GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH HAS BEEN APPRISED OF SITUATIONS IN WHICH INDIVIDUALS ARE ASKED TO PROVIDE UNCLOTHED PHOTOGRAPHS OF THEMSELVES.
The moral issue of course is that modesty and self respect mandate that each person regard his or her personal body as the Temple of God. Each of us has been created in the Image of God (Genesis 1:27). "Do you not know that your bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own." (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Vulnerable
The request to receive unclothed photographs of individuals leaves the person vulnerable to various consequences. Moral issue aside, the beauty of the personal form is safest within the sacrament of marriage.
Consequences may include:
- lack of control over who views the image
- embarrassment in the professional work setting due to images making their way into the public domain
- mortification when family members become aware of the images
When asked to provide unclothed photographs, what is the best guidance?
DON'T.
