Is it okay to watch "Naked and Afraid"?

[Leo2014]

Is it okay to watch shrek is love, shrek is life on youtube?

I just need to know if I need to go to confession or not.

Please help.

Do you mean this rhetorically or are you serious?

The Church does see homosexuality as a sin. This does not mean we should go out and conduct a witch-hunt. However, simply because one senses more pleasure than remorse does not eradicate the presents of sin. Many struggle within the dualism of decision. I think most of us feel that since lightening has not come down and stop us in our tracks…it must be OK? But you know this is not the case.

Many fall in the state of Sentimentalism, they use “love” to justify their actions. I think you are very much aware that love does not justify all actions…

Confession…you bet!

 

[oneofmany]

I think it’s just stupid for the fact that our ancient ancestors tried to cover themselves as soon as they lost their fur. They knew it was better to be covered with something than have the brush and sun ravage their bodies. Just makes sense. Even the Africans who live in the bush are covered with something. You would think the first thing they would do is make some coverings out of plants or other things they could find.

 

[Memaw]

I think it’s just stupid for the fact that our ancient ancestors tried to cover themselves as soon as they lost their fur. They knew it was better to be covered with something than have the brush and sun ravage their bodies. Just makes sense. Even the Africans who live in the bush are covered with something. You would think the first thing they would do is make some coverings out of plants or other things they could find.

You would think that civilized people in the 21 Century wouldn’t even take part in a program such as that to begin with. And others wouldn’t condone it. God Bless, Memaw

 

[KidHorn]

I think it’s just stupid for the fact that our ancient ancestors tried to cover themselves as soon as they lost their fur. They knew it was better to be covered with something than have the brush and sun ravage their bodies. Just makes sense. Even the Africans who live in the bush are covered with something. You would think the first thing they would do is make some coverings out of plants or other things they could find.

Both contestants have a burlap bag that they frequently use to cover their private parts and there have been episodes where someone made something out of leaves to cover themselves and made shoes out of leaves. I think in most cases it’s not easy to manufacture clothing in the wild. You also need to prioritize between covering yourself, building shelter, keeping warm and getting food. In terms of survival, covering yourself is the least important. Only Humans wear clothes and yet everything else manages to survive.

 

[Memaw]

Both contestants have a burlap bag that they frequently use to cover their private parts and there have been episodes where someone made something out of leaves to cover themselves and made shoes out of leaves. I think in most cases it’s not easy to manufacture clothing in the wild. You also need to prioritize between covering yourself, building shelter, keeping warm and getting food. In terms of survival, covering yourself is the least important. Only Humans wear clothes and yet everything else manages to survive.

“Everything else” doesn’t have a soul to protect !! God Bless, Memaw

 

[GEddie]

“Everything else” doesn’t have a soul to protect !! God Bless, Memaw

Souls, being immaterial, do not need to be covered except by the body!!!

Seriously, I know what you are saying. But if this program were generating all the prurient interest you seem to expect, we’d be hearing much more about it than we do.

The body is just the body. Not something shameful.

IMNAAHO

ICXC NIKA.

 

[Memaw]

Souls, being immaterial, do not need to be covered except by the body!!!

Seriously, I know what you are saying. But if this program were generating all the prurient interest you seem to expect, we’d be hearing much more about it than we do.

The body is just the body. Not something shameful.

IMNAAHO

ICXC NIKA.

The body isn’t shameful as God designed it but it can be shameful the way man uses it. That’s why God covered Adam and Eve after they sinned. It’s hard to believe we can’t all see how far this kind of thing has taken us down that good ole slippery slope. Maybe were getting conditioned to not be shocked at what we see on TV anymore. God Bless, Memaw

 

[AMFV]

The body isn’t shameful as God designed it but it can be shameful the way man uses it. That’s why God covered Adam and Eve after they sinned. It’s hard to believe we can’t all see how far this kind of thing has taken us down that good ole slippery slope. Maybe were getting conditioned to not be shocked at what we see on TV anymore. God Bless, Memaw

I don’t believe the Church has any explicit prohibition against nudity. While they are against the depiction of a sexual act in film and cinema, and this is a fair complaint. Nudity, in and of itself is not sinful. I’ve showered in communal showers, have I sinned? Does a nurse sin when she examines something that is injured?

Now it’s a different story if I am using the show for my own arousal. But honestly, even as somebody who has periodically had issues with lust, I don’t think I would find it at all arousing. A survival situation is the exact opposite to my mind of an erotic one, and I don’t believe that the show contains any erotic elements. Just because somebody is clothed does not mean that they cannot be acting suggestively, and just because somebody is nude does not mean that they are.

 

[oneofmany]

Both contestants have a burlap bag that they frequently use to cover their private parts and there have been episodes where someone made something out of leaves to cover themselves and made shoes out of leaves. I think in most cases it’s not easy to manufacture clothing in the wild. You also need to prioritize between covering yourself, building shelter, keeping warm and getting food. In terms of survival, covering yourself is the least important. Only Humans wear clothes and yet everything else manages to survive.

Everything else isn’t naked out in the elements.

 

[Memaw]

I don’t believe the Church has any explicit prohibition against nudity. While they are against the depiction of a sexual act in film and cinema, and this is a fair complaint. Nudity, in and of itself is not sinful. I’ve showered in communal showers, have I sinned? Does a nurse sin when she examines something that is injured?

Now it’s a different story if I am using the show for my own arousal. But honestly, even as somebody who has periodically had issues with lust, I don’t think I would find it at all arousing. A survival situation is the exact opposite to my mind of an erotic one, and I don’t believe that the show contains any erotic elements. Just because somebody is clothed does not mean that they cannot be acting suggestively, and just because somebody is nude does not mean that they are.

That is a lame excuse if I ever heard one. The Church strongly teaches MODESTY!! It is a SIN to parade yourself around nude anywhere, let alone where the world can see you do it. God Bless, Memaw

 

[AMFV]

That is a lame excuse if I ever heard one. The Church strongly teaches MODESTY!! It is a SIN to parade yourself around nude anywhere, let alone where the world can see you do it. God Bless, Memaw

The Church has been fairly open as to exactly what is modest. Nudity is not necessarily immodest, I presented several scenarios where one could be nude without being immodest. If I were in certain places and environments modesty would require I do more than I typically do today. Nudity in what is very much a non-sexual context, is unlikely to be immodest, any more than poor dress due to lack of funds is immodest, or public showers are.

Edit: Also cite your source, give me any official Church documents which states that nudity is sinful, the closest I could find is an editorial based on the dresscode at certain official Vatican sites, which is not published by any official arm of the Church. We are not to presume as to what is a sin outside of what the Church teaches us.

 

[Memaw]

The Church has been fairly open as to exactly what is modest. Nudity is not necessarily immodest, I presented several scenarios where one could be nude without being immodest. If I were in certain places and environments modesty would require I do more than I typically do today. Nudity in what is very much a non-sexual context, is unlikely to be immodest, any more than poor dress due to lack of funds is immodest, or public showers are.

Edit: Also cite your source, give me any official Church documents which states that nudity is sinful, the closest I could find is an editorial based on the dresscode at certain official Vatican sites, which is not published by any official arm of the Church. We are not to presume as to what is a sin outside of what the Church teaches us.

You got to be kidding !!! From the mouth of the Blessed Mother herself, " MORE souls go to Hell because of sins of the FLESH than for any other reason!! FATIMA !!! And the Church has found Fatima to be “Worthy of Belief” and all Popes since have promoted it and our Dear Pope Francis is going there in 2017, possibly to Canonize the two small children. God Bless, Memaw

 

[Leo2014]

That is a lame excuse if I ever heard one. The Church strongly teaches MODESTY!! It is a SIN to parade yourself around nude anywhere, let alone where the world can see you do it. God Bless, Memaw

You are making a huge assumption that nudity by default causes an arousal. I am certain that a middle age man walking naked down the street is going to create more disgust than stimulation. Therefore, I believe it is more of a question; does the site of someone naked lead us to un-pure thoughts?

However, I agree with the need to be modest. But, many times our nudity can be representative of our modesty; I think when you are naked waiting to be examined by your physician, sexual arousal is the last thing on your mind. Your thoughts are more likely to be one of worry or concern - if it is that type of examination. In this scenario, venerability, fear, uncertainty would better represent your nakedness.

 

[Memaw]

You are making a huge assumption that nudity by default causes an arousal. I am certain that a middle age man walking naked down the street is going to create more disgust than stimulation. Therefore, I believe it is more of a question; does the site of someone naked lead us to un-pure thoughts?

However, I agree with the need to be modest. But, many times our nudity can be representative of our modesty; I think when you are naked waiting to be examined by your physician, sexual arousal is the last thing on your mind. Your thoughts are more likely to be one of worry or concern - if it is that type of examination. In this scenario, venerability, fear, uncertainty would better represent your nakedness.

I can hardly believe that Catholics are defending this program! You are speaking with a forked tongue. Can’t have it both ways. "Nudity can be representative of our Modesty??? Really??? And yes the sight of someone naked can and does lead some people to impure thoughts, and sometimes they take it out on an innocent victim, such as a child even. Why do you think pornography is such a horrendous problem in our society today. Comparing a Dr’s. visit to nudity in a TV program, now that’s quite a stretch, I’d say!! I have been to a Drs. office many times in my nearly 80 years and I have NEVER been asked to parade around nude!!. I have had 9 babies and not a one was born while I was nude. Good gosh !! They have always done everything possible to protect my modesty. Nothing wrong with my thoughts! God Bless, Memaw

 

[Leo2014]

They have always done everything possible to protect my modesty. Nothing wrong with my thoughts! God Bless, Memaw

Memaw,

All of us fall short of earning God’s grace. It is our thoughts that are our biggest problem; whether it is sexual immortality or some other thoughts. Don’t take this offensively, but seeing an older woman with her clothes off is not going to have the same effect as watching a Carl’s Jr commercial were the young ladies happen to be wearing clothes. I am almost certain that the first scenario never leads to impure thoughts.

In regards to the television show; I rarely watch TV therefore I was not aware of the programming. I personally don’t like the “reality” format. Most of them seem to be more for someone to show off their riches.

In regards to medical examines, count your blessings, I thought most of us have at the very lease had to wear one of those gowns without a backside if we never had to be completely naked.

 

[Memaw]

Memaw,

All of us fall short of earning God’s grace. It is our thoughts that are our biggest problem; whether it is sexual immortality or some other thoughts. Don’t take this offensively, but seeing an older woman with her clothes off is not going to have the same effect as watching a Carl’s Jr commercial were the young ladies happen to be wearing clothes. I am almost certain that the first scenario never leads to impure thoughts.

In regards to the television show; I rarely watch TV therefore I was not aware of the programming. I personally don’t like the “reality” format. Most of them seem to be more for someone to show off their riches.

In regards to medical examines, count your blessings, I thought most of us have at the very lease had to wear one of those gowns without a backside if we never had to be completely naked.

I have news for you, the gals in that TV show are not old ladies. And those gowns can be held shut. No comparison. God Bless, Memaw

 

[AMFV]

You got to be kidding !!! From the mouth of the Blessed Mother herself, " MORE souls go to Hell because of sins of the FLESH than for any other reason!! FATIMA !!! And the Church has found Fatima to be “Worthy of Belief” and all Popes since have promoted it and our Dear Pope Francis is going there in 2017, possibly to Canonize the two small children. God Bless, Memaw

First, “worthy of belief” is not AT ALL tantamount to official doctrine or any statement of authenticity. Now I’m not sure what I believe about the Fatima thing, it very well could be true, but to claim it is anything approaching official doctrine is most certainly not.

Second, nudity is not necessarily going to cause “sins of the flesh”, as many have pointed out clothing can be immaterial to that. If I see a woman who is acting provocatively it is more likely to be arousing and a problem for me, than a woman wearing nothing who is acting in that context.

Third, this is a non-sequitur, since you have yet to establish that immodesty in a survival context is immoral. You could quote the Church teachings on modesty, but those are due to cultural reasons very clearly not explicit. And the only prohibitions about nudity I could find are not at all from the Church but rather from over-zealous laity.

I can hardly believe that Catholics are defending this program! You are speaking with a forked tongue. Can’t have it both ways. "Nudity can be representative of our Modesty??? Really??? And yes the sight of someone naked can and does lead some people to impure thoughts, and sometimes they take it out on an innocent victim, such as a child even. Why do you think pornography is such a horrendous problem in our society today. Comparing a Dr’s. visit to nudity in a TV program, now that’s quite a stretch, I’d say!! I have been to a Drs. office many times in my nearly 80 years and I have NEVER been asked to parade around nude!!. I have had 9 babies and not a one was born while I was nude. Good gosh !! They have always done everything possible to protect my modesty. Nothing wrong with my thoughts! God Bless, Memaw

First, Pornography is such a problem because of pornography, the gateways that lead young men to pornography are not ****** survival reality television shows.

Second, we have never argued that it would not be a sin for a specific person to watch it, I even used myself as an example, in explaining that to me it would not be arousing, or sinful. If it is an occasion of sin for you then don’t do it, but it is not necessarily going to be an occasion of sin for others, just because you have difficulties with it.

Third, a doctor’s visit, is very comparable, they are both nudity that has nothing to do with any sexual context, one is required nudity for medical examination, and that arguably has more merit. But neither is a sexual context, the idea of being naked in a survival situation is again, I repeat, the opposite of arousing it’s terrifying. That is why it is included the show, not to arouse but to demonstrate horror and raised stakes.

I have news for you, the gals in that TV show are not old ladies. And those gowns can be held shut. No comparison. God Bless, Memaw

Yes, but the gals on that TV show are not presented in any way that is focused on their sexuality, or anything but their survival. Furthermore, since you choose not to watch it, how are you certain on this topic, since you’ve stated that nudity would be an occasion of potential sin for you, you probably shouldn’t be watching the show to evaluate its merits.

 

[Memaw]

First, “worthy of belief” is not AT ALL tantamount to official doctrine or any statement of authenticity. Now I’m not sure what I believe about the Fatima thing, it very well could be true, but to claim it is anything approaching official doctrine is most certainly not.

Second, nudity is not necessarily going to cause “sins of the flesh”, as many have pointed out clothing can be immaterial to that. If I see a woman who is acting provocatively it is more likely to be arousing and a problem for me, than a woman wearing nothing who is acting in that context.

Third, this is a non-sequitur, since you have yet to establish that immodesty in a survival context is immoral. You could quote the Church teachings on modesty, but those are due to cultural reasons very clearly not explicit. And the only prohibitions about nudity I could find are not at all from the Church but rather from over-zealous laity.

First, Pornography is such a problem because of pornography, the gateways that lead young men to pornography are not ****** survival reality television shows.

Second, we have never argued that it would not be a sin for a specific person to watch it, I even used myself as an example, in explaining that to me it would not be arousing, or sinful. If it is an occasion of sin for you then don’t do it, but it is not necessarily going to be an occasion of sin for others, just because you have difficulties with it.

Third, a doctor’s visit, is very comparable, they are both nudity that has nothing to do with any sexual context, one is required nudity for medical examination, and that arguably has more merit. But neither is a sexual context, the idea of being naked in a survival situation is again, I repeat, the opposite of arousing it’s terrifying. That is why it is included the show, not to arouse but to demonstrate horror and raised stakes.

Yes, but the gals on that TV show are not presented in any way that is focused on their sexuality, or anything but their survival. Furthermore, since you choose not to watch it, how are you certain on this topic, since you’ve stated that nudity would be an occasion of potential sin for you, you probably shouldn’t be watching the show to evaluate its merits.

Since when do you have to be nude to survive?? The Church teaches many things that are not doctrine but based on doctrine. If you don’t want to believe the Blessed Mother, that’s your problem because the Church does! Why do you think God clothed Adam and Eve after they sinned?? And they were man and wife even. No one else around to see them nude. No I don’t watch the show but I have heard others talk of it and commercials come on while watching something else and there have been complaints against it on the internet. Did I ever state that nudity would be an occasion of potential sin for me? I think it’s a sin to watch others sin. No wonder our young people are loosing their morals so rapidly. God Bless, Memaw

 

[Leo2014]

No wonder our young people are loosing their morals so rapidly. God Bless, Memaw

Let’s make certain to clarify that we all are in danger of losing our morals and falling into sin. I think the argument that has been made here is that not all nudity is arousing. Yes, one should display some modesty but the simple lack of clothing being sinful? I can understand the argument against it.

I admit to never having watch this program. However, the content of television (and movies) has gotten worse over the years. We see sex, violence and profanity in greater intensity. Sadly, most of us are OK with it. Some of those movies have even been recommended by your fellow Catholics.

Now that is disconcerting…

 

[AMFV]

Since when do you have to be nude to survive?? The Church teaches many things that are not doctrine but based on doctrine. If you don’t want to believe the Blessed Mother, that’s your problem because the Church does! Why do you think God clothed Adam and Eve after they sinned?? And they were man and wife even. No one else around to see them nude. No I don’t watch the show but I have heard others talk of it and commercials come on while watching something else and there have been complaints against it on the internet. Did I ever state that nudity would be an occasion of potential sin for me? I think it’s a sin to watch others sin. No wonder our young people are loosing their morals so rapidly. God Bless, Memaw

First, it isn’t for me to presume on the motives of God, as to why he would do anything. If God had a reason that he thought we could understand and needed to, I’m sure he would communicate it. And yes, he did clothe Adam and Eve, but that’s hardly a restriction on nudity overall, and the Church insofar as I am aware has made no proclamation interpreting it as such. As you are presuming to state doctrine that the Church has not stated on behalf of the Church, I am forced to conclude that you are walking a very dangerous line.

Second, you have yet to establish that their nudity is sinful, as has been pointed out, it takes place in a non-sexual context. The reason for it, is not to arouse, but to make surviving more difficult and therefore (presumably) to make for more compelling television. Now I don’t personally think this works, I’m not fond of the show at all. But bad television is not inherently sinful.

Third, it is a very dangerous thing to accuse others of losing their morals, and then at the same time attempt to supersede the authority of the Magesterium. Our Church has stated that modesty is important, but the actual guidelines for it are not clear cut. Furthermore, their statements dealing modesty have been dealing fairly explicitly with sexual immodesty, which as has been pointed out is not really related to the amount of clothing one wears. As I’ve said, I was naked in a public shower, did I sin, I was not naked in that context in any way that way sexual, but rather aimed towards hygiene. It is not simply the clothing that makes something modest or immodest, but the intent, and the way in which the person is presented.

A good example would be that very famous picture of a little girl fleeing a napalm strike, she is completely naked in the picture, but it is not particularly immodest, and it is certainly (outside of the very very sick) arousing. Autopsy photos often show people in a state of undress and are the opposite of arousing. A person could wear a Burkah, and then behave in a manner that is immodest, modesty is not exactly the same thing as the amount of clothing a person is wearing, the matter is much more complicated than that.

Now I would not argue that “Naked and Afraid” has the same merit as that photo, but I would argue that very few would find either of them to be arousing, as such making the question of modesty a moot one at best.

Let’s make certain to clarify that we all are in danger of losing our morals and falling into sin. I think the argument that has been made here is that not all nudity is arousing. Yes, one should display some modesty but the simple lack of clothing being sinful? I can understand the argument against it.

I admit to never having watch this program. However, the content of television (and movies) has gotten worse over the years. We see sex, violence and profanity in greater intensity. Sadly, most of us are OK with it. Some of those movies have even been recommended by your fellow Catholics.

Now that is disconcerting…

Watching a passion play would include of all of those elements. Just because an artwork contains representations of sin, does not make it sinful, in and of itself. Certainly it doesn’t make observing it so.