November 16, 2008
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Christianity and Modeling
I was reading a post by Niez_Cho about Christianity and modeling.
She pointed out that it was difficult to be a Christian and a model at the same time. She highlighted one model named Kim Alexis who is a Christian model. She also pointed out a Bible verse in Matthew 5:28 where Jesus said, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This is a photo of Kim Alexis.
Do you think it is inconsistent with Christianity to take the above photo?
Comments (107)
Without a doubt
Yes.
PS: I say we vote to get Dan to answer his own questions every now and then, it’d be interesting to see what he thinks.
But judging how young she is in that photo, i’m pretty sure she wasn’t a Christian then
Technically, not on her part (she’s not looking at herself lustfully…or is she?).
well they say it’s for the sake of art but where do we draw the line?
It depends on the level of maturity of a Christian model. For conservative Christians, they’d think that this picture is already a form of pornography.
Yeah, with the literal interpretation of the Bible for sure. But God is the one to judge, not us.
But then again. No matter WHAT you do, there is ALWAYS someone who looks at you lustfully
Argh.
Questions like these make my head hurt.
haha. there shouldnt be christianity with ANYTHING at all. everything is wrong to them. this is against christianity, that is against, this is against, that is against. my goodness. so what CAN they do?
@maebemaebenot - I know seriously. hahaha.
A lot of people say they are Christian and do worse then take pictures like that. Some are porn stars I’m sure. hahaha. There’s probably other models who do worse photos who say they’re Christian.
There is a wide variety of Christian belief and teaching; I don’t think it’s incompatible with all. However, thinking of it as a conservative Christian (which I am most definitely not), I would say it is incompatible. Taking a picture like that would be deliberately tempting others, making the model a willing participant in the resulting sin.
Having said that, may I add that she is really hot?
@Dare2BDiferentt - I second this motion.
@redx190 - LET’S GET IM!
I’ve thought about this, Dan, as related to my daughter (when she gets older). I’m sure the modeling thing will probably appeal to her as it does to most girls, and she’s most beautiful even at 4, but hey I’m biased, lol,
But I don’t see how anyone, Christian or not, could look at that picture and think it would not cause men to lust, and possibly women (at least to be fair here, lol). I just hope as with my daughter, should she think about going the route of a model, that she be well-rooted in a Christian faith that would show her by conviction it was wrong. If conviction don’t get her, I’m sure my frying pan will, lol,
j/k
But we know money and fame tend to make people do things they wouldn’t otherwise think about! I’m just glad I have to answer for myself, and blessed I am that my body, except perhaps when I was 20-25, never looked that good as the girl’s in the picture to tempt me to pose as such,
Blessings in disguise, YES!
Cheryl
Poor Kim – you’re kind of asking everyone to judge her christianity. I’m not even going there. Her beliefs and how she chooses to conduct herself are her business. As to whether taking the photograph is consistent with Christianity? Let me speak as a photographer and someone who grew up in a very conservative Christian home (but who now considers herself more of a deist). God made everything, and He said it was all good. As far as I’m concerned, beauty is beauty and to be appreciated. If it can be captured in a way that makes it even more appreciated (and appreciated by more people) then awesome. As to not doing anything to “cause a brother to stumble” I’ve always had issues with that one, because SOMETHING will ALWAYS be an issue to SOMEONE, so … Christians really can’t do anything if they follow that! That’s just nuts. (and yes I do know how it’s interpreted in most churches – ie. don’t drink in front of an alcoholic, etc.)
If god really didn’t want our bodies to be seen, he would’ve put big black boxes over our genitals.
Kathy Ireland — one of the most famous swimsuit models of all time — has also professed being a Christian, even so far as being a Sunday School Teacher. She made a decision, and a pact with some of her contemporaries, such as Claudia Schiffer and Rachel Hunter, not to do nude shots, and, to my knowledge, she (and they) hever has. Some of her SI Swimsuit Shots were risque, but she never did nude shots.
I thikn it is possible to be a Christian and be a model, but there needs to be lines drawn as to what the model or Modelle will and will not do. Kathy Ireland is today a well-respected business woman, by the way…
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” is about the looker, not the looked upon.
YES! These days it’s rationalized out and more accepted, as is almost anything that shouldn’t be. But look at the effects MOST models have on people. Men have then plastered on their ceilings, young girls are starving themselves, women think they have to have the new shoes the model is wearing….there are very few positive things that come from that specific industry. And all of it, in some way, has to do with lusting over them.
SO, since I’m not supposed to hender my brother….I shouldn’t place myself in the centerfold. OR something like that!
I’m moreso prone to agree with @LetMeGoToo - but I still very much consider myself a Christian
@Dare2BDiferentt - I think he kind of answers his own question by the way he phrases the whole article and the question…I could be wrong.
No, I don’t think so.
Yes. She could be causing others to sin, according to that verse, and that’s obviously inconsistent
Maybe I am odd but the above photo does not look all that sexual. The girl is simply gorgeous, anything she wears will will make men want her. Of course a girl can be a model and a Christian. Just as a man can be a soldier and a Christian. Both are careers were there is great temptation to act in a less than Christian manner
No… the first thing I thought was: “Jesus, that’s one fine ass!”
Okay, seriously, according to the Bible and the Testaments, you shouldn’t wear polyester or eat pork. Whatever.
Not really.
the issue is not Christianity and modeling. The real issue is canshe model tastefully. I think a better Bible verse would have been one that was against causing another to stumble.
I know a Christian who is a model and pays her way through college by doing it. she models sweaters and and dresses, instead of swimwear and underwear.
@PoetMcChick - Sometimes, but a lot of the times he leaves it open/neutral.
@popcultureref - Nicely said, I like that.
@trunthepaige - I agree with you. To me that picture does not look sexual. However, I also disagree with you. No matter how good looking you are, there is going to be some clothing that you do not look good in.
@ProudToBeAChristianFruitcake - I suppose she would be far less attractive in a bruka . But I doubt anyone would look better in a bruka than she would
Yes. But how many Christians today really obey the Bible in every detail. Not to excuse the picture, but I am pointing out that Christians today are often equate religion with church going and are ignorant of what much of the Bible teaches, OR we tend to rationalize that what we are doing is somehow OK even though we know that the Bible or common sense would tell us that it is really not consistent with Christianity.
Can Jesus forgive the model in the photo? Yes, He can, but the Bible says “repent, and be converted.”
Yes.
This would fall within the lines of hypocrisy. How can anyone try to enforce the word of God, then post themselves as shown above? These are the same people that criticize non religious groups. The proverbial “Don’t Do What I Do, But Do As I Say!” People should just separate things equally ~~~>”We’re not over the top Christians! We are Christians that like to see half naked religious girls modeling for the sake of art!” Religion is either serious or not! There’s no mid-line in religion. That would be taking what’s convenient and pushing aside what is not when you don’t want to deal with it!
@AllMyNamesAreTaken - yes but a christian should not give the opportunity to someone else to lust after them and such. by being a model you’re inviting everyone to look at your body and lust after you.
i don’t know. I’m not religious.
Here is an article on what the Holy Bible says about modesty in Christian women. http://www.minthegap.com/2007/07/12/what-does-the-bible-say-about-modesty/ When I used to be a Christian this is pretty much how I viewed modesty in women. Even though I’m no longer a Christian I still hold to a lot of the same believfs when it comes to modesty in women, especially when it comes to my daughter.
Well, here is my opinion:
It is sinful for the onlooker to look at her lustfully. Her being a Christian and a model has nothing to do with it, right? She herself isn’t comitting any sort of crime.
Men, having the nature that they do (sorry, guys) will find a way to look upon a woman in any state with lust. That girl could be fully dressed but because the outline of her (obviously well-built) body would be visible, it could incite “lustful thoughts”. You would literally have to put a woman in a burka to silence that. Which I suppose is why women belonging to Islam do, in fact, wear them.
Is it inappropriate simply to wear that? I’m heterosexual so I don’t appreciate it sexually, but I consider it pleasant to look at because it’s shapely and artistic… is it still wrong on the basis that regardless, it’s nudity?
What I don’t get is, why is it so wrong to look at a woman with lust? That’s part of what’s wrong with Christianity… they try to suppress human nature. Everyone looks at someone with lust, and I don’t have a problem with that.
Oh gee … no.
if you take everything in the bible literally… then yes. if you don’t believe in it word for word, but more of the ideas the bible presents, then no.
it also depends on the reasons she is doing it. if she is modeling for her own pleasure, promoting the product, and for making money – then no. she can’t help that other people may look at it and think inappropriate things – that’s other people’s sins. however, if she is modeling to create lust… then it is wrong.
I would have to say that she isn’t going against the bible verse…she’s not posing to be stared at by men…she’s posing to sell a look. And I disagree that it would be difficult to be a Christian and model. Being a model does not mean being lustful. It’s your job to wear sometimes minimal clothing and walk the runway. And if a guy just happens to look at you lustfully, it’s not your fault. If she (or he for that matter) does her job (and only her JOB), then there is no issue. It does not make her a bad Christian if a guy looks at her lustfully and “commits adultery” by looking at her. It’s not her fault that this guy has no self control.
faith gets in the way of a lot of things. and im not saying i dont believe because i have a religion and such and i respect it, but i think that we are supposed to be happy and her being a model should be because she wants to.
1) Nudity doesnt = sex
2) The lust is created primarily in the person looking. We obviously have instinctive bodily reactions when we percieve sexuality that it can be impossible to control, but we can control how we deal with those instinctive responses, so, it is still the responsibility of the person looking to the greater extent. Never the less, if an image is knowingly sexually provocative then as a christian you have do decide if that is conducive to being faithful to the morality of your religion or not.
@Dare2BDiferentt - I totally agree with you on this, Nick!
I have mixed feelings about this.
@trunthepaige - That’s what I thought…I didn’t see all that much sexuality in it. The pose wasn’t sexual, at least that’s my opinion…
I do believe she recently accepted Christ and has changed her mind about modeling. Am I wrong, but isn’t that an old pic of her?
And yes I think there are many things that would compromise a Christian’s beliefs. And I applaud Kirk Cameron for taking a stand on kissing other women.
yes
Maybe pictures exposing skin makes some Christians uncomfortable
@trunthepaige - I agree
yeah. but she’s really effing hot. lol.
<3
I’ll be honest with you, Dan. I have to say that if a Christian model ever threw a Bible verse in my face over how I live my life. I wouldn’t dare as to hesitate to throw this in hers. Honestly though, I think it’s fine that you are a Christian and a model.
Here are my beliefs:
You will follow what you will with your heart. And if it makes you happy then why not? Even if it’s controversial… is anyone really faithful to one thing without being a hypocrite with another?
It depends. I do not believe the photograph above is all that provocative. Yes, it’s sexy, but compared to the stuff you see in Maxim, it’s really an innocent pose. I can walk down the street wearing a sexy outfit and stir up the same criticism.
A lot of things “Un Christian” these days – like lying, cheating, stealing, doing drugs, drinking, partying … Therefore, unless all of our hands are clean, we really have no right to judge anyone, including Kim Alexis.
On a final note: HOW is her pose not Christian-like? I mean, for God’s sake, she’s wearing a bathing suit, and at that, a ONE PIECE! So, do all you people who are judging her never go to the beach and wear a bathing suit?
I think is it unchristian to judge what she believes as a Christian.
That bible quote is stupid. Wouldn’t I have to be married to commit adultery?
@maebemaebenot - I think that’s a very negative take on Christianity. I grew up in a Baptist church. We always had lots of fun. We went to the mountains to camp for a week every summer and we rode horses, sang, danced, played all sorts of crazy games and sports, swam… Perhaps you could be a bit more openminded…you can learn a lot from people once you stop judging them (pretty sure mother theresa said that).
@ducati623 - good point
“judge not lest ye be judged”
@DrugInducedDuck - yeah that’s a very valid argument.
Personally, I don’t think we should be judging her. I’m not perfect so I’d rather not try to point out others’ imperfections. I don’t think the photo is distasteful, but it’s definitely geared toward an older audience. I don’t think i’d define it as “unchristian” and I believe that Christians can be models if they want to. The individual has to decide what he or she feels comfortable with.
Maybe
idk… i kinda struggle with that one. because i dont think all nude photo shoots are bad. some are very tasteful, just celebrating beauty, restfulness, fertility, whatever… this one is not quite that tasteful, but also not blatently scandelous. at least to me.
@LetMeGoToo - totally agree as far as something always causing someone to stumble. if you’re doing it intentionally to cause them to stumble, thats wrong, but if not, then… maybe they need to get help? i know that sounds inconsiderate, but…
@trunthepaige - very interesting point. id never thought a bout the soldier aspect.
what about being a bartender or something like that?
No.
No, I don’t think it’s inconsistent
she was and still is stunning, I don’t know why she can’t display her physical beauty. I think you can admire someone’s beauty without lusting for them, especially because the photos she took were not pornographic
I don’t think it unchristian at all, you should be able to look at her and marvel at the grace and beauty that God made in her.
Yup.
I dunno as far as modeling is concerned. As an actress I receive roles at times that require me to curse, which of course I don’t normally do. But that is part of what I do as an artist and I don’t think it makes me any “less christian.”
@JUSTAVAPORHERE - lol Hi, I was wondering. Could a guy be a Christian and take photos like that?
frank
The Bible seems to be a little outdated.
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
So that would mean every man and every gay woman alive has committed adultery?
Its only natural to be aroused by an attractive member of the opposite sex!
Certainly a Christian model should adhere to certain standards, but it doesn’t take a photo like the one above to make others have lust in their hearts… Coincidentally enough I’m sure the photos I posted of my daughter today would cause some people to lust, & there is NOTHING exposed in those photos other than her face…….
Well if God had his way to begin with, we’d all still be running around naked…
But for a more serious response: There are beautiful women out there, and they don’t need to be wearing as little clothing as the model in that picture to invoke lustful thoughts. If all Christian women are supposed to be concerned with whether or not they are causing others to think lustful thoughts, then perhaps we should all walk around in baggy clothing with paper bags over our heads. The potential sinfulness that lies within that picture is all within the perception of the viewer. While some may view it as a beautiful picture, a work of art portraying an ideal human form, others might view it as just a piece of quasi-pornographic material. Why should the responsibility for the perceptions of others be placed in the hands of the model in the picture? We are all in control of our own thoughts, and any sin that results in seeing the above picture should be attributed to the viewer and not to the subject of the photograph.
I think this picture is too racy, and as a Christian, I would not find this an approprite outfit to wear if I were doing a modeling job. You can be a Christian model, actress, etc., you just have to take the right steps to furthering the Kingdom in your job.
I do not lust after her at all, I lust after Paige…..
@stalkdebbie - the only are I see is everything aside from the model.
Also, id tap that. If I wasnt engaged.
Oh now im adulterous for not being able to deny core-human instinct.
Fuck the bible.
No, I do not think it is inconsistent with Christianity to take the photo. I think it could be considered art. Personally, I also think that there are plenty of nude paintings/sculpture out there that many Christians would (and probably do) take offense at.
And anyway, the sin of an adulterous heart falls onto the person viewing the image, whatever it is, doesn’t it? Kim Alexis and her photographer are merely capturing art. It’s not their problem if someone is having trouble keeping his/her mind out of the gutter when looking at art.
There is so much hypocrisy in religion I wonder if it matters.
As far as the photo, yes. In my opinion, it can be difficult to be a model and be a christian in terms of lust; however you can always model wearing something more modest; less revealing. Doing so, yes there might still be some guys who might might lust after you, but it can also help your brothers in terms of still seeing you as beautiful person in a non-lustful way. I guess the way I see it, is there is a difference between just thinking a girl is pretty/beautiful in a photo to lusting, staring and admiring her body, and body parts. And that you can still do.
LOL!
Not sure if it was meant to be a laughing matter but you cracked me up
Hmm, probably not sinful deliberately, but the nature of the job does tempt one to have lustful thoughts I suppose.
@weakest_strong_girl - aint judging no one. just saying what im seeing. and how do you know im not open minded? im a liberal.
@ShamelesslyRed - What does age have to do with Christianity?
Umm i think this picture would fall into the grey area… it depends on who you talk to…
I don’t think it can be defined as consistent or inconsistent to Christianity. In Christ is free. I believe our God is a judge of hearts. The motive would be the deciding factor. When I see this picture, personally I don’t lust. I see sun, clouds, water, sand and a woman. All of which are a divine creation.
@MissTNicole - age has zero to do with being a Christian. My point was, that this model was not a Christian until probably 10 years ago, or less…I have heard her speak about it. Looking at the pic, she looks as though she was in her 20′s….now she is in her late 40′s. So literally, she could have posed in a thong, and it would have had no issue with her being a Christian. The pic therefore–assuming I’m right–is misleading. As far as it being a gray area….umm…no. The bible makes it clear that christian women are to dress modestly. Period. It also says we are to be our brothers keeper…to not “cause him to stumble”. Biblical logic then follows that because a man would be tempted to committ adultery in his heart by looking at a half naked women…then she would be accountable for the sin as well. It’s very black and white
.
no. sexual attraction is just a part of nature. i always thought it seemed cruel that god could basically say ‘here…have these uncontrollable urges, but CONTROL THEM RIGHT NOW!’
everyone has skin. i don’t see anything wrong with seeing a stranger naked. although, i guess i can understand adding the personal part to it. knowing that a bunch of people have seen their partner naked might be somewhat of a bummer for someone. especially if they’re the sentimental type.
@siennachartreuse - There’s hypocrisy every where you go. Every profession, every marriage, every person. Religion is not exempt. Idealy it should be. But getting a bunch of fatally flawed humans together in any setting with more egregiously flawed humans, your going to get utter hypocrisy. Not a utopian village..or church.
That kind of modeling, yes. The Bible also tells us to be modest and not to cause others to stumble.
My daughter was asked to model, be in commercials, etc, and I said no – I really didn’t want her getting into all that, going down that slippery slope, at a pre-teen age. I’m trying to teach her that WHOSE she is, who she is, and what she DOES is way more important than how she looks. The modeling agency even tried to tell me it wasn’t about looks, fashion, etc…I’m like, yeah, right. That’s not what my daughter needs to think is important.
well… yeah. then again, sometimes i think the bible is wholly illogical. there is always a war between nature and the bible.
*drool* hubba hubba HAH!
/jest
I guess so.
@Dare2BDiferentt - Nick, how can you be the 1st one every time (or almost)?!
This is on her official website
“Kim warns that “many women
are playing with fire in the way they dress. Dressing like a floozy
tells the world. ‘Look at me, want me, lust after me. I’m easy and you
can have me.’ Displaying intimate parts of the body is a form of
advertising for sex — so if you dress to attract sexual attention, you
can hardly blame anyone else if that kind of attention comes your way.”
“Dressing
modestly tells the world, ‘I respect myself and I insist on being
treated with respect.’” Kim says, “It’s possible to be stylish and
attractive without wearing something that is too short, low-cut, or
see-through.”
So I am hoping that photo was before she had this conviction.
No – we are supposed to be humble and modest
@maebemaebenot - are you saying that you can’t see how a Christian could have fun in life (or “experience” life)?
Beauty is a gift of God and should to be praised. Lusting is another matter.
@niez_cho - Haha, I’m not. I’m usually in the first five here for some reason, but most other sites with a little less traffic I’m first.
I would say that it could be inconsistant, but then again, I think the ones that should not call themselves christians are the ones that preach against stuff and in their houses they are doing that stuff. examples–Gang members wearing the symbol of Christ, yet killing, robbing and everyother thing that is morally wrong or illegal…The preacher that preaches against gay sex, but is molesting young boys…the preacher that preaches against adultry, but cheats on his wife, or if single, is living with his girlfriend…those are just examples. My favorite is the person that does things that are sinful in the eyes of God and turns around and absolves themselves due to confession. These people act like it is ok to sin because who cares they will be forgiven.
Yes!
I’m not really sure, my only opinion is that I do believe it’s possible to be a Christian and a model.
Yep.
I am a conservative Christian male, and I love to look at beautiful women. Does that mean I am lusting? In my mind, no. I do not desire to go to bed with Kim, nor do I wish she would bare more. I hope she has — or finds — a good Christian man to be married to (lucky guy!).
But I am 59, and less hormone-driven than in years past. Maybe this photo pushes the envelope a little bit, but I’m inclined to be charitable.
Be careful, Kim.
This level of prude-ishness is ridiculous. Silly Christians
Of course,I mean I wouldn’t want my daughter to wear that.That makes every guy get a thrill and thats yucky…
Wow, she is lovely. I she’s a work of art, by the hands of God. Who am I to complain? Besides, didn’t Esther leverage her beauty to become the queen? That was God’s plan too.
How the heck do you get people to read this crap? The bible doesn’t say it’s a sin to be a model. If guys wanna be sin-free, don’t look. ^.^”
technically posting on xanga is some sort of sin
freedom is a wonderful thing