomodate the idea that it's okay, and we should desire it, live for it, dress for it, etc. Anything goes to be sexy. I agree that the jewelry, the designer labels, and the whole status thing is gawdy and immodest, and we need to address this too. It hurts me to see young girls pour themselves into this stuff, and flaunt themselves so that they can feel attractive and loved. I am interested in what you think about this.

The Bible tells the older women to teach the younger women good things...like being chaste, loving their husbands, keepers at home, etc. God set up the model of older (believing)women teaching the younger (believing) women , and they are to instruct them in good things. We are not talking about a dress code, except in a family where it's appropriate, but some wisdom and instruction concerning the issue of modesty in general. I agree that it must be the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a believer, I learned that lesson the hard way for myself, I also agree that what we are taught should be filtered through the Word, but I don't think that means we should be lone rangers who are not willing to receive instruction at all. I think sometimes simple obedience first in an area is alright, and as we grow and learn for ourselves we will make the appropriate changes according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Hopefully teachers, preachers, elders, and older women will see that this is what we actually want to promote.

The Lord blesss you.

 

[Timothy]

Lovely

To be honest the example for men I used wasn't a loin cloth, it was a small strip of plant, reed if you will, tied around something and it covered nothing. But dressing sexy is largely my point, to dress to be sexy or to turn heads is a motivation. One can dress sexy even wearing the most covered of clothing. And I don't agree so much with woman wearing lots of jewelry, diamonds gold and fancy hair and cloths. Its improper and has a motivation that's wrong. And for a Christian, so Christian teens know, to a true godly man, nothing is more attractive then a proverbs 31 woman (virtuous wife).

As far as teaching goes, you do no favor to your child or church members spoon feeding them what they believe. If you read how Jesus taught, he always stepped through the teaching with people asking them questions around helping them to gain understanding from the bible itself. It was how I always preached and taught in bible studies. Aside from that on a given sunday morning you will forget 80% of what you heard by the time you exit the building. That's something they teach in even the most basic preaching classes. Speaking to someone about what the bible says doesn't not give ownership of it to them. It only places some vague thoughts in their head and it will not produce fruit in any way and even more so can hurt them as they misinterpet things. Being teachable to me is receiving instruction, taking note of that, then studying it in the word for myself. There are reasons for this, mainly because if someone teaches me something, or corrects me 1 I want to make sure its correct. And 2 I want to gain ownership of that portion of God's word so I can use it as a weapon and tool to correct myself in life and tohelp me walkin in a holy way that glroifies God. If I blindly follow that teaching, then I do myself or the teacher no justice. I don't have ownership of it and that seed will be snatched away by the devil because it had no real roots in my heart, that is to say it wasn't truly writien on the tablets of my heart. Jesus talks about this in the parable of sowing the seeds.