THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. It is stated that both the deceased and clean animals are considered impure, and it is noted that touching a deceased animal can render one unclean. The scripture declares, “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 passage, as I understand it, clearly implies that one should refrain from associating with a brother who is a fornicator, licentious, an idolater, a wrongdoer, a drunkard, or a glutton; it states that one should not even share a meal with such an individual (1 Cor. 5:11).
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Hence, if any individuals recognized as righteous, those who have been purified and welcomed into spiritual communion through faith, become ensnared by the deadness of sin, they are deemed 'unclean,' and are ultimately rejected. For anyone tainted by dead works brings defilement upon those who remain in fellowship with him. Yet, if someone is defiled, they may attain cleanness through water by evening, as has been made clear in the preceding discussion. It is important to note that both the one who consumes the dead and the one who simply touches them is regarded as unclean by the law. This stance does not absolve the partaker from vice or guilt nor deem the person who approaches them innocent. We must therefore be diligent not just to avoid the wrongful acts of the immoral but also to refrain from fellowship with them; as it is stated, “Whosoever toucheth pitch shall be defiled” (Sir. 13:1), and this saying holds true. Moreover, the law has selected significant examples to illustrate moral conduct, as can be inferred from what follows: “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). What impurity could the death of an animal and contact with the deceased impart to the human soul? What damage could come from food contained within the belly and expelled, as the Saviour pointed out (Matt. 15:17)? Palladius. I believe that none, indeed; your thoughts are sound.