THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Palladius, in his discussion of Leviticus, provides us with profound insight into mental impurities, suggesting that certain mental experiences manifest as physical ailments. He poses a thought-provoking question: is there any soul affliction comparable to a physical emission of seed? Indeed, the law is spiritual, as you rightly pointed out. The release of seed from the body diminishes the inherent capability for fertility, rendering the seed void and weakening the body’s components. This act creates a state of impurity that feels almost involuntary, leading those afflicted to experience a perpetual state of defilement.
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Now, let us transition from this physical suffering to the inner turmoil that occurs within the mind. The mind becomes corrupted, excessively laboring on improper pursuits and failing to channel its energies into what is truly necessary, resulting in no genuine outcomes. Instead, it continuously seeks the unjust and suffers an inevitable decline into shameful behavior.
What is your response to this observation? Did not the Apostle Paul affirm that humanity is "created ... for good works" (Eph. 2:10)? Indeed, he did. This indicates that human nature is specifically designed to engage in commendable actions. Do you not agree that humanity possesses the capacity for wisdom and all forms of knowledge? It is entirely capable of performing acts of prudence, courage, and justice, should it choose to align with its divine purpose and adhere to sacred commandments.
I concur with you on that point. However, should someone abandon this noble path and become foolish and heartless, directing their desires away from what leads to truth, and instead engaging in misguided pursuits, undermining a virtuous understanding of God and acting without integrity, would it not be appropriate to view such a person as essentially engaged in a mental outpouring of seed, squandering the potential to bear fruit for God?
That seems reasonable. So, if a person neglecting justice and shunning the beauty of courage chooses instead to indulge in pleasures, would you not see them as suffering from a similar affliction as one who releases seed, relying on disgraceful pursuits that rob them of their natural capacity for goodness, thus prioritizing the forfeiture of spiritual fruitfulness for something devoid of value?
I would indeed agree.