Is it okay to put a sexy spin on religious attire when dressing up for Halloween?
A viral video on TikTok insists that it's time to ditch the "sexy nun" costume.
The video, which has been viewed nearly 2 million times, serves as a Halloween PSA that dressing up as a "sexy nun" or "sexy priest" is more offensive than people might realize.
By sexualizing people who specifically have taken vows of chastity and who don’t want to be sexualized, such costume choices are a slap in the face, the account argues.
Is dressing as a sexy nun for Halloween insulting and disrespectful?
Degradation or Harmless Fun?
Commenters, both religious and secular, were torn.
Scores of “amen” comments agreed with the content creator, and some put forth the idea that this was a form of discrimination unique to Catholics.
“It’s honestly crazy to me how disrespected Catholicism is compared to other religions where that would be deemed unacceptable,” wrote one user. “Catholicism getting degraded again. Doesn’t happen to other religions.”
"This needs more awareness and likes," another chimed in.
Bad Habits
Not everyone was sympathetic, however. Critics were quick to argue that Catholics have little ground to stand on when it comes to sexualization, citing the ongoing sexual abuse scandals that have plagued the Church.
“So the priests don’t want to be sexualized, but they absolutely love sexualizing children? Go figure,” read one comment.
“Believe it or not, a lot of people don’t have much respect for the Catholic Church because of all the child abuse and other human rights atrocities,” wrote another.
While the video has sparked an interesting ethics debate, this TikTok user is hardly the first person to argue that Halloween partygoers should leave their habit and thigh highs in the closet.
"A Mockery of God"
You’ve heard of cultural appropriation. What about religious appropriation?
Wearing a "sexy nun" costume is, some nuns argue, no less offensive than donning a sombrero and fake mustache.
“I think the inappropriate nun costumes show that many people don’t understand what nuns really are or realize that real nuns still exist,” says Sister Allison Regina Gliot, a member of the Daughters of Saint Paul.
“Maybe the only exposure they’ve had to nuns is in horror movies, most of which are also wildly inaccurate.” Such stereotyping, she says, misinforms the public on what nuns do, and hampers their ability to fulfill the spiritual needs of others.
Others argue that skin-bearing nun costumes are an offense to God himself.
“[The costume] is such an offense against goodness and sacredness," explained Sister Gilmary Kay of the Religious Sisters of Mercy.
"It's not that each sister is good, but what they represent is good… So to disrespect a sister in that way, it's a mockery of not just her or the Church, but ultimately God."
What are your thoughts on "sexy nun" costumes? Are they harmless fun, or genuinely offensive?
50 comments
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Offensive? To who, a bunch of throw-backs to the Bronze Age and their religious delusions? Stephen Fry’s comment truly applies here:
It’s now very common to hear people say, “I’m rather offended by that”. As if that gives them certain rights. It’s actually nothing more than a whine. “I find that offensive”. It has no meaning; it has no purpose; it has no reason to be respected as a phrase. “I am offended by that.” Well, so f**king what?
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Thomas Reginald Crouse
Christianity was founded in the Iron age and monastic living wasn't widespread until late antiquity to early medieval. Also if you don't respect others religious and spiritual beliefs what are you on this site for ?
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Christianity was based upon Abrahamic religion, you know, finger snapping Mr. Magic managing everything in 6 days, Adam/Eve, floods, fire, wrath, etc. And that was Bronze Age.
Came here on a lark so I could tell my daughter I could perform her marriage…as a joke…because in Japan the process is done by the couple at city hall by just signing a document. (Divorces are done just as easily if both of the individuals are in agreement.)
I stayed here because I was surprised that some people here take their ordination seriously. They remind me of kids playing cowboys and some kid has a plastic badge as the sheriff. I guess it serves as a level-up that shows how serious they take delusions.
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
Well said Dr. Z. Something that is constantly demonstrated on this blog is how WAY seriously some people take their beliefs - to the point that they decide everybody else needs to believe them too, even taking legal action wherever possible to FORCE compliance!
And then these same people blame the state of the world on "Satan". That's some solid cast irony right there!
Glad you're sticking around Dr. Z. We need you!
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Thomas Reginald Crouse
Comment removed by user.
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Thomas Reginald Crouse
But I like my sheriff badge and my certificate of ordination it makes me feel like a big boy you don't agree Doc?
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
Do you find offense offensive? :P
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Thomas Reginald Crouse
Comment removed by user.
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Rev. MichaelRS
And yet, even though they are available, you don't see people going around wearing modified sexy versions of burkas. Why?
Is it because if you wear a sexy nun costume Catholic/Christians will only tell you you are going to hell, whereas there's no shortage of Muslims that would personally help you on your way there?
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Christopher W Patmore
Most Muslims are very peaceful. Even when offended by something. If not, there would be a lot more violence by them right here in America. And most people tolerate a little stupidity on Halloween because the next morning it's gone. https://gofund.me/f9044819
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Rev. MichaelRS
Well apparently the moderate and peaceful Muslims are irrelevant. And obviously none of them are part of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Taliban or the government in Iran and its Revolutionary Guard and so on and so on and so forth... including two in the US Congress.
There are 1.8 billion Muslims in the world and if "only" 1% (it's obviously way more) of them are radically islamist that's 18 million people willing to do us in if we offend their sense of propriety OR just because we ourselves are not Muslim.
I further believe if those "peaceful Muslims" are not themselves participating in radical islamist activity they supported by participating in their hearts.
Otherwise, if the moderate or peaceful Muslims were a significant number that really cared to, they could stop the others.
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Rev. Rory
Moderate, peaceful Americans, in significant numbers, really care about American gun violence. We really care, but we've been unable to stop it. We are "peaceful Americans" and not ourselves participating in gun activity, and I'm pretty darn sure we don't support it in our hearts.
I guess there are barriers, stopping our good intentions.
Any recommendations?
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Pink Clover
Excellent response. 🙂
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
Good point.
It's easy spreading misery. Some people revel in it, and I don't see them going away any time soon.
Making the world a better place will obviously be up to somebody else.
https://www.arabamerica.com/11-arab-halloween-costumes-never-wear/
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Thomas George-Gilmore
Not at all, the same argument could be applied if a Christian, Muslim, etc were to dress as a sexy Atheist, no disrespect at all. And am an Atheist.
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John W
Offensive??? No, not in my opinion. But than again I laughed at a Jewish friend who dressed as a monk and was chasing a nun who happened to be his wife this weekend at a party. So I guess he knew she was sexy in her own way. But seriously it is about the distortion of reality during the Halloween season as opposed to the confines of actual nuns who are supposed to be chaste and the epitome of all that is not sexually desirable or at least all the ones I knew.
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ServantOfJudgement
Ain't none sexier than a sexy nun.
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Minister Raymond Butterworth
It seems like all we ever hear about anymore is how someone is offended by something. Hey everyone, get over it. Im a Christian. I don't approve of this. That being said, I have learned from the Bible that everyone has the right to choose for themselves what they do or do not. We are all responsible for our own actions.
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Angelic Realms
Don't know. I don't think anything is a big deal for a party. People aren't allowed to have fun anymore. It's dumb. Like telling little white girls they can't be Moana or you can't wear a feather head dress. Why is it anyone's business what you wear at a private party?
Edited for typos.
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Rev. Rory
I have reservations about people that are angry and upset about Ariel, the Little Mermaid. There was a lot of online complaining about the actress because she is Black. Do they think mermaids are real? Do they think Hollywood is somehow insulting sea life? Do they think that the descendants of mermaids will be angry? Did they notice that Ariel has a bunch of sisters and they are all different? That is so every child can identify with the fairytale. It's the same thing with Moana. It's a cartoon.
The world is a sadder and more violent place at this time then I remember in my entire lifetime. A lot of people don't pay attention to what is really important in life and are stuck in a bygone era that never really existed. The moments that cause joy are few and far between. They should be celebrated. In plain English, I wish that the world would just get a grip on itself. Why is there so much hate?
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
You can edit your comments?
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Gary Leu
“Offensive” is a matter of personal opinion and taste. People will fetishize just about anything, especially the “forbidden.” Making it more taboo and offensive only serves to excite those who crave it. Making a fuss about it will reach the empathetic few that might have already been wondering about it. A strategic response might be, “Yeah… meh. What’s in this dip?”
My personal response ( a non-Catholic) is simple and from my grandfather, “Adults are considerate. They know they aren’t the only ones in the world and they try to get along with others.”
That being said, for a while now, female Halloween costumes have been “Sexy _____.” It’s not going away.
Have a fun Halloween.
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James Bullard
Like beauty, offensive is in the eye of the beholder.
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ServantOfJudgement
If its ok to wear a sexy nun outfit then it's ok to wear native American outfits or blackface for a costume. We know folks get cancelled for the latter two but that doesn't reduce the truth I just laid down.
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
Wouldn't that have something to do with who is the oppressed and who is the oppressor?
Or do you not ask yourself those questions SOJ?
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ServantOfJudgement
Lol, of course I don't ask myself questions like that. I'm not burdened by Woke Think I've told you this. My mind can wander like the cool Colorado rain.
Now that you bring it up, I suppose my ancestors were oppressed but that was a while ago and that sort of thinking gets you into middle east style conflicts. No, I'm more of an anti-double and triple standard type guy.
Besides all that mumbojumbo, these are Halloween costumes , even the Woking Dead can splurge at least a little bit can't they?
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Theresa C. Marquess
I don't think it matters one way or the other. A costume is just that, a costume. People are making too much of what the next person is doing. It's better to adopt a "live and let live" attitude. What happened to the 'love one-another" philosophy?
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
Good point.
It seems a lot of people have yet to mature beyond identifying with a costume, or an imaginary entity.
There are two Gods in the bible - the God of love, and the God of authority, of submission, of retribution. People don't seem to realize the God they worship is all about them, not "God".
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
All hail Slut-O-Ween! We've got sexy witches, why not sexy nuns? The Christian church needs to restrain their pedophile priests, before worrying about this.
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Elvin St. James
Are "Sexy Nun" Halloween Costumes Offensive? No but highly inappropriate!
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Stewart Newall
With the horror film that have come just later if just an Halloween costume, I don’t think it really matters but if none started wearing them, I think the be very big issue, then same with sexy priest outfits. It’s very wrong because it’s mocking the Trinity and God
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Carol M. Anaski-Figurski
Too cute Be who you are? A sacred romance w jesus christ. Bring Jesus into the bedroom.
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Daniel Gray
Really? Ok try and do this with Mohammad and see what happens to you. Now if you wont do this to all religions, what makes you think its ok to do it to one?
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William J Lewis
Not sure if you knew this, but there many different interpretations of Sharia law around the planet, maybe as many as Judeo Christian law. However 1 man's opinion is approximately equal to 1/7.5 Billionths of the population.
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Daniel Gray
Not sure if you knew this but people have been murdered and wars started just for daring to draw a picture of Mohammad. You DO remember Charlie Hebdo, right? where 12 people were gunned down for doing this. You Do member Salmon Rushdie who STILL has to be in hiding because of a Fatwa placed on his head for his book, right?
As I said try doing this to Mohammad and see how far you get.
Oh and BTW, this isnt an opinion...its FACT
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Alexander Arends
Of course there are many who find this offensive and I certainly would not wear this at a diocese sponsored Halloween party. It would also not be appropriate for going trick or treating in the neighborhood, (especially where temperatures are near subzero weather. :-) But at an adult party? Go for it, as long as you know there will be lots of little devils chasing you.
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Nery Barbara Cabello
I find it very offensive, to fun out of someone's religion, no matter what that religion may be.
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Rev. Jim Sutton
I don't know why it's the Catholics who get hot-and-bothered by this. They're not the only nun game in town. According to Wikipedia, "In Christianity, nuns are found in the Roman Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican and some Presbyterian traditions, as well as other Christian denominations." As for being offensive, it depends on a person's viewpoint and perspective. Kind of like nudity. Is it art or porn? A lot of times it also depends on context and presentation. Either enjoy it or get over it and move on (no one is forcing you to keep looking; change the damn channel).
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Cheryl Pettijohn
Is it offensive? To someone, yes. But most Halloween costumes are offensive to someone.
Maybe the Catholic church should police their own behavior before policing others. And also the Southern Baptist Convention. As much or more sexual assault has been swept under the rug there as well.There are more interesting and original costumes out there than nuns and priests.
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Manuel R. Vela
I feel the first move to destroy a belief is to make a mockery of it. The clothing, garb, of the clergy set them apart from lay persons.
An example of my belief is from "Father Knows Best" to "All In The Family". The Father Figure goes from a wise, loving character to a buffoon.
If an Imam's dress were held to ridicule how would a Muslim react?
Offensive and degrading to many fine dedicated Ladies in the service of God
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Danny D. Maynard
I wonder what the sexy priest costume looks like! ;)
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Danny D. Maynard
Nothing is sacred! That is an absolute!
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Joseph G Mann
All bad and is sacrilegious.
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Corey Griffing
I got away from God in my late 20's and early 30's. Halloween 2009 I dressed as a dead priest. That Christmas I was in a horrible car wreck and lost my fiance. I almost died myself. Come to find out my license were suspended at the time and I was charged with a felony driving with suspended license resulting in a fatality. I spent a year in jail and seven years on probation. During my time in jail I readjusted my life and rededicated myself to God. I believe, if you offend God he will get your attention.
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Lionheart
Sorry to hear about the trials you had, Sir Corey. I’ve heard of similar stories to yours but in reverse. I actually know of someone that said they were “found” by Jesus and he became Christian. Having done that, and only a few months afterwards, he lost his entire family in terrible circumstances. He started questioning his previous decision to become religious, and eventually left his faith. He has never looked back on that decision. He found a wonderful woman, married, had a beautiful family, and some wonderful work opportunities opened up for him. After 40 years he’s never looked back.
Does he equate those events to his joining, and then leaving, religion? At first he began to wonder, but after much thought using logic, reason, and critical thought, he realized one can turn any circumstances to believe whatever one wants to. Thank you for your thoughts. 🤗
🦁❤️
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Mathew Mowbray
So what if people get offended, what happens? NOTHING - grow up and get over it. We have become a society so afraid to offend any one that we have become a bunch of spineless morons pandering to the minority groups for fear of offending them. I say NO, we can still speak the truth, we can still stand by what we say, we can still all have our own beliefs but let others have their own. Just because you get offended does not make you right and someone else wrong it just means you each have different values. Have a laugh, agree to disagree then have a drink together and forget about it.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
God doesn’t seem to mind and is no doubt really likes the sexy nun costumes as does televangelists, priests and pastors.
Yes they are a mockery of religions. It’s a reflection of how young people view religion and people who believe in God. It’s total ********
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Danette Denise Nunnally
Regardless to what Religion, holy Sacraments are just that, holy, These are the garments that are made to be set apart for the Service of Serving Our God, The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. You should have no other god before me. Exodus 20:3 & Deuteronomy 5:7. The World has taken everything that I and so many others hold dear for the service of God. The great I am. and for me this should not even be a debate. But as for me and my house we shall serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 Amen!🙏🏿❤️
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Lionheart
Apart from that book that you like to believe is true, Lady Danette, do you have any demonstrable evidence to support your claim that your particular God is real? You’ll be the first person on earth to do so if you can, and a Nobel Prize will have your name on it. There’s no rush, so please take your time. 🤗
🦁🤭
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Matthew W Meister
I think these kinds of costumes are best avoided under the idea that we should treat others as we would like to be treated. There are so many things that we can dress as that would be much less apt to hurt someone.
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Guy Sutherland McLaren
There is something called the slippery slope fallacy, It has been used to stop discussions like this since I was a wee boy back when Ford Corsairs were new and cool. IN the 1980's when gay people were calling for equal rights, there were those that predicted what we see now, but this is not about gay rights it';s about protecting religious iconography, I forsee a time when people will go to jail for offending someones God.
I find it odd that these Gods never defend themselves, they absolutely need these non fun loving types to do it for them, also have you noticed that their Gods always have the same bigotries that they do.
Of course they are offensive. So what? Get over it, there is a difference between being offended and being harmed.