Are Swimsuits OK At The Beach?

In a recent conversation, a Christian 'explained' her view of modest apparel.  The specific discussion centered on wearing swimsuits at the beach or public pool.  "There's nothing wrong with it," she proclaimed, "because everyone is dressed that way.  No one thinks a thing about it."

Her argument fails the test of logic in a couple of fundamental ways.  First, if a certain mode of dress is okay because "everyone is dressed that way," then there is literally no limit to what might be allowed.  In fact, total nudity would be acceptable - according to this view - just so long as "everyone is dressed that way."  We wonder if this sister understands where her faulty thinking could lead.  Is she ready to join the crowds at the "clothing optional" beaches that are springing up in many coastal areas?

Secondly, we deny that "no one thinks a thing about it."  If this is so, why are the annual ‘swimsuit editions’ of certain magazines so popular?  And, please explain the explosion of pornography in our modern culture.  Easy access on the Internet has made addiction to pornography rampant in our day.  You say, "no one thinks a thing about it”?  Think again! 

Most importantly, this flawed argument not only fails the test of logic, but it also fails the test of God's law.  Remember, we are not in the business of establishing our moral values based upon what the majority of people do or think (Exodus 23:2).  Our standard must be the inspired Word of God (John 12:48).  The Scriptures define "nakedness" (Gen. 3:6-11,21; Exo. 28:40-43) and obligate us to maintain modesty (1 Tim. 2:9,10).  We pose this simple question to our sister (and to any other Christian who believes as she does): If modern swimsuits adequately cover "nakedness" - as defined in the Bible - and also allow a person to maintain modesty, can you describe any article of clothing that would NOT do so?  Think!!!

- by Greg Gwin