Why ‘Fire Is the Cleanser’?

[Tin Pot]

I cant remember where this quote comes from. Can anyone tell me?

I know there are biblical references to using fire as a cleanser, but this particular statement I think was something to do with arson. Maybe 2000AD? Maybe the Paranoia RPG?

Other than my random guesses the only reference I can link is The Simpsons play on the phrase when the opening blackboard has “Fire Is Not The Cleanser” written by Bart.

But where does the original quote come from..?

 

[Fnaar]

Must be a biblical thing. I'd have thought

 

[Drago]

T'was Bomber Harris' favourite saying.

 

[classic33]

Silversmiths burning the impurities off in the fire.

Bilical: Proverbs 25:4
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

Dross: waste or foreign matter : impurity

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Muc Off is a pretty good cleanser. No fire required

 

[Salty seadog]

washing up liquid.

don't mention salt.

 

[classic33]

washing up liquid.

don't mention salt.

Tomato ketchup for brass.

 

[MikeG]

Silversmiths burning the impurities off in the fire.

Bilical: Proverbs 25:4
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

Dross: waste or foreign matter : impurity

View attachment 426514

All true, but to be specific, dross is the stuff that floats on the surface of any melted metal. Lead, for instance, requires the dross to be scooped off the surface of newly melted stuff before pouring. It's a combination of dirt and oxides.

 

[wheresthetorch]

Numbers 31:23 maybe?

"and anything else that can withstand fire must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean."

 

[classic33]

Matthew 3:11, maybe
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I.… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”.