THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. It is noted that both deceased animals and those considered clean are regarded as unclean, as touching them can result in defilement. The Scripture states, "And when any cattle dies which you use for food, he that touches its dead body shall be unclean until evening; and he that eats its dead meat shall wash his clothes, and shall be unclean until evening; and he that carries its dead body shall wash his clothes, and shall be unclean until evening" (Lev. 11:39-40). This seems to convey the idea that one should refrain from associating with those who, despite being identified as brethren, continue in fornication, immorality, idolatry, wrongdoing, drunkenness, or gluttony; they should not even share a meal with such individuals (1 Cor. 5:11).
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Therefore, if someone known for their integrity, who has been cleansed and incorporated into spiritual communion through faith, finds themselves entangled in the deadness that sin brings, they are deemed 'unclean' and cast aside. The person who is tainted by dead works inevitably contaminates those around them. However, if one becomes impure, they should seek purification with water by evening; the previous discussion illustrates what this entails. It is crucial to recognize that both the one who consumes the dead and the one who touches them are deemed unclean under the law, as it does not absolve the participant of their guilt nor considers innocent those who draw near to them: "Whosoever toucheth pitch shall be defiled," as stated (Sir. 13:1); and this truth stands firm. The law has selected pertinent examples to express the importance of moral conduct, which can be understood from the subsequent teaching: "Ye shall not defile your souls with any creeping animal, nor make yourselves unclean by them, that ye may be unclean by them: for I am the Lord your God" (Lev. 11:43-44). How could the death of an animal or the act of touching a corpse cause defilement of the human spirit? What detriment could arise from consuming food that has been expelled, as the Savior described (Matt. 15:17)? Palladius. It seems to me that there is none; you are indeed thinking correctly.