Avodah Zarah

The difference of opinions  is only in regard to suspicion, so that where the immoral use is certain, the heifer is unfit. From here then you can deduce that the degree of sanctity of the red heifer is that of animals sacrificed on the altar; for if it had only the sanctity of those [dedicated] to repairs of the temple,  immoral use should not render it unfit! — The red heifer may be different [in this respect alone], because it is designated by Divine law as a sin-offering.  If that be so, it ought to be unfit if it be a Yoze Dofan:  and were you to say that it is so indeed, why then are we taught: If one dedicates a Yoze Dofan as a red heifer, it is unfit, but R. Simeon declares it as fit?  Again, were you to say that R. Simeon follows here the opinion he expressed elsewhere that a Yoze Dofan is to be regarded as a properly born child,  has not R. Johanan said that R. Simeon admitted, in regard to sacred things, that it is not valid for such sanctity?  — But the case of the red heifer is different; since a blemish renders it unfit, immoral use or idolatrous worship also render it unfit;  for Scripture says, for their corruption is in them, there is a blemish in them; they shall not be accepted,  and the School of R. Ishmael taught:  Wherever 'corruption' is mentioned it only means lewdness and idolatry: 'lewdness', as it is said, for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth;  and 'idolatry', for Scripture says, lest ye deal corruptly, to make ye a graven image,  and since a blemish renders the red heifer unfit, immoral use and idolatrous worship also render it unfit. The above text stated: 'Shila learned, What is the reason for R. Eliezer's ruling? [It is the scriptural words,] Speak unto the Children of Israel that they bring unto thee, [which imply that] Israelites shall bring, but it should not be brought by heathens.' According to this, Speak unto the Children of Israel that they take for me an offering  should also mean that Israelites should take and that it should not be taken of idolaters! And were you to say that it does indeed mean so, surely Rab Judah reported in the name of Samuel:  R. Eliezer [himself] was asked: To what extent is honouring one's father and mother to be practised? He answered: Go forth and see how a certain idolater of Ashkelon, Dama the son of Nathina by name, acted towards his father. He was once approached about selling precious stones for the ephod