What Is Wrong With Mixed Swimming?

The question is sometimes asked, what is wrong with mixed swimming?  Well, while the Bible does not deal directly with the issue, it does make some points regarding underlying issues.  The first question we should ask is, what are we talking about when we say “mixed swimming,” and secondly what are some issues that the Bible condemns that are linked to mixed swimming?

First, when we speak about mixed swimming, we are talking about the common scenario seen on beaches, pools, water parks, etc… men and women, boys and girls swimming, or otherwise participating in water sports together.  Some may ask, what could possibly be wrong with that?  It seems like an innocent occasion for fun.  Let us consider a few basic points. 

There are two issues that are present concerning mixed swimming.  One is the issue of modest dress.  Modern swimsuits, for both males and females, are immodest.   The Lord has commanded that Christians dress modestly (c.f.1 Timothy 2:9-10).   Paul points out in this passage that women are to dress in modest apparel “with shamefacedness and sobriety” and “as women professing godliness.”  And God has provided a standard as to what is acceptable attire.  When Adam and Eve, first sinned, the text says, “And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons” (Genesis 3:7).  These “aprons” would cover about as much as today’s Speedo-style swimsuits and bikinis (and in some cases maybe more).  The Lord was not satisfied with their immodest aprons, and the text records, “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21).  Did you notice that even with the aprons, there were still unclothed?  The Lord still needed to clothe them!

Some ask, how short is too short?  How tight is too tight?  When does something cease being modest and begin being immodest or “nakedness”?  Well, our righteous God has given us the answer to all of these questions.  In the Bible, nakedness is shameful.  But the Bible’s use of nakedness runs deeper than the complete absence of clothing; it includes certain levels of undress.   Notice some examples:

Adam was still naked while wearing the apron (Genesis 3:10)
Thighs uncovered is nakedness (Exodus 28:42; Isaiah 47:2-3)
Buttocks uncovered was shame (Isaiah 20:4)
Chest area uncovered “naked and bare” (Ezekiel 16:7-8)

The fact is, God requires the body to be covered from the base of the neck to the knees.  Anything less than that is shameful, naked, and sinful!  There are few swimsuits that cover what God requires. 

Another issue with mixed swimming is the perception of others.  Paul said “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).  We would hate to give the impression that we were involved in ungodliness, and perhaps shatter our influence in the world.  Jesus said “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify you father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). What would happen if you went swimming with friends, and then invited them to a gospel meeting, and the preacher preached on this issue?   It would be clear that you were not letting your light shine.
 
What business does a child of God have by attending a place were there is no doubt that there will be people dressed immodestly everywhere he turns his head?  Why give place for that temptation?  Why is going to a public pool any better than going to a porno theater?

Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at the posts of my doors.
- Proverbs 8:34

Before You Say I Do
By H. Norman Wright
& Wes Roberts