I will try to keep this brief.  This is the last time I intend to post on
this issue.
Some may feel that discussing my "religious" beliefs is inappropriate to this
forum.  My justification in doing so is that at least 2 people have already
posted theirs.  I also feel that it is important to understand my views,
because others with whom you deal may hold them as well.
The other religious beliefs expressed were that exposure of a woman's breasts
is no different than exposure of a cow's udder and that a woman should be
able to decide how she uses her own body.  Ttese view are based, in my
opinion, on the belief that there is no God to whom we are accountable and
that people are no different from animals.  God's Word teaches us that people
are spiritual beings, and as such are different from animals.  It further
teaches that God made all things and that man (and woman) are his highest
creations.  We are accountable to God for our actions and not free to choose
what we do with our bodies.
I agree with Jay that a woman's body is a beautiful piece of art.  That is
why, after God created it, "he saw that it was very good."  However, after
man sinned, God provided coverings for Adam and Eve, because he knew that
their sinful natures made it necessary to keep the body covered..  The Bible
teaches that a woman's breasts are both for nourishing and nurturing babies
and for the pleasure of her husband..  See the Song of Solomon.  However, I
see no justification for display of a woman's body to anyone other than her
husband and nursling.
If anyone is interested in discussing this issue further, please respond by
private e-mail, and I will be happy to explain why I believe what I believe.
As far as the cultural and emotional aspects of this issue are concerned, I
thought Nicole Bernshaw made some excellent observations.  (Objective
information does little to change emotional reactions.)  Bonnie Jones