I wondered long and hard about whether or not to do my page as a naturist since there is often an immediate connection made with some sort of lewdness. I have been a naturist for many many years now and truly believe that it is the most normal 'natural' way to live.  It is the desire to live in the state in which we were born without the pretense of clothes - i.e. the idea that we can recreate ourselves by the things we wear.  When that pretense is gone, we are forced to be much more (completely?) honest with ourselves and with others.

This honesty can be the beginning of constructive and fulfilling friendships which have absolutely nothing to do with sexual intimacy.

As a matter of fact, the idea that the body is evil and is thus directly connected to some "evil" sexual drive is completely wrong. Our body is what God created for us, and, I might add He did this in HIS image.  It is intended to be His tool for us to use to communicate with others; not through sexual contact, but through honesty, openness and a real interest in helping and doing what is best for those around us.

The above is my thoughts on the subject. I've decided to add the international definition which was adopted by the XIV Congress of the International Naturist Federation held at Cap d'Agde in 1974:

Naturism is a lifestyle in harmony with nature, expressed through social nudity, and by self-respect, the respect of others, and of the environment. 

Le naturisme est une manière de vivre en harmonie avec la nature caractérisée par la pratique de la nudité en commun qui a pour but de favoriser le respect de soi-même, le respect des autres et celui de l'environnement.

Il naturismo é un modo di vivere in armonia con la natura caratterizzato dalla pratica della nudità in commune, allo scopo di favorire il respetto di se stessi, degli altri e dell'ambiente.