Christians to bare all in Florida

Good Christians should not fear nudity, says the resort executive

A new Florida development is offering Christians the chance to bare all - not only in the sight of God, but their own neighbours.

The Natura resort - currently under construction in a Tampa suburb - is a nudist colony with a difference.

It aims to provide a "wholesome, safe, family oriented, nude environment" to counter the evils, including sexual abuse, it says results from "body shame".

Developers envisage a live-in resort, with up to 300 homes, a church and water park - and no need to bring swimwear.

Alcohol will be banned in a bid to promote godliness.

'No fear'

"The Bible very clearly states that when Adam and Eve were in right with God, they were naked," said David Blood, executive director of the project.

"When people are in right with God, they do not have to fear nudity."

The modern-day Garden of Eden is being constructed on a dilapidated site of about 240 acres (1 square kilometre) bought for $1.6m by its founder Bill Martin.

It may be a few years before the church and water park are completed. Nude marriages and baptisms may, however, be available this spring, according to US reports.

Natura's website promises that, for those families with less liberal attitudes to nakedness, some homes on the development will be designed so visitors have "very little risk of them encountering nudity if they are offended by it".

The development will also promote energy efficiency and gardens will be landscaped using native Florida species.

Classes aimed at strengthening marriages and families will be offered.