Shirtless Mormons; Nudity Everywhere!
posted at 1:37 pm on September 14, 2007 by see-dubya
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I just put up this Reuters item on the headline feed, about how public norms of modesty and nudity are changing, when what should I see but a Telegraph blog post about how buttoned-up Mormon missionaries (without official LDS approval) are unbuttoning a bit for a new calendar:
The 2008 calendar features “hunky young men of faith” who “explode with sexuality”. Although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not endorsing the exercise, it’s not a spoof.
Pass your cursor over the pic of soberly clad Kenny and he loses that polyester shirt. Should you feel inclined, you can also find out about his mission field in the Philippines. Spreading the word put him on “a path that leads to God”, providing him with “internal peace and happiness,” he says.
The calendar link is here; if you’re not Mormon, a gay guy, or a girl you won’t be interested. The rest of the Telegraph piece, however, contains a supremely creepy quote from a gay Catholic priest.
Meanwhile, money quote from that article on public nudity:
“I do think that general attitudes about nudity are becoming more relaxed, but these changes take time, which is why there’s still mixed responses,” said Paul Levinson, communication and media professor at Fordham University.
“We as a society are finally growing up and it’s a healthy thing,” he said.
Why is there an assumption that more acceptance of public nudity is a healthy thing, or that the abandonment of social codes that evolved over thousands of years is “growing up”? Putting aside serious conservative concerns–like the importance of modesty as a bulwark value of the traditional family–as we’ve seen in unforgettable photos at several Bay Area protests, there’s See Dub’s Iron Law of Public Nudity: people most interested in exposing themselves are almost always the people with the least justification for doing so.
Moronic exit question: does this calendar help or hurt Romney? Of course it shouldn’t either way, but does it?
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No.
By the way, See-Dub’s Iron Rule of Public Nudity, good rule, and true too.
Bad Candy on September 14, 2007 at 1:41 PM
csdeven, your church is making real progress.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 1:42 PM
Frankly, I think a few people could use some inhibitions.
Asher on September 14, 2007 at 1:43 PM
LOL.
Yeah, not sure if there are any mission rules being broken there or not. Pretty sure if there are those doing the pictures will not be happy with the consequence of their choice.
I think you left out “always” in this line:
people most interested in exposing themselves are almost [here] the people with the least justification for doing so.
Voidseeker on September 14, 2007 at 1:43 PM
Exit question….doesn’t.
I still don’t believe his choice of Christianity will hurt his chances in the general election. I a few of the primaries it might, but given Billary or Mitt as the choice the right is going to take Mitt.
As far as the nudity thing goes….just like everything else in the media it is all about saturation. What was it Lenin said?…..’A lie told often enough becomes the truth’.
Limerick on September 14, 2007 at 1:43 PM
Woo-hoo!
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 1:43 PM
I don’t see how a shirtless Romney can hurt him with the ladies. Shirtless other contenders could be a problem, for them.
gabriel sutherland on September 14, 2007 at 1:44 PM
Totally, totally agree. Always have.
While I’m a bit leery about nudity on public transportation (”Sit down? No thanks.”) in theory nudity is good.
Yes, I may even agree with laws against it in public, reluctantly, because some warp and twisted people would use it to their advantage… but if an adult chooses to make nude photos of themselves and it is put on a website where there is some kind of warning I don’t care.
Would I do this? No — and if you saw my pic, you’d know why. I’m much too modest and don’t want to embarrass you, men.
Still, being comfortable with nudity is healthy I feel.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 1:45 PM
I know a couple of guys who post on here that can hardly wait to get their, ummmm hands, on this calendar.
Sex sells, why not sell the LDS with sex?
Moronic question: With Mitt being 17 points behind Fred, what has he got to lose?
right2bright on September 14, 2007 at 1:46 PM
It won’t have an effect on Romney. He’s already so far behind in the polls that something like this won’t make much difference either way.
The people who dislike him because he’s Mormon will continue to do so, and the people who dislike him for being Mitt Romney won’t care about this. The few people who still like him? Who cares- at this point they could all fit in one phone booth.
Hollowpoint on September 14, 2007 at 1:46 PM
Indeed. A point I made earlier expressed otherwise re: the Romney running/physical prowess ad:
Female voters.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 1:46 PM
What’s See-Dubya’s rule on homoerotic posts? May I suggest not doing them.
Bill C on September 14, 2007 at 1:48 PM
Voidseeker–fixed. I had a lot of typos in this one, and they never seem to register on my brain until the preview screen.
Wow, 12 comments in 12 minutes. People must really like Mormons!
see-dubya on September 14, 2007 at 1:50 PM
I’m glad you think the populations of Iowa, Nevada, and New Hampshire can all fit in a phone booth. The only thing Fred uses a phone booth for is to call for his red truck.
BKennedy on September 14, 2007 at 1:51 PM
They’re an extremely fast-growing religion and they do this with staunch traditional principles. Sex won’t increase their sales, not long term.
It might make a few converts here and there though — c’mon Mormon missionary girls. I’m ready.
Kidding. Mormon missionary girls are marginally more difficult to seduce than the general population.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 1:51 PM
Meh…Firemen routinely put out similar calenders, I don’t see what the big deal is. It’s not a nude calendar, its just some guys showing off their chests. Let’s be honest, as human beings most of us enjoy looking at a physically fit specimen of our preferred gender somewhat less than fully clothed. Personally I prefer the S.I. swimsuit edition…Those Fireman’s calendars sell pretty damn well for a very good reason.
doriangrey on September 14, 2007 at 1:51 PM
doriangrey, they’re gonna catch heck with the church. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a trial over this.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 1:54 PM
thats hot, now what i want is the AllahPundit calendar! we want some hot atheist @ss!
zane on September 14, 2007 at 1:54 PM
Using sex to sell religion has been done before. Using sex to sell calenders has been done before. I think this may be a first on selling sexy religious calenders. I could be wrong though.
Jay on September 14, 2007 at 1:56 PM
zane, to quote the 15-year old girl who overheard my conversation with my roommate at precisely the wrong time as the elevator door opened:
“Oh. My. God.”
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 1:56 PM
I want to see a female blogger swimsuit calender, MM, MHK, Dr. Helen for starters. Its for a good cause, um charity, of course…
spec_ops_mateo on September 14, 2007 at 1:58 PM
He’s not a Christian. If you change it to: “his choice of Mormonism” you may be right.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 1:58 PM
Cool.
And having clicked through to the site it is actually mormons that have returned/completed their missions, so not a big deal. They are basically male models that were raised mormon and served missions.
If they were ON their missions and pulled this I am pretty sure they would have been sent home ASAP. Missions are 2 years of service to the people in the area for God, not a time to hang around taking pictures of yourself shirtless.
Oh yeah – completely agree with your comment about those who choose to get naked.
Voidseeker on September 14, 2007 at 1:59 PM
I think you may be. There was a European all-nude religious calendar that got some blog attention a couple years ago. I didn’t bother looking for it because I wasn’t going to link it.
see-dubya on September 14, 2007 at 1:59 PM
I absolutely think they should team up Gina of Pin Ups for Vets and make it happen.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 2:00 PM
*team up with Gina of Pin Ups for Vets… I don’t mean to imply any appropriate teaming up!
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 2:01 PM
*inappropriate, gee… holy Freudian, Batman
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 2:01 PM
Heh.
Not necessarily. Just shirtless young guys without beer bellies. /not throwing stones
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 2:05 PM
LOL
Gotta love the bigots. Pretty sure this is more than obvious to anyone without blinders on: someone that believes in Christ, his divinity, his teachings, his sacrifice, and resurrection is a Christian. Just because they do not go to the same building as you, and get told how to worship by the same person as you does not remove them from the body of Christians.
The sooner you figure that out the better. You are the least qualified to tell another they do not belong in the flock with Christ as its Shepard.
Voidseeker on September 14, 2007 at 2:05 PM
Christian enough for me.
Limerick on September 14, 2007 at 2:06 PM
Maybe not for Dems. Aren’t we supposed to imagine sucking on the teat of the public trough?
JiangxiDad on September 14, 2007 at 2:06 PM
Or without man-boobs.
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 2:08 PM
Hate to break it to you man, but we use inches south of the border. You use those eenie bitty centimeter things.
JiangxiDad on September 14, 2007 at 2:08 PM
Dang, see-dub. That doesn’t even rise to the level of a “pun”.
mikeyboss on September 14, 2007 at 2:09 PM
Please, not this again. Save it dude.
SouthernDem on September 14, 2007 at 2:11 PM
SouthernDem, he brought it up and I’m going to reply if I want to.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 2:13 PM
Oh right. Damn.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 2:14 PM
BKennedy’s Corollary:
Shame and Fabric Amount are inversely proportional to Body Mass Index.
BKennedy on September 14, 2007 at 2:15 PM
Well, I’m sure back when Elohim was j*rking *ff as a man on his own planet he never thought he’d produce a Son, Jesus, one day who would be the divine God.
Amazing how things work out.
No offense to actual Jesus intended.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 2:17 PM
Cristoph. Dude.
see-dubya on September 14, 2007 at 2:22 PM
I’ve only known of one other Zane in my life, and he too, bent that way. Zane is kind of like Troy, just one of those names that scream lavender.
jihadwatcher on September 14, 2007 at 2:23 PM
Christoph, of course you’ll reply if you want to. And I’ll implore you to remember that this subject was beaten to death not too long ago. I don’t mean to admonish you, but really it appears you’re just trying to antagonize for the sake of… I don’t know what.
Have fun with it though.
SouthernDem on September 14, 2007 at 2:24 PM
SouthernDem, I’ll drop the issue; my point was made — people will either agree or disagree.
Anyone going to watch the LAPD press conference on O.J. carried live on FoxNews.com?
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 2:28 PM
Whatever.
As long as the shirtless Mormons don’t try to fly Southwest.
Professor Blather on September 14, 2007 at 2:31 PM
People please can we get back on topic to hot, half dressed, oiled up Mormon guys.
KelliD on September 14, 2007 at 2:34 PM
er…um….I’m a little uncomfortable with that Kelli….
Limerick on September 14, 2007 at 2:39 PM
PRCalDude on September 14, 2007 at 2:40 PM
In seriousness, from above an excellent point is made:
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 2:41 PM
Wow, this thread degenerated before it even got started.
PRCalDude on September 14, 2007 at 2:42 PM
Thank you.
The two posts with the attractive young SWA girls=some men ogling.
The one post with the attractive young Mormon guys=another religious “war.” /life not fair
The girls (me and KelliD) and the gay guy (zane) know what’s important here. :-)
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 2:42 PM
Sexy Mormon calendars… I’d buy one, but is it worth the money? You can just look outside in Utah. Most Mormons I’ve seen of either sex always look like they just came from a runway show or something.
Incidentally, I seem to recall some calendar that had all arab women wearing (amazingly enough) very revealing burkas. I don’t imagine it was meant to serve the same purpose as this one though.
Lehosh on September 14, 2007 at 2:46 PM
Call me when we get the calendar full of half-naked hot Mormon chicks. Otherwise I’m not interested.
BKennedy on September 14, 2007 at 2:51 PM
It’s all that lack of yucky substances in their systems.
Disclaimer: I’ve been known to partake of a yucky substance or two.
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 2:51 PM
Offense taken.
right2bright on September 14, 2007 at 2:52 PM
Duly noted.
I guess that a “religious war” would be the only thing of interest (not speaking of you personally) in this post for a heterosexual man. Understandable.
Perhaps it’s incentive for some of you sweethearts to do a few sit-ups? :-)
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 2:55 PM
Wow. Didn’t know you were a girl, the way you beat up Sinner the other day.
JiangxiDad on September 14, 2007 at 2:56 PM
Hi Jesus.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 2:56 PM
You must not be married. Heh.
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 2:57 PM
why?
JiangxiDad on September 14, 2007 at 2:58 PM
oh, just got it. funny!
JiangxiDad on September 14, 2007 at 2:58 PM
;)
zane on September 14, 2007 at 3:11 PM
Unless things have changed in the Mormon Church…that lad is no longer on a mission for the LDS church.
oldernslower on September 14, 2007 at 3:12 PM
But he still won’t drink a soda.
tree hugging sister on September 14, 2007 at 3:12 PM
Pretty much.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 3:13 PM
That problem would be reduced if it were required that public nudity be accompanied by strenuous exercise. The few not discouraged by the exercise itself would nevertheless be quickly weeded out by weariness–or cardiac arrest.
Kralizec on September 14, 2007 at 3:13 PM
Wow.
Fat women strenuously exercising nude. In public.
Interesting.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 3:19 PM
See? Now you’re getting into the light-hearted spirit of things (no pun intended). :-)
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 3:23 PM
But I wouldn’t limit it to fat women, baldilocks. It wouldn’t be fair to discriminate against you.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 3:27 PM
Hey, jihadwatcher, my fighter pilot brother, Troy, is zeroing in on your position. He doesn’t like lavander.
KelliD on September 14, 2007 at 3:27 PM
My collie says:
The dog is entitled to his opinion — but a widely distributed sketch or drawing of Allah’s prophet Mohammed (in his birthday suit) would be “a thing of beauty”.
CyberCipher on September 14, 2007 at 3:31 PM
OK, this topic has gone from oiled half-naked puns on the word missionary to demands for fat women to excercise nude in public.
Will someone please get me a barf bag?
There must be some way to fix this…
http://www.nndb.com/people/002/000055834/
That’ll do.
BKennedy on September 14, 2007 at 3:31 PM
Ooo, you’re good!
Actually, I am sort of a fat chick. Been working out, though (not in the nude), to get ready for my Allahpundit Girl YouTube video. Gimme another month.
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 3:31 PM
Either way.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 3:32 PM
I wonder how high the outrage would go if it were women.
hadsil on September 14, 2007 at 3:33 PM
Topless female missionaries? I’d be outraged.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 3:34 PM
Let me guess, he’s one of those top-gun style hunks, kind of like Tom Cruise? ;)
Zane and Troy would make such a cute couple!
jihadwatcher on September 14, 2007 at 3:36 PM
Now follow the logic, Christoph. :-) They’ll either be discouraged by the requirement to exercise or they’ll tire quickly and have to stop. In the worst-case scenario, they’ll collapse–and have to stop. In the best case, they’ll keep going, get fit, and no longer be repulsive. Every outcome leads to the overcoming of the Iron Law. Eventually all naked women will be as fit as baldilocks, and all naked men will look like Mormon missionaries.
Kralizec on September 14, 2007 at 3:39 PM
So, baldilocks, if I understand Kralizec’s plan properly, you’re to exercise nude in front of me and that way I can be sure your physique development is coming along appropriately. Deal or no deal?
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 3:43 PM
This can’t hurt Romney, that’s for sure. Their merchandising really sucks though. Really lame.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 1:45 PM
Huh?? I don’t understand that post. You seem to be contradicting See-Dubya’s quote which you say you totally agree with.
right2bright,
I think it’s fair to say that this is what Mitt’s dad’s influence brought not bought him:
From the calendar -
Buy Danish on September 14, 2007 at 3:55 PM
Ah..hem…Somebody needs to wipe the drool off their chin…
doriangrey on September 14, 2007 at 3:56 PM
:::blushing and trying to think of a wittier come-back than “Dream on, pal”:::
Oh wait…;-)
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 3:59 PM
And not just Christoph… :p
doriangrey on September 14, 2007 at 4:00 PM
Actually, the exact opposite. Very laid back, not the mucho-macho type. However don’t make me sic his blonde, beautiful, big-haired Texan wife after you. ;)
KelliD on September 14, 2007 at 4:01 PM
I heard there are chicks here …?
Did I mention I’m not wearing a shirt? Also, I once talked to a Mormon who came to my door. So I’m pretty hawt.
Professor Blather on September 14, 2007 at 4:02 PM
Thanks for pointing that out, Buy Danish, I just cut and paste the wrong text in there. I agree nudity is natural and good, I don’t agree with the quote I cited.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 4:03 PM
So far, so good, Professor. But are you oiled up yet?
KelliD on September 14, 2007 at 4:05 PM
baldilocks, I get the feeling you are a very young woman of no more than 65. Just how young of a lady are you?
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 4:05 PM
Welcome to the fun religious thread!
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 4:05 PM
I’m an old bag (46). Have gotten carded in the last couple of years, though, when buying some of those yucky non-Mormon substances.
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 4:07 PM
I for one welcome my new Mormon overlords, sans shirts.
Why is thy bidding, my master?
;)
Stormy70 on September 14, 2007 at 4:09 PM
Yeah. That other one sucks it. Ug-ly.
Apparently it just needs some hot oiled Mormons.
I’m alway oiled up. It makes me glisten.
Professor Blather on September 14, 2007 at 4:09 PM
For clarity:
1. at a bar? or
2. at an adult store?
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 4:10 PM
I have seen your pic, baldi, and you are not an old bag.
Don’t let her fool you guys.
Stormy70 on September 14, 2007 at 4:10 PM
Your suggestion suffers from the minor problem of enforcement. What police officer wants to drag a 300 pound sweaty oaf anywhere?
BKennedy on September 14, 2007 at 4:11 PM
Should we call you Professor Lather?
Stormy70 on September 14, 2007 at 4:11 PM
Somebody should send this whole thread to the liberal blogs.
It would blow their minds.
:)
Professor Blather on September 14, 2007 at 4:13 PM
The “Christian Right” ogling hot humans and imbibing yuck substances? They’d never believe it.
baldilocks on September 14, 2007 at 4:18 PM
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 4:03 PM
You’re welcome, but for the record I’m with See-Dub on this one!
As a matter of fact, I don’t even like it when I see guys jogging in public with their shirts off. I want to be able to choose who I see half naked.
Buy Danish on September 14, 2007 at 4:18 PM
I’m with the ancient Greeks. Our bodies are natural and it helps people maintain the fiction we’re not related to animals to go, “Mr. Jones, how are you?” when Mr. Jones is wearing an business suit.
But we are.
This might bother me with issues such as mortality and all… but when I’m with someone whom I’ve chosen to see naked I’m willing to forget all that and wonder at how awesome it all really is.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 4:22 PM
Sure they would. They’d use Senator Larry Craig as their example.
Christoph on September 14, 2007 at 4:23 PM
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