Unclean

By Richard Beck

Book Description

In the tension between spiritual purity and radical compassion lies one of Christianity's most enduring struggles. Richard Beck explores how the human drive for cleanliness and separation can quietly undermine the very mercy that faith communities are called to embody.

Drawing from Jesus's declaration that mercy matters more than ritual sacrifice, Beck examines why churches often find themselves caught between the call to holiness and the mandate to welcome all people. This internal conflict runs deeper than theological disagreement, rooting itself in fundamental psychological patterns that shape how believers relate to others and the world around them.

Through an innovative blend of psychological research and theological insight, Beck reveals how the pursuit of purity can lead faith communities toward exclusion rather than embrace. He uncovers the subtle ways that spiritual ideals can transform into barriers, creating distance from the very people and situations where divine love is most needed.

The book challenges readers to recognize how the psychology of aversion operates within religious settings, often without conscious awareness. Beck's analysis offers a pathway for understanding why communities dedicated to love sometimes struggle with genuine hospitality and engagement with the world.

For those seeking to live out authentic faith that bridges the sacred and everyday, this work provides essential insights into reconciling the call to holiness with the practice of radical welcome.