Answer the following: (1) What is purity / impurity? (2) Why does God require the maintenance of purity? (3) What is the logic of the laws we encounter related to purity, specifically the food laws?
The concept of purity is closely related to the idea of completeness. In Leviticus, God outlines a strict set of rules governing what must be done in preparation for sacrifice and for consumption (among other things). These guidelines help to establish what it means to be complete/pure. In her account, Mary Douglas describes our efforts towards purity in relation to the avoidance of dirt. More than the actual physical embodiment, dirt can be defined as disorder or as Douglas defines it “matter out of place”. Our avoidance of dirt involves a positive reordering of our environment and a movement to create unity in experience. In essence, we are building upon the goodness of creation while also developing our relationships with each other and with God. Furthermore, by ridding ourselves of “dirt”, we are actively seeking to be more complete, making us more holy in God’s eyes.
As such, God requires us to seek purity as a means to Him. As He describes in Leviticus, God will only accept that which is pure. By remaining pure, we maintain the order of creation and preserve it from pollution, which is our responsibility as a result of the ongoing nature of creation. In addition, remaining pure for God reveals an act of obedience towards Him. The act of purification is a way for us to differentiate from those who are impure, revealing our willingness to be in communion with God.
Going along with the idea of pollution, God gives us laws related to purity, specifically those relating to food, to guide us away from pollution. It is of note that proper hygiene happens to coincide with these laws. Following these laws, we are able to prevent the spread of pollution and the disruption of order.
jrundle 
I found your analysis fo purity interesting. I agree that in a sense seeking our purity is a way in which we reveal our, “willingness to be in communion with God,” as we obey his commands. Additionally, I do agree the maintenance of purity serves to, “preserve it from pollution.” However, I saw purity, more of the need for order and a way in which we can eliminate that which is considered “dirty” or impure and is representative of things which are out of our control.
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