Next to Godliness

 

The Creation
(Painting by James Tissot)

Although the saying “Cleanliness is next to godliness” cannot be specifically found within the Bible, literal and symbolic references abound within both Testaments.

Leviticus includes instructions for bathing, laundering, handling corpses, and fighting against infectious disease. Deuteronomy offers tips on toileting etiquette.  In Acts, Paul speaks about washing sins away, and in Revelation "John says those who wash their robes are blessed.”

God Himself seems to favor a neat and orderly Creation.  He began scooping up the primordial soup right away in Genesis One.  He might as well have commanded, “A place for everything, and everything in its place!”

Humans also have a predilection for organizing chaos.  In his book Maps of Meaning, Dr. Jordan Peterson explains that our beliefs can be formed as a means of taming unruly passions.  Our brains are neurologically wired to support cherished categorizations.  Genesis 1:27 contends: “God created man in his own image.”

Resources

https://www.northheightscoc.org/me-looking-for-the-verse-that-says-cleanliness-is-next-to-godliness/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2218102.Maps_of_Meaning