THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Many things are inherently clean, yet may be perceived as unclean due to a feeble mind. Just as children view things like masks and scarecrows—objects that are not frightening by nature—as terrifying because of their immature understanding, so too does this apply in the context discussed. For example, the act of touching a corpse is not inherently defiling; rather, it is the interaction with an unsteady mind that renders one unclean. The founder of this principle, Moses, demonstrated that a thing cannot be unclean by its essence when he carried Joseph's remains without experiencing defilement.
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Consequently, Paul also addresses this matter of uncleanness, which stems not from the inherent nature of things but from mental frailty, stating: There is nothing unclean of itself; but to him that considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean (Romans 14:14). This indicates that defilement originates not from the inherent characteristics of an object but from a person's weakened perception. Additionally, he affirms, All things indeed are clean, but it is evil for that man who eats with offense (Rom. 14:20). This illustrates the root of uncleanness.