ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the place of purity in Judaism, Christianity and Islam by way of a narrative study of key texts of each scripture. Firstly, the purity laws of the Hebrew Bible Book of Leviticus (Chapters 11–15) are placed in their narrative framework beginning at Exodus 19. Secondly, New Testament purity texts in the Gospel of Mark, the Acts of the Apostles, and the letters of Paul are examined. Thirdly, Surahs 2–5 are given the same treatment. Common ground is found in the concern of each for covenant and community; differentiation is noted in the absence in the Qur’an of the common concern of both Hebrew Bible and New Testament for holiness.
