Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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Bikinis
At my church, the girls often wear one piece swimsuits...and often with the skirt bottom.
If that's what they are comfortable with, that is wonderful. But I'm typically a bikini girl. I spend endless hours out on my boat in the summer. I wear most of my bikinis with board shorts and throw on a shirt when I hop onto the jet ski.
Some people have brought it to my attention that wearing a bikini is in appropriate. This seems a little silly to me, but I respect their comfort zones and throw on a pair of shorts or a shirt...or both. But I'm not sure how one is wrong and one is not.
Why is it that wearing a bikini is in appropriate. I realize that it shows a bit more skin, but it's not like a swimsuit doesn't do that anyway. I just don't understand.
As a Christian, is it inappropriate to wear a bikini at the beach?
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Comments (9)
I can understand why some people may feel uncomfortable, but I don't think in general it's a bad thing to wear bikinis, provided there is actually a visible top and bottom and not just floss, if you know what I mean. To cover more for the sake of others, that's one thing, but they have to realize that we were created in God's image and I don't see why we wouldn't want to celebrate God's gift. I find covering it up all the time is insulting to God for He wouldn't be able to see us.
I think that sometimes a bikini covers more than a one-piece bathing suit. I've seen many one pieces that cut so high up on the hip you almost see everything. Personally, I've always worn bikinis, I'm most comfortable with them because now you can buy the bottoms that are boy shorts instead of skimpy underwearish things. I completely agree with wearing shorts over the bottoms when others are around, I do it myself. My boyfriend believes that I should wear a shirt as well, especially if other boys are around. I suppose I kind of agree with that, because a bikini is much like a bra and underwear and you wouldn't go walking around in your bra and underwear much would you?
I think if you are properly covering the major places there shouldn't be a problem. If your comfortable with it and you think God would be then I wouldn't worry.
Kels..
If your comfortable wearing a bikini then wear a bikini. Personally I don't wear them, but that just because I don't think I have the body shape for them, doesn't mean I cover everything up when I go to the beach or the pool. I just wear swimsuits that accentuate my natural curvy shape. I can understand how some people may feel uncomfortable in them from a christian stand point but of course it's all personal belief and preference. Some people don't wear this that or tother because of their beliefs and that's up to them and their personal walk with God. I wear swimsuits some with low necklines, doesn't mean I'm barring all for everyone to look. I think it's all down to mindset, if you feel comfortable in it then wear it. If you wear it and feel self concious in it then perhaps you should change it.
When you get right down to it, I'm sure there are plenty of other things in our lives that need to be changed and checked in our spiritual walk than what we are wearing on our bodies. We all have personal walks with God and personal structures in our lives by which we live by. I may watch certain TV shows and another person may not. I know some people in my church who were offended by the TV show 'Friends' of all things and wouldn't watch it. I love Friends and followed it all when it aired. Doesn't mean either of us is right or wrong, because whilst we are part of the body of Christ we all have a personal walk with God. Only I can work on my personal relationship with God, no-one else can do it for me.
It's good that you are aware of covering up around others if they feel offended, but remember that at the same time you are showing them courtesy in doing so, they should extend you the same courtesy in what you feel comfortable with. No-one should thrust their opinion upon you as much as you shouldn't upon them because at the end of the day, nobody can say who is right or wrong, only God.
I always find you know within yourself whether it's ok or not. Like certain TV shows, or movies, or clothes your wearing. If you have never thought anything of wearing a bikini before then don't let things get into your head now about it, just go with your own flow. if you'd had doubts you'd have known about it and probably stopped wearing them a long time ago.
P.S - I know I've bletherd on a bit but.....A BOAT...you have a Boat! Ok so I know, jealousy...envy...very bad....but ...I want one!!! xx
I think bikinis are fine, depending on what kind you have. I personally dont' think that some are appropriate, but there are many that are just fine. And it also depends on who you are around and such. I just don't like spending my money on them b/c I do so much in the summer with our youth group and we aren't allowed to wear them at those functions. So I usually go for the middle ground- a tankini.
The reason people think that a Christian gal shouldn't be wearing a bikini is because it can be sexually arousing to a guy.
That can lead to an impure action.
sex with someone you are not married to.
That in a nutshell is causing someone else to stumble.
We are told not to be a stumbling block to any other person.
Christians are supposed to be pure in their own actions and thoughts and also a good influence on those around them.
It's the same principle that might cause someone to decline the offer of an alchoholic drink if they were in public.
When I am out in public and someone is watching me.
They might drink booze because I am urging them to do it either with my words or actions.
This might cause them a problem because they are an alcholholic trying to kick a tough habit.
So I'll not drink that booze.
That will give him the courage not too also.
It's good that you are thinking this through.
It's also a principle outlined by Paul when asked about eating food sacrificed to Idols. He said for some people this might not be a problem. For some this might be a problem though etc. That's a good passage to look up and meditate on in relation to this issue you are bringing up.
It shows that you are trying to apply your Christianity to your life that you are pondering this issue. Good for you!
I agree with sloggy. When we're in the public eye, we have to be careful. It can make other people stumble in their faith, especially the opposite sex. So what if you have to wear a shirt over, you are doing your part as a sister in Christ to help them. Sometimes we have to sacrifice a little here and there. But yeah, good question.
And I agree with snowflake....I look at it this way...you wouldn't wear your bra and shorts to go lets say shopping, right? And why would you want to make guys stumble in their sexual purity....guys have a hard enough time as it is....ask your brothers if you have any!
As a guy, I'll testify to the fact that it's hard enough for men to keep our minds from committing adultery with most normal clothing these days, much less swim wear. This is the main reason I stay away from waterside activities involving many people. My wife and I would rather enjoy each other [and the kids if we're on a family vacation] on a lonely stretch of beach. My mental purity (not to mention physical purity) is valuable to me, my family and our Lord.
Even if some of my christian sisters would be comfortable in a bikini, I really appreciate it when they wear something less revealing so that they won't be as much of a stumbling block for lust. I really respect and admire some of my sisters who watch what they wear not just at the beach but other times, as well. With their choices they are saying, "It's not just about what I'm free to do or what I'm comfortable with, but rather what would be the most edifying to those around me? How can I love and serve others with my choices? These are women who put some effort into finding things that are stylish yet modest.