In the biblical context, the concept of community is deeply rooted in the narrative of God's relationship with His people. From the creation of Adam and Eve, the first human community, to the establishment of the nation of Israel, and the formation of the early Church, community is a central theme in Scripture.

Old Testament

The Old Testament presents community primarily through the lens of the family and the nation of Israel. God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) laid the foundation for a community that would be set apart for His purposes. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, a community bound by the Law given through Moses. In Deuteronomy 7:6 , it is written, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth."

The communal life of Israel was marked by shared worship, festivals, and adherence to the Law, which governed not only religious practices but also social and economic interactions. The concept of community extended to the care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:11 : "For there will never cease to be poor in the land; therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land."

New Testament

In the New Testament, the idea of community is expanded through the teachings of Jesus and the establishment of the Church. Jesus emphasized love and unity among His followers, as seen in John 13:34-35 : "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."

The early Church, as described in Acts 2:42-47, exemplified a community devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This communal life was characterized by sharing possessions and caring for one another's needs, reflecting the unity and love that Jesus taught.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the concept of community in his epistles, using the metaphor of the body of Christ to describe the Church. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul emphasizes the interdependence of believers, each with unique gifts and roles, contributing to the health and growth of the community.

Contamination

In biblical terms, contamination often refers to the spiritual and moral impurity that can affect individuals and communities. The concept is closely tied to the ideas of holiness and purity, which are central to the relationship between God and His people.

Old Testament

The Old Testament law contains numerous regulations regarding physical and ceremonial cleanliness, which serve as symbols of spiritual purity. Leviticus 11-15 outlines various laws concerning clean and unclean animals, skin diseases, and bodily discharges. These laws were designed to teach the Israelites about the holiness required to approach God and to live as His chosen people.

Contamination, in a spiritual sense, is often associated with idolatry and sin. The prophets frequently warned Israel about the dangers of adopting the practices and gods of surrounding nations, which would lead to spiritual contamination. In Ezekiel 20:7 , God commands, "And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’"

New Testament

In the New Testament, Jesus challenges the traditional understanding of contamination by emphasizing the condition of the heart over external rituals. In Mark 7:15 , Jesus declares, "Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, but what comes out of a man, that is what defiles him." This teaching shifts the focus from ceremonial laws to the moral and spiritual state of an individual.

The Apostle Paul also addresses contamination in the context of the Church. In 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 , he warns against the corrupting influence of sin within the community: "Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are."

Throughout Scripture, the call to avoid contamination is ultimately a call to holiness, reflecting God's desire for His people to be set apart and pure, both individually and collectively.