Hey everyone, thanks for being interested in conversations like this and thanks for treating each other well! Some people support the program at patreon.com/tmbh, and while I hugely appreciate that, there's no expectation on my end. Here are the links to the two previous videos on the Coptic Church with Father James: ruclips.net/video/zpbaZXRLWgE/видео.html ruclips.net/video/iRToju4rTTQ/видео.html
Hey Matt, I may have missed this in the past but I would love to see a series on your current faith tradition. I’ve loved all of the series’s I’ve seen so far, the Coptic one especially.
I was raised in a Muslim family, But I knew Jesus 8 years ago, and he led me to the Coptic church which I'm so gladly a part of right now. The stunning thing about this church is how much persecution they faced in the past and still face right now but they are so loving, caring and forgiving in a mind blowing way. I came to Jesus not knowing anything and this church and its fathers helped me tons with much kindness that I saw Jesus in them, I was surprised with the amount of jewels of knowledge, logic and faith they have ...... Today Jesus and the church are my life and cant imagine living without them. I owe the Coptic church everything in helping me know Jesus and be in an amazing relationship with him. So thank you so much for this series.
How did you do it ? I had to travel abroad just to be able to attend mess and I finally found the way to the Catholic Church and was baptized there. But if I return to Egypt; how to access them ? They didn't want to speak with me four years ago out of fear because it's actually illegal in Egypt
I am Eastern Orthodox, and thank you so much for this window into the Coptic Church. My family and I went to Egypt and visited the Coptic community in Cairo. As you enter the community, there are soldiers, gates, and bomb bollards near the sacred sites and church, because they are oppressed. Look no further than the 21 Coptic martyrs killed by Isis. They live under daily threat for their very lives for being Christian, and still maintain a level of faith Of which I can only stand is awe. I look at the Coptic community and say that this is the type of Christian in need to be. May Lord have Mercy. Thank you 🙏🏻
I'm Greek Orthodox, and absolutely love the Coptic church. It is a church with a vibrant monastic and spiritual tradition, and to this day remains under intense persecution. It would be a great joy for me to see all the Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox churches back in full communion before I leave this world. Also, I appreciate your respectfulness and curiosity. So many Protestants are quick to write us off as some weird group with foreign rituals, and may not even consider us Christian. Thanks for this!
As a Roman Catholic myself, here in the south, we are also grouped with as you said, "some weird group with foreign rituals". I absolutely love the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom and I have attended St Basil's Liturgy as well. There is a parish of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC that I visit when I can. It's a bit of a drive for me, but interestingly enough, two Orthodox Mission Parishes have been started in my town! A small chapel at my Parish is being used by the Russian Orthodox Mission and a local Lutheran Church has offered space for the other (I don't know if it's Greek, Russian etc. or not). Is God Great? YES! Our divisions hurt me as I know it hurts the body of Christ, but my town has welcomed these fellow Christians with open arms, and I pray as Christ commanded, we may be one. Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!
I am an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Christian and i used to think i got all the answers and if we teach the other side they would join under the body of Christ. My teachers told me that wont work and only Love can inspire devotion and attracts peoples towards the light. These coptic series showed me the care and the love within and i thank our father james for that.
It's one of the most moving things for me to learn of Christians from places and traditions I'm not familiar with. It's literally learning of new members of your own family.
I love that analogy! As a Copt, I have been loving this series for a long time and I'm so honoured Matt chose to make these videos about the Coptic church :)
The interviewer is exceptional. Though I'm Eastern Orthodox, and he did a great job on meeting them, I'd love for him to talk with Christians from Iraq, namely the Assyrian Orthodox Church. Truly impressive people and believers.
Thanks so much for this video. I love the Coptic Orthodox so much. I have grown up with them in Egypt and they are such beautiful souls. The goodness I saw on their part throughout my life was the reason I considered Christianity and knew a lot about its values when I started searching for the truth. Long story short; I found the internet forum of a Canadian Protestant theology school and finally found someone to ask my questions. After three weeks I had all the answers i needed and knew our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the truth. I started studying the word with a Protestant friend from America when I was in Egypt, then I decided to try to get baptized Orthodox or Catholic because that's how I understood the scripture about baptism. Funny story here: Because the conversion is kept secret in Egypt, my friend and I went to the beach and pretended to have holding breath competitions except he was reciting the words baptising me Protestant 😂. I got fed up with not being able to attend mess or communion and of keeping my faith a secret, and jumped at the first chance to travel abroad for a master's degree. There, in France and after a year of preparation, I was baptized Catholic. To all the Coptic Orthodox reading this; I love you all and I miss you just as much as I miss my family that I had to leave. In my heart the Coptic Orthodox and Catholic are my family that times separated me from, I miss you my brothers and sisters and I love you as my family of faith that I grew up with even before I became Christian❤ Let us all pray for the reunification of the church❤
As a Coptic Christian I really enjoyed the interview and the way father James explained the holy tradition and its importance to us. I pray that all the churches become united again.
Churches are already united through Christ, because whoever is of Christ is united of other people. Pray not for worldly unification, but to see all of God's servants as already unified.
As a coptic orthodox Christian I have enjoyed this series so much! I’ve been watching your videos for a while now and have been a fan of NDQ since it started! Thanks for always being so curious and interested in learning about new things. Your love for learning is definitely contagious Matt!
I'm curious about something. The Chrismation (spelling?) seems like it would be rather tricky to do on a baby simply for practical reasons. And there wasn't any mention of confirmation in the interview. Do you do infant baptism and Chrismation, or do you wait until the child has come to faith?
@@pi4t651 We baptise infants and do the Chrismation straight after they are out of the water. Coming to the faith is the work of the Holy Spirit and there is no reason for Him not to work in us from infancy through the Holy mysteries as well as intellectually as we grow.
@@ramezaziz2336 So how does confirmation work for you? Do you confirm both sacraments, and if so does it play out differently in any way because of that? ...Actually, I'm making an assumption there. *Do* you practice something along the lines of confirmation (that is, some sort of formal way for a believer who was baptised as an infant to say "yes, I believe in Christ and am committing myself to him, accepting and confirming the baptism I was given"? Or do people who were born into the church just grow up into believers without any formal step there?
@@pi4t651 We don't have a formal rite of confirmation. Once baptised you start taking communion and you just grow organically in the church, learning as you go and the confirmation is sort of implied/assumed. In practice we confirm / profess the faith every time we proclaim the creed which we do as part of the hours prayers five times a day every day as well as in the Devine liturgy, if that counts :)
@@peteroleary9447 For me, I consider Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant more like branches of Christianity... Whereas denominations are like in protestantism would be baptist, pentecostal, Methodist, etc...
@@BiglariProductionsOh boy, that's a common way of looking at Christendom, but sure stir controversy among some. Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic reject the notions of denominationalism and _branchism_ for theological reasons, and would rather leave that taxonomy alone
@@BiglariProductions Denomination is a term that protestants are comfortable being classified as. Properly speaking an Orthodox should (politely) demur in the use of that term for the Orthodox. If someone asks an Orthodox person "what denomination are you? (presumably they know the person is a Christian)", the Orthodox person could side step and say simply "I am an Orthodox Christian". No need to correct the questioner.
I have loved this three-part series (four part series). Love my Coptic brothers and sisters. Love my Orthodox brothers and sisters. Love my Protestant brothers and sisters. This is a good work you're doing, Matt.
@@greenhaven-podcast Thanks, brother! I'm assuming you're Orthodox and I often wonder from your camp's perspective, what hurdles do you think are necessary for unity with our Coptic brethren and with Rome? At this point is the biggest issue of how authority would work (i.e. would the Roman Pope have to give up the ability to speak ex-cathedra? Would the Copts have to recognize any primacy attributed to the Patriarch of the East? Would we have three (five historically) Popes?) God bless!
I would think there is some misconception about the Catholic Pope . Very rarely does he make any sort of ex cathedra statement. It is only meant to be used when the Church is already clearly in consensus or a Church Council (which is called to resolve debate) is unable to come to consensus, in which he would finish the debate . The vast, vast majority of things are solved in a conciliatory manner, in a council called by the Pope , Since Peter (single) received the keys from Jesus, only the patriarch of the universal Church has the authority to call the whole Church to council . I think Pete's ministry can't give up the keys. Blessings
I am apart of the Syriac Orthodox Church (orthodoxy from syria). (I am ethnically Aramean from Mesopotamia) I speak Aramaic and so does my parish. We have sooo much in common with the Coptic Orthodox Church. God Bless my fellow middle eastern Christians :)))
I love this series so much. It is the kind of thing the church, the world, and by all means the Internet needs much more of. Thank you for all of the work that you put in and your willingness to have open and candid conversations. It is really encouraging.
Toooottttaaaallyyyy agree! We should be united as the faithful, and not so eager to set ourselves apart from our brothers and sisters in Christ - even where they are so very different in their expression of faith.
Hey matt, it's been an amazing experience. You are really doing a great job bringing Christians closer. Thank you so much. I hope 🙏 someday you will give us a glimpse of the ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH ⛪....thanks again... God Bless you
It's just mind blowing for me how much oriental orthodox and eastern ortodox have in common! I mean, we are separated for like 16 centuries! Greetings from Serbia! Mat, you're doing a great, great job!
The one true CHURCH! Orthodoxy doesnt rely on individual interpretations and belief systems , they are well known for putting the word of God first regardless if they fully accept or understand it . Their motto is obedience to God only so even after centuries they will be the same no matter where
@@sofia2moro how is it one true church if you guys have nationalized Christianity? there's Serbian orthodox, greek orthodox, Ukrainian orthodox, etcetera.
Is there something wrong with the Catholic Orthodox Church of the holy Roman empire? Asking for a friend haha. Jk. I don't wanna debate. Just a thought :)
A holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The Coptic church is a great example of resilience, amazing zeal for Christ and his holy message. I am not a Copt but I am thankful for the existence of these brothers in Christ.
To be fair, father did mention the Coptic Catholic Church. But I’m not sure if Matt is aware that there are 24 particular churches in the Catholic communion.
I am so blessed to be a member of the Coptic Orthodox Church (a convert from Roman Catholicism). May God strengthen us all in the faith, and God bless everyone who sees these videos.
I am a Coptic Orthodox Christian and I passed by this video. It makes my heart so happy to see another Priest evangelizing to you and all these beautiful people. I really appreciate your open mind because our faith has so much meaning, even though throughout a one-year period, we do the same things consistently with the Coptic Calendar. I love that you gave Father (another name for Priest is "Abouna") James this beautiful video to show others our beautiful faith and church. Church for us is not a place, but instead in our hearts so we are all connected whether I pray a liturgy at a different city/state church. We are connected by God and His grace and love. God bless you and may He fill your heart with peace and love.
Yes, Eastern Catholics do. In the west it is not the disciplinary tradition. It could change in the future but we have seen that unmarried priests are more independent to go, preach and die in remote location in the name of Christ.
@@vincenzorutigliano5435 wow I never thought about that. They are not tied down to a family they can give everything to the church and to Christ. Beautiful, I don't know why I never thought about that.
As a Coptic Christian I want to thank you for this amazing video. I actually ended up learning a lot and I love your gracious and respectful interviewing attitude - not trying to get gotcha moments but truly trying to encourage further elaboration, elucidation and contrasting. Thank you and God bless ❤️
I just want to say, I have never come across a protestant that is doing his utmost to not misrepresent other Christian churches. Thanks a lot, this makes your channel interesting and educational.
I agree. Father James IS very special but so are you Matt. I haven’t met a person who is as lenient and accepting and respectful towards other Christian denominations as you are. God BLESS you and Father James. P. S. I’m an Armenian Orthodox and as such we are affiliated with the Coptic Church.
Man, coming for a conservative protestant background, I love this series. Good to know the world is filled with Christians even though they may not fit exactly within my "camp".
Same, but catholic haha. When I heard coptics have 3 hour mass and half the year in fasts I was like, alright they're definitely getting saved lol. Maybe it's not about "being catholic?" haha.
@Kerulus Samy , yes brother, it was a joke. Catholics reject Pelagianism and semi-pelagianism. We distinguish between our works and the works of God in us and through us. All we have to do is let God work.
@@spookidrew4284 Haha its not about us Fasting like 200 days a year or having 3 Hours long liturgy coz again its all part of the tradition, the most important thing is believing in the one and only Jesus Christ
Really looking forward to the next part of the interview. As a Catholic I find the orthodox churches fascinating, especially their Holy Traditions which are so similar to ours. I'd like to be very forward and ask you one thing (if you haven't already): please attend one of their Liturgies some Sunday. The Liturgy is the prayer of the people of God. I think you should experience that prayer. Viva Christo Rey!
Same! Couldn't say it better! I kinda feel it's like, if you're catholic and are ready to dig even deeper, here's a few more books and a bunch of fasts have at it :)
This series about the Coptic Orthodox church is fascinating!!! THANK YOUUUUU.. The interview is amazing, very objective, very high level of respectful mindful discussion between two Christians from different backgrounds. Thanks for giving people the chance to know more about this beautiful church, to understand more why things go that way. I believe this video and these series of knowing more about different churches and traditions, from where they all come, will help everyone to be more open minded and accepting, and loving to His brothers and sisters in Christianity. I always pray that we all unite in Jesus Christ. It’s not difficulty or harmful at all to look at different churches and know more their history and to be impacted or grown up spiritually through some of these traditions or concepts in faith. The main goal is always getting deeper and deeper in your knowledge and personal relationship with God. And the Coptic Orthodox church, in my opinion, has many ways of support to have a deep intimate relationship with God. God bless 🙏🏼
I am Greek orthodox and have worshipped in the Coptic in London in Kensington and was always moved by the worship and powerful singing and intense spiritual authentic atmosphere of the liturgy and people. Reading the services I cannot find any difference to chalcedon faith. Just a different way of explaining the same facts. One remembers the 20 Coptic martyr's refusing to deny Christ on that Libyan beach in 2015 and meeting a gruesome death by beheading with a knife . And the African none Christian with them who could have gone free but chose to die with them confessing Christ.
Our Coptic brothers and sisters are so beautiful and loving. Hopefully one day, we ALL will find a path forward together. Your Orthodox brother in Christ.
Great video! Thank you. Father's point on the Eucharist reminded me of Elizabeth of England's reply when asked about her belief in the Eucharist: "Twas God the word that spake it, He took the bread and brake it; And what the word did make it; That I believe, and take it."
I really love your videos. I never really had an understanding of Protestantism but thru your interviews your faith becomes clear and is truly beautiful. God bless you from an Orthodox brother!
I enjoyed the LCMS episodes a lot, the pastor was very interesting. I gotta say, though, these Coptic episodes have been my absolute favourite! Fr. James seems like an excellent priest, and you guys seem to be genuinely enjoying each other in conversation.
Everything he said was with love and tradition. His belief in Christ is impowered or connected by tradition but he never made a judgement based on tradition. This is a great man.
It might be a little more complicated now because of COVID (my church is still in the phase where you have to sign up for a liturgy unfortunately). It might be better to find their contact info and reach out to them like that? Good luck on your journey, God bless!
This is a brilliant film, I have learned so much about the Coptic Church and was very impressed with this Coptic priest. Rev'd Bryan V East (Retired Anglican living in UK)
It's the same in the Eastern Catholic churches as well. Sacraments of baptism, confirmation and holy communion are all given together at the same time to infants
I’m totally in love with this series. Thank you Matt from the Ten Minute Bible Hour for your openness and willingness to explore the Coptic Orthodox Church and thank you Father James Mikhail -an incredible ambassador of Christ and our Church!!
I'm a fallen away catholic and struggle with many things. Matt your work makes me a better Christian and helps me to understand and appreciate many things I previously did not. Thank you.
This is an awesome series thank you for sharing my faith with so many people! I love this it makes me so proud to be a Coptic Orthodox Women🥰🥰🥰🥰God Bless your work 🥰🥰🥰
I have really enjoyed this series. It has opened up the world and people of Christianity to such a wider net than how I grew up. In the 80's as a kid going to youth group, the assumption was true Christians were those of the "traditional" Protestant denominations (whatever that means). Everything else was a cult, and that included Catholics and Orthodox. As an adult I slowly rejected that thought and strongly feel no church has it 100% correct and should be humble in our view of what makes a Christian a Christian. Nowadays I'm going to assume that my net is even wider than most evangelical Christians are willing to go, but that's ok. Like you I knew nothing about Coptic faith. You have opened my eyes to its beauty and so many common links it has to our western understanding of faith.
Thank you for your open-mindedness! Growing up Orthodox in a western country, I remember a friend once asked me "Are you Catholic or Christian"? I hadn't realized that some protestants didn't consider Catholics Christians until that point. I didn't know how to answer because I was like I'm Christian but I guess not in the way that you mean it
These are getting better and better The later videos you were doing a much better job on than your earlier ones. You're asking more questions you are obviously getting more comfortable with it very well done keep up the good work
This must be one of the best church interviews you done. Fr. James is such wise and lovable leader. He makes the Coptic Church look like the best church ever. The consecration of the whole body is a beautiful idea. Matt, thank you for doing this.
This misconception about the Catholic Pope is everywhere lol. Very rarely does he make any sort of ex cathedra statement. *_It is only meant to be used when the Church is already clearly in consensus or a Church Council (which is called to resolve debate) is unable to come to consensus, in which he would finish the debate_* . The vast, vast majority of things are solved in a conciliatory manner, in a *_council called by the Pope_* , for _only the patriarch of the universal Church has the _*_authority to call the whole Church to council_* . And as an example where the Church is already in broad consensus, there is the *_definition of the Assumption_* . Pope Pius XII polled a very broad population of the Bishops and theologians of the Church, asking them if this was the belief of their people and whether it was a theologically founded belief. The vast majority answered in the positive, with only a handful in the negative. *_Only after the Church consented did he define the dogma_* . The *_definition of the Immaculate Conception_* was also very similar. Pope Pius IX, after consulting the theologians, questioned the Bishops about the opportuneness and the possibility of such a definition, convening as it were a *_"council in writing"_* . Again, *_the vast majority of the 604 Bishops gave a positive response to the question_* . *_Only after the Church consented did he define the dogma_* .
As a Roman Catholic, it would be AWESOME to see you and your family convert to Coptic Orthodox. I am happy to see a Protestant looking into this. I was raised Non-Denominational Protestant and ever years of study, I became Catholic. Now, I'm not saying you WILL convert but I ask that you please keep the idea of "I may be wrong so I'm gonna look deeper into this". Or, of course, you don't have too. You could say "meh, I'm not really open to that. I'm pretty set on the beliefs I hold already" and THAT'S FINE and I'm really happy to see you doing these kinds of videos, either way. I'm just giving you a general idea of how I went about it and thought maybe it might be something you would want to do, as well. That's all I'm saying. God bless you, Matt! Thanks for all the great content!
I'm a Coptic orthodox & quite enjoying father James's explanations & your own honesty and Christ. I actually learned few things about my own church in those videos, thank you!
His explanation of "where the Church is" reminded me of the Russian saint Theophan the Recluse. He was apparently asked by a spiritual directee about Lutherans and whether or not they were saved. His response (and I haven't personally read it yet, so I have no idea about the exact thing he said) was: "You, the Orthodox Christian, need to stay faithful to the Church. You need to focus on what Christ has given to you." But, concerning those outside of the visible boundaries of the Church, God will love them and lead them in whatever way He wants to. He may guide them into the Orthodox Church, but that is between them and Him, not you. On your part, stay faithful. But then, apparently, (and this is really beautiful), concerning those outside the visible bounds of the Church, he recites the lines from Matthew: "what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?" On one level, they may not have valid Sacraments/Apostolic Succession--but on another level, they are still asking a Loving Father for bread. As a Catholic (and former Protestant), this really rings true for me personally. Even though I was not "really" receiving Holy Communion in the Anglican Church, I definitely know some sort of union with Christ still was happening. His offered Body and Blood may not have been sacramentally present--but looking back on it, I know He was giving Himself to me in some way.
I would go so far as to say God may bless nonsacramental communion whether rhise who receive it believe or know it. People come to faith through hearing the gospel who don't believe it or know it at the time.
I was a Cradle RC, but somehow I felt something missing and here in Singapore, we do not have many other expressions of Christianity other than Roman Catholics or Protestants(& prosperity ones). I follow your channel for insights to many other practices I can relate to as a Catholic. I have to honestly admit that I have left the Roman practice in search of of a home where my heart is guided to by the Holy Spirit. Your series has brought insights to other Apostolic Traditions that I was not educated about and have left me with a hunger to know more about other Churches in the Traditional Liturgy. I would actually term myself as a Tradtional Christian, of Liturgy & Tradition..Thank U for opening up the world of fellow family churches rooted in Liturgy and Apostolic traditions for me Matt!
While any practicing Catholic would have concern for you, and feel grief at the dismal state of our education programs; knowing that you would at least be in an apostolic church with real sacraments would be some relief.
I'm just leaning towards the Anglican High Church.. I just feel comfortable with their Approach, I know that certain friends will be uncomfortable with a Catholic turning Protestant, but I've really looked at many practices of the High church with similarities to my Catholic Faith... they have religious orders similar to catholics, franciscans, carmelites etc... there's also my deep reverence to Our Lady, and they gave the Society of St. Mary which is similar to the Legion of Mary. I know my friends will not be happy with me receiving holy communion in the Anglican faith which they deemed invalid. But my heart believes that it is and that's all that matters.. I've yet to receive it though, as the Local representation of Anglican Communion in Singapore is of the Low and evangelical type.
Dear Angel Love, I happen to chance upon your comment in another thread about your disconnect with Marian Apparitions, I must say that though I have very High Reverence to Our Lady, Its not because of of her supposed apparitions/miracles, it's because She said "yes" to Angel Gabriel that we had Christ and Christianity today. I cannot accept certain dogmas of the church about The Blessed Mother though.. I believe what other orthodox church preaches, that she is the Saint of Saints and I accord her with full Reverence and gratitude... Yes, I still recite the Rosary in her honour but that's as far as I go, not asking her for blessings or for that matter other Patron saints for miraculous blessings, eg praying to St Jude for Health etc..
I am not a Christian at all and some how it's so nice seeing the two of you conversate and share ideas or opinions as well as traditions and beliefs. So respectful, this was wholesome and refreshing
I’m Orthodox and I love watching these videos !!!! Teaches a lot and it’s so interesting to see Father James explain the Faith so well🥰 This was so beautifully said amen amen amen 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Dear Natt. As a Coptic Orthodox Christian, I want to thank you for your interest and helping your RUclips audience become aware of the Coptic Orthodox faith. After watching I believe the 3rd. Episode on your visit to St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church I feel a clarification to what Fr. James has said is in order, not that Fr. James miss stated but he spoke as if he was speaking to a Copt like me and did not say what is obvious to us. As a result in your epilogue you stated allegorical Vs. literal interpretation of the Bible with regards to the sacrament / mystery of communion/ Eucharist and also the mystery of Chrismation. I would like to start with a simple definition of what a mystery means to an Orthodox Christian. A mystery is an action of God the Holy Spirit performed by the priest though which the believer receives visible and invisible graces/blessing. For example in the mystery of baptism the visible grace is the prayers, the blessing of the water and the immersion of the new believer in the water. The invisible grace is getting a new nature, dying and resurrecting with Christ Col. 2:12 and becoming a member of the people of God / the church. Likewise the mysteries of Eucharist and Chrismation has visible and invisible graces in accordance with the teachings of the Scriptures. A little history about the mystery of Chrismation in which the believer receives the Holy Spirit and his/her body becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit 1Cor. 6:19. According the Bible this gift was received only through the laying of the hand of one of the Apostle as in Acts 8:14-18 and Acts 19:6. As the Church grew and the apostles were not able to administer this mystery to all the new converts in different and far places, they (the apostles) prayed on the spices that the women have brought for the Lord’s burial mixed them in olive oil prayed on the mixture and gave it to the priests and authorized the priests to administer this mystery. This is evident from 1John 2:20 anointing implies use of oil and similarly in the Old Testament oil was used to anoint kings and prophets so they may receive the Holy Spirit. The visible grace of the mystery of Chrismation is the 36 anointings that Fr. James mentioned, the invisible grace is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us as promised by the Lord in John 14:26 and it is also the fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2:28-29. As for the mystery of the Eucharist you states that in your tradition you interpret the verses that Fr. James cites as allegorically and not literally. Typically allegory is used to add / discover hidden knowledge and not to change the meaning of the text. For example in John 6:53-66 the Lord was clear “my flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed” note that some of the disciples objected and left Him John 6:60. If the Lord’s words were meant to be taken allegorically then the Lord would have said come back you miss understood, rather He challenged the remaining disciples if they wanted to leave also? John 6:67. This is not the only place where the Lord was emphatic about the explicit meaning of His words, He reiterated the same when He instituted the mystery of Eucharist Matt. 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24 and Luke 22:19-20. It is interesting that this is the same understanding that St. Paul had, although he was not present at the last super, 1Cor. 10:14-16 & 1Cor. 11:23-25. St. Paul goes further in warning those who eat in unworthy manner 1Cor. 11:27. If it is to be taken allegorically why the warning after all it is not the real body and blood of the Lord? Finally it is note worthy that all the apostolic churches (those which were established by one of the Lord’s apostle) agree that the Eucharist is the body and blood of the Lord regardless of their other disagreements, not to mention that my Lutheran friends believe that it is the body and blood of the Lord. The tradition that it is symbolic is a new tradition and it is different from what the Lord and apostles have taught. May God bless you.
I think it's a gift from God that you met this SPECIFIC Coptic priest, I loved how he doesn't just tell you how the rites go, but explains the spirituallity behind everything!
I truly respect this series! As an Orthodox Christian that converted from a Canadian Baptist Church I find that we aren't exposed to other none Low Church denominations or if we are it's only through negative views and misconceptions that have been made to cloud our eyes from those traditions. We aren't taught the truth of other denominations and if we are taught their views it's always accompanied by why it's wrong and our way is right which is so not the way to learn and understand other denominations. We should be hearing their truths even if we don't agree. We need to listen first and then understand why we ourselves don't follow that after. This series does an amazing job of showing the Truth of each denomination you have tackled and shows respect to their beliefs even if you don't agree with them and I believe all Christians need to use this lens! I recommend it too all the Protestant friends I meet! Thank you so much and I look forward to other denominations you do and I hope after you finish all the major ones you will also do a similar series on other religions because we aren't called to hate other religions and I find so many Christians do this but we need to learn their beliefs just as much as we learn other denominations because it will grow our own faith, make our faith in the Trinity stronger, open our minds more, and educate ourselves so we can properly love our other religious brothers
Amazing interview. I have had a fascination and tremendous respect for the Coptic church since my time as a Brit Prot Missionary in Egypt. This series is superb, keep going brother.
Hi Matt, love the platform and approach to exploring Christian faiths! Especially liked the videos on the Orthodox Church! My parents left it up to me what I wanted to be baptized as and as it so happened I had my spiritual moment on a visit to russia where I was baptized orthodox! Without really understanding the faith I knew this was right for me! I’ve since married a Romanian orthodox and have two little children! Only a few years ago I began learning about my faith and since you have been covering TTMBH I have learned more about the Bible and even more about the orthodox faith! Thank you
I am Anglican clergy and this series has opened up so many fruitful conversations with my evangelical friends who find themselves hungry for more of the sacramental worldview.
I would consider myself Anglican now from being a cradle Catholic, but that said, I revere the High church Liturgical style of the Anglican Communion. I've always told my fellow protestant friends, our lives in the world today is full of noise... why can't we devote our Service and worship for that 1 hour or so in solemnity.. afterall, Christ's birth and Death is not about Bands and noise to announce the events but a remembrance of a time of quiet and humble birth to the Sad and mournful crucifixion of Christ. So it just about me and that once a week service that I devote solemnity to Liturgy 🙏
@@jakesanders136 Really, dead people? I thought we are all living God's life after we meet Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I am catholic myself and I don't pray to dead people but I ask them, brothers and sisters, who went before me in front of God to intercede for me. What about that Jesus said in Luke 20, 37, and 38: but in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”
As as married man with 3 boys discerning the priesthood, I was really encouraged that he put his vocation as a husband and father to his children first. Surely being a priest includes these gifts from God. Having been brought up Roman Catholic, I think that the way the Catholic church frames priesthood and marriage as distinct vocations has blocked a a fuller understanding of what the priestly vocation is. Thank you Fr James.
I hear that the Vatican is considering the ordination of married seminarians to minister within the vast Amazon area in Brazil. I really hope it falls through as the Church could gain a lot by reopening the doors of the presbyterate to married men, just like the Pre-Elviran Church.
Love your comments at the end of the video! I share your discomfort on how the apostolic churches are making us Protestants re-examine what we've been taught as the "only correct view" of Christianity. It's humbling to discover that the apostolic churches [Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, etc] have maintained their beliefs & practices from the beginning and Protestants are often the odd man out with our own unique interpretations and theological beliefs . One thing's for sure, your videos are getting us out of our separate "holy huddles" to form the one, unified church Jesus desires to see!
The most terrifying questions are: is the actually a God, and do we continue to exist after physical death. There is absolutely no objective evidence that either of these are true. The faith one holds is largely a function of the culture and family you were born into - in other words, chance. There may be cases of mental and emotional "epiphanies" leading one to other Faith's, but these are by definition subjective interior reasons that can never be objectively efficacious evidence of thruth. In other words, it all comes down to simple preference, and the forces your immediate culture exerts on your choices. All religions are merely cultural "tags" that mean "You can trust me. There are certain things I will and will not do to/for you.". It's a social warranty.
@@rwshaw1234 Interesting. Thank you for sharing your information. I heard something similar to your statement years ago and your comment refreshed my recollection of that viewpoint. So what you are saying is that people use religious labels, jargon, experiences, as a shortcut or "trust coupon" to gain leverage. Is that correct?
@@rwshaw1234Your opinion is respected but i beg to differ, i know someone who had very normal worldly home, and went to the monastery. How can you explain that? God works with each person in different ways, your role in this is to have eyes to see his working in your life and in your circumstances , and the more you see the more your faith grows. That is how it works. Give him a chance and see how He will work with you, but you have to give it freely. Hope you experience this with all my heart, it truly will be a blessing in your life.
Okay, the oil thing, that reminds me of something else you might be super interested in! There is another ancient church that is even more obscure than this called the Assyrian Church of the East who are super fascinating (especially their NT canon of Scripture, the Peshitta, which has been preserved with Masoretic level accuracy, and they even claim that they received the letters in Aramaic from the hands of the Apostles or their direct associates themselves!) But what is really fascinating is that they have the same tradition as the oil, but with the flour of the bread for the Eucharist... and the flour they use is actually from the same bread as the last supper (is how the tradition goes). If you're ever interesting in checking them out, I would suggest trying to get in touch with Rev. Fr. Genard Lazar (Qasha Genard on Facebook). They did an English outreach liturgy/service once a month at their church before COVID hit (most churches are still strictly Aramaic and not everyone's English is good; Fr. Genard has super good English and I think your guys' personalities would match really well!) Anyway, just a suggestion for a potential future video!
Father James not only walks the walk, he talks the talk. He has dedicated himself to become as Christ like as a human can become. That is a Christian. I have put myself back onto that path by returning to the church I grew up in. My pray is that I can express my faith and my church's traditions and doctrine as eloquently as he did.
Am I a Christian? What a black hole of a question :D I was really impressed with Fr James' response. I remember his holiness late Pope Shenouda III in a television interview a few years ago answering a similar question with something along the lines of anyone who confesses the creed is a Christian regardless of how we view their other doctrines. This position gives us the ability to draw a line and say with a clear conscience that certain churches are not Christian, for example JW, Mormons and Scientologists, while at the same time stops us from slipping into judging brothers and sisters who worship the Lord Jesus Christ differently.
Ramez Aziz but then, were Arians Christians. What kind of a heresy is too far? Also isn’t being non-judgmental a way of saying “We’ll just let those errors slide. Couldn’t we say, Arians are Christians who need to be shown the errors.
Ramez Aziz many fundamentalists say that the Creed isn’t free of error. So, while agreeing with the statements of the Creed, they actually reject the first Councils and confessional or creedal documents. Steven Anderson (Baptist) even called Nicea “bunch of phony preachers getting together”.
@@gareginasatryan6761 as I said, the creed is my test. It is the statement of faith that every Christian must uphold. There is a difference between who is a Christian and who is saved or who is a "real" Christian... This is not the topic. So if you believe the creed is wrong then you don't confess the same faith. If you are a unitarian you don't confess the same faith. If you are a muslim, a mormon, a Jehova's witness... You're not a Christian regardless of what you call yourself. In other words, there are Christians with whom we disagree on really important things and there are non- Christians altogether. What's the difference? The core beliefs ie the creed.
@@savagebanshee1234 and one must outwardly act like the inward change, which this priest does. Too many Christians talk all the jargon and don’t live a word of what they say.
@@savagebanshee1234 a tradition made by man that is 2000 years old would have failed. Orthodox and and Catholic Churches are the only ones that follow apostolic faith. Protestant churches are man made.
@@rmb10 really? What verse says to anoint each eye and nostril? Please tell me the verse that proves purgatory and how giving money to the church gets family members out? What verse says that the pope is infallible? Traditions are illusions of holiness. Men are wretched, from the Pope to a beggar on the street. This isn't my opinion, its the Bible's.
This is interesting because I worked with dozens and dozens of Egyptians along with Persians. I realized that the Egyptians were actually Christians, not Muslims at my job, and the Persians were Jewish. In many aspects I realized that global events like the Arab Spring made many believers move to the USA to escape possible persecution in modern day from the extremists in the Middle East.
Very informative :) and love the positivity. I've learned so much from the coptics. With the faith of a mustard seed you can literally move mountains ❤️
I am very much drawn to the Coptic church due to its physical connection to Jesus. St. Mark as the founder of this church and as you also noticed the oil, how its mingled with the original oil which was given by Jesus to St. Mark. So fascinating! Thank you very much for these videos and what an amazing person Father James is, praise the Lord!
This video was immensely educational and interesting! These conversations have really humbled me in approaching other Christian denominations. I used to ignorantly think that alternative takes to my own (eg, Catholicism, Coptic) were obviously wrong and ungrounded but I have been quite taken back by how each denomination has clear reasons why they believe what they believe. You have a real gift Matt when it comes to asking probing questions in a way that is genuine, constructive and loving. Keep up these videos and thanks for all your efforts! Tim from New Zealand
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Hey everyone, thanks for being interested in conversations like this and thanks for treating each other well! Some people support the program at patreon.com/tmbh, and while I hugely appreciate that, there's no expectation on my end.
Here are the links to the two previous videos on the Coptic Church with Father James:
ruclips.net/video/zpbaZXRLWgE/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/iRToju4rTTQ/видео.html
Hey Matt, I may have missed this in the past but I would love to see a series on your current faith tradition. I’ve loved all of the series’s I’ve seen so far, the Coptic one especially.
Hey matt did you attend the liturgy?
As a member of the Armenian Catholic Church: Chrismation is the name Eastern Christian Churches call the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The oil has flowers from our savior Jesus burial. This is how blessed those oil are.
Thank you, thank you
I was raised in a Muslim family, But I knew Jesus 8 years ago, and he led me to the Coptic church which I'm so gladly a part of right now. The stunning thing about this church is how much persecution they faced in the past and still face right now but they are so loving, caring and forgiving in a mind blowing way. I came to Jesus not knowing anything and this church and its fathers helped me tons with much kindness that I saw Jesus in them, I was surprised with the amount of jewels of knowledge, logic and faith they have ...... Today Jesus and the church are my life and cant imagine living without them. I owe the Coptic church everything in helping me know Jesus and be in an amazing relationship with him. So thank you so much for this series.
That’s beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
This is beautiful! Welcome to the Christian family!
How did you do it ?
I had to travel abroad just to be able to attend mess and I finally found the way to the Catholic Church and was baptized there.
But if I return to Egypt; how to access them ? They didn't want to speak with me four years ago out of fear because it's actually illegal in Egypt
Thank you for sharing your story Karim. I'm honored you stopped by to watch my video.
Congratulations on your personal journey, and I hope the rest of your family and friends take it well.
I'm an Ex Muslim, Now Oriental Orthodox!
If you don't mind my asking brother, which branch of the Oriental Orthodox Church do you belong to?
I am Eastern Orthodox, and thank you so much for this window into the Coptic Church. My family and I went to Egypt and visited the Coptic community in Cairo. As you enter the community, there are soldiers, gates, and bomb bollards near the sacred sites and church, because they are oppressed. Look no further than the 21 Coptic martyrs killed by Isis. They live under daily threat for their very lives for being Christian, and still maintain a level of faith Of which I can only stand is awe. I look at the Coptic community and say that this is the type of Christian in need to be. May Lord have Mercy. Thank you 🙏🏻
I'm Greek Orthodox, and absolutely love the Coptic church. It is a church with a vibrant monastic and spiritual tradition, and to this day remains under intense persecution. It would be a great joy for me to see all the Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox churches back in full communion before I leave this world. Also, I appreciate your respectfulness and curiosity. So many Protestants are quick to write us off as some weird group with foreign rituals, and may not even consider us Christian. Thanks for this!
As a Roman Catholic myself, here in the south, we are also grouped with as you said, "some weird group with foreign rituals". I absolutely love the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom and I have attended St Basil's Liturgy as well. There is a parish of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC that I visit when I can. It's a bit of a drive for me, but interestingly enough, two Orthodox Mission Parishes have been started in my town! A small chapel at my Parish is being used by the Russian Orthodox Mission and a local Lutheran Church has offered space for the other (I don't know if it's Greek, Russian etc. or not). Is God Great? YES! Our divisions hurt me as I know it hurts the body of Christ, but my town has welcomed these fellow Christians with open arms, and I pray as Christ commanded, we may be one. Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!
they themself the protestants arent christians
@@kidustadesse2466 lol, Anyone that follows Christ and the New Testament is a Christian by definition
I’m Coptic and I can guarantee you that we also love the Greek Orthodox. We even have hymns that are in Greek.
@@kidustadesse2466 It’s not your place to judge who is and is not a true follower of Christ, only Christ can do that.
As a convert to Orthodoxy it’s the most wonderful thing I’ve ever done. 12 years later I’ve never looked back.
I am an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Christian and i used to think i got all the answers and if we teach the other side they would join under the body of Christ. My teachers told me that wont work and only Love can inspire devotion and attracts peoples towards the light. These coptic series showed me the care and the love within and i thank our father james for that.
As an Orthodox I love seeing these Orthodox videos!
It's one of the most moving things for me to learn of Christians from places and traditions I'm not familiar with. It's literally learning of new members of your own family.
Agreed
I love that analogy! As a Copt, I have been loving this series for a long time and I'm so honoured Matt chose to make these videos about the Coptic church :)
Not the same family bro. At all
@@YouGotOptions2 Why do you say that?
The interviewer is exceptional. Though I'm Eastern Orthodox, and he did a great job on meeting them, I'd love for him to talk with Christians from Iraq, namely the Assyrian Orthodox Church. Truly impressive people and believers.
Thanks so much for this video.
I love the Coptic Orthodox so much. I have grown up with them in Egypt and they are such beautiful souls.
The goodness I saw on their part throughout my life was the reason I considered Christianity and knew a lot about its values when I started searching for the truth.
Long story short; I found the internet forum of a Canadian Protestant theology school and finally found someone to ask my questions. After three weeks I had all the answers i needed and knew our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the truth. I started studying the word with a Protestant friend from America when I was in Egypt, then I decided to try to get baptized Orthodox or Catholic because that's how I understood the scripture about baptism.
Funny story here: Because the conversion is kept secret in Egypt, my friend and I went to the beach and pretended to have holding breath competitions except he was reciting the words baptising me Protestant 😂.
I got fed up with not being able to attend mess or communion and of keeping my faith a secret, and jumped at the first chance to travel abroad for a master's degree.
There, in France and after a year of preparation, I was baptized Catholic.
To all the Coptic Orthodox reading this; I love you all and I miss you just as much as I miss my family that I had to leave.
In my heart the Coptic Orthodox and Catholic are my family that times separated me from, I miss you my brothers and sisters and I love you as my family of faith that I grew up with even before I became Christian❤
Let us all pray for the reunification of the church❤
Amen!
Yes, and a wonderful account.
We love you too! Welcome to the family :-)
Welcome to the apostolic families of Christ. May God protect you in your journey.
Dieu te bénisse ! ;)
As a Coptic Christian I really enjoyed the interview and the way father James explained the holy tradition and its importance to us. I pray that all the churches become united again.
Amen to that brother.
I'm Catholic in Indonesia
We already are :)
George Basta amen from philippine catholics
Churches are already united through Christ, because whoever is of Christ is united of other people. Pray not for worldly unification, but to see all of God's servants as already unified.
Amen
As a coptic orthodox Christian I have enjoyed this series so much! I’ve been watching your videos for a while now and have been a fan of NDQ since it started! Thanks for always being so curious and interested in learning about new things. Your love for learning is definitely contagious Matt!
Thanks Mark, that means a lot friend!
I'm curious about something. The Chrismation (spelling?) seems like it would be rather tricky to do on a baby simply for practical reasons. And there wasn't any mention of confirmation in the interview. Do you do infant baptism and Chrismation, or do you wait until the child has come to faith?
@@pi4t651 We baptise infants and do the Chrismation straight after they are out of the water. Coming to the faith is the work of the Holy Spirit and there is no reason for Him not to work in us from infancy through the Holy mysteries as well as intellectually as we grow.
@@ramezaziz2336 So how does confirmation work for you? Do you confirm both sacraments, and if so does it play out differently in any way because of that? ...Actually, I'm making an assumption there. *Do* you practice something along the lines of confirmation (that is, some sort of formal way for a believer who was baptised as an infant to say "yes, I believe in Christ and am committing myself to him, accepting and confirming the baptism I was given"? Or do people who were born into the church just grow up into believers without any formal step there?
@@pi4t651 We don't have a formal rite of confirmation. Once baptised you start taking communion and you just grow organically in the church, learning as you go and the confirmation is sort of implied/assumed. In practice we confirm / profess the faith every time we proclaim the creed which we do as part of the hours prayers five times a day every day as well as in the Devine liturgy, if that counts :)
This series is replacing my HANDBOOK OF DENOMINATIONS book. May God bless you for this series.
It's said that the Orthodox Church is not a denonination, nor non-denominational. Rather, it's an Orthodox conviction that it's _pre-denominational_ .
@@peteroleary9447 For me, I consider Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant more like branches of Christianity...
Whereas denominations are like in protestantism would be baptist, pentecostal, Methodist, etc...
@@BiglariProductionsOh boy, that's a common way of looking at Christendom, but sure stir controversy among some. Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic reject the notions of denominationalism and _branchism_ for theological reasons, and would rather leave that taxonomy alone
@@BiglariProductions Denomination is a term that protestants are comfortable being classified as. Properly speaking an Orthodox should (politely) demur in the use of that term for the Orthodox. If someone asks an Orthodox person "what denomination are you? (presumably they know the person is a Christian)", the Orthodox person could side step and say simply "I am an Orthodox Christian". No need to correct the questioner.
I have loved this three-part series (four part series). Love my Coptic brothers and sisters. Love my Orthodox brothers and sisters. Love my Protestant brothers and sisters. This is a good work you're doing, Matt.
Love you too, brother!
@@greenhaven-podcast Thanks, brother! I'm assuming you're Orthodox and I often wonder from your camp's perspective, what hurdles do you think are necessary for unity with our Coptic brethren and with Rome? At this point is the biggest issue of how authority would work (i.e. would the Roman Pope have to give up the ability to speak ex-cathedra? Would the Copts have to recognize any primacy attributed to the Patriarch of the East? Would we have three (five historically) Popes?) God bless!
I would think there is some misconception about the Catholic Pope . Very rarely does he make any sort of ex cathedra statement. It is only meant to be used when the Church is already clearly in consensus or a Church Council (which is called to resolve debate) is unable to come to consensus, in which he would finish the debate . The vast, vast majority of things are solved in a conciliatory manner, in a council called by the Pope , Since Peter (single) received the keys from Jesus, only the patriarch of the universal Church has the authority to call the whole Church to council .
I think Pete's ministry can't give up the keys. Blessings
I'm Greek Orthodox and love our Coptic brothers. Fr James is an amazing ambassador and teacher to Orthodoxy
I am apart of the Syriac Orthodox Church (orthodoxy from syria). (I am ethnically Aramean from Mesopotamia) I speak Aramaic and so does my parish. We have sooo much in common with the Coptic Orthodox Church. God Bless my fellow middle eastern Christians :)))
Shlamalakh Khatee
I love this series so much. It is the kind of thing the church, the world, and by all means the Internet needs much more of. Thank you for all of the work that you put in and your willingness to have open and candid conversations. It is really encouraging.
Toooottttaaaallyyyy agree! We should be united as the faithful, and not so eager to set ourselves apart from our brothers and sisters in Christ - even where they are so very different in their expression of faith.
Hey matt, it's been an amazing experience. You are really doing a great job bringing Christians closer. Thank you so much. I hope 🙏 someday you will give us a glimpse of the ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH ⛪....thanks again... God Bless you
It's just mind blowing for me how much oriental orthodox and eastern ortodox have in common! I mean, we are separated for like 16 centuries! Greetings from Serbia!
Mat, you're doing a great, great job!
God bless, brother
The one true CHURCH! Orthodoxy doesnt rely on individual interpretations and belief systems , they are well known for putting the word of God first regardless if they fully accept or understand it . Their motto is obedience to God only so even after centuries they will be the same no matter where
@@sofia2moro how is it one true church if you guys have nationalized Christianity? there's Serbian orthodox, greek orthodox, Ukrainian orthodox, etcetera.
Is there something wrong with the Catholic Orthodox Church of the holy Roman empire? Asking for a friend haha. Jk. I don't wanna debate. Just a thought :)
Ftr I have learned a lot from the coptics.ostly the saints and the excluded books. Good sermons too on humility.
A holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The Coptic church is a great example of resilience, amazing zeal for Christ and his holy message. I am not a Copt but I am thankful for the existence of these brothers in Christ.
Thank you! That is very sweet :-)
I’m eastern Catholic, please remember there are 24 churches in the Catholic Church, not just the Latin church.
Yes! Bring it up bro... Not many know this info about our Universal Church (Catholic Church)
@The Ten Minute Bible Hour
I think this comment will interest you Matt
To be fair, father did mention the Coptic Catholic Church. But I’m not sure if Matt is aware that there are 24 particular churches in the Catholic communion.
@@EricAlHarb which rite? Me plain old roman rite
Yohana Kago Syriac Catholic
I am so blessed to be a member of the Coptic Orthodox Church (a convert from Roman Catholicism). May God strengthen us all in the faith, and God bless everyone who sees these videos.
Roman Catholic or Coptic, most important thing is the blessing of Christianity, welcome to our family "Copts" and respect to our catholic brethren
@@iiragequitt ❤❤✝✝🙏🙏
As a Catholic from the Philippines. The Church of Saint Mark is worth figthing for.
Be strong Brothers.
Viva Kristo Rei
I am a Coptic Orthodox Christian and I passed by this video. It makes my heart so happy to see another Priest evangelizing to you and all these beautiful people. I really appreciate your open mind because our faith has so much meaning, even though throughout a one-year period, we do the same things consistently with the Coptic Calendar. I love that you gave Father (another name for Priest is "Abouna") James this beautiful video to show others our beautiful faith and church. Church for us is not a place, but instead in our hearts so we are all connected whether I pray a liturgy at a different city/state church. We are connected by God and His grace and love. God bless you and may He fill your heart with peace and love.
Would be cool if you visited some more Arab/Eastern christian churches like the Maronite, Syriac or the Assyrian Church(Nestorian)
Add the Ethiopian Church
Nestorian belief is highly heretical as is the Ethiopian Church.
@@mattbellacotti wierd take but okay
@@mattbellacotti how come its heretical?
@@mattbellacotti The Ethiopian Church has been under Coptic Church until 1956
I am a Melkite, I LOVE my Coptic brothers & sisters :-). YES, we Catholics too have married priest....
Yes, Eastern Catholics do. In the west it is not the disciplinary tradition. It could change in the future but we have seen that unmarried priests are more independent to go, preach and die in remote location in the name of Christ.
@@vincenzorutigliano5435 wow I never thought about that. They are not tied down to a family they can give everything to the church and to Christ. Beautiful, I don't know why I never thought about that.
@@vincenzorutigliano5435100% this is the main reason. A married man has other priorities and stresses!
As a Coptic Christian I want to thank you for this amazing video. I actually ended up learning a lot and I love your gracious and respectful interviewing attitude - not trying to get gotcha moments but truly trying to encourage further elaboration, elucidation and contrasting.
Thank you and God bless ❤️
I just want to say, I have never come across a protestant that is doing his utmost to not misrepresent other Christian churches. Thanks a lot, this makes your channel interesting and educational.
I agree. Father James IS very special but so are you Matt. I haven’t met a person who is as lenient and accepting and respectful towards other Christian denominations as you are. God BLESS you and Father James.
P. S. I’m an Armenian Orthodox and as such we are affiliated with the Coptic Church.
Man, coming for a conservative protestant background, I love this series. Good to know the world is filled with Christians even though they may not fit exactly within my "camp".
Same, but catholic haha. When I heard coptics have 3 hour mass and half the year in fasts I was like, alright they're definitely getting saved lol. Maybe it's not about "being catholic?" haha.
@Kerulus Samy
The real salvation for your soul is " Believe in Oneness as mentioned in the Ten Commandments"
@Kerulus Samy , yes brother, it was a joke. Catholics reject Pelagianism and semi-pelagianism. We distinguish between our works and the works of God in us and through us. All we have to do is let God work.
@@spookidrew4284 Haha its not about us Fasting like 200 days a year or having 3 Hours long liturgy coz again its all part of the tradition, the most important thing is believing in the one and only Jesus Christ
Very informative! I hope someday we can reunite, Catholic and Orthodox.
Amen!
Amen!
@VDMA Amen!
Amen to that,
If the pope of Rome renounces his power and makes himself equal to all bishops, maybe.
Really looking forward to the next part of the interview. As a Catholic I find the orthodox churches fascinating, especially their Holy Traditions which are so similar to ours. I'd like to be very forward and ask you one thing (if you haven't already): please attend one of their Liturgies some Sunday. The Liturgy is the prayer of the people of God. I think you should experience that prayer. Viva Christo Rey!
Viva Christo Rey!
Same! Couldn't say it better! I kinda feel it's like, if you're catholic and are ready to dig even deeper, here's a few more books and a bunch of fasts have at it :)
This series about the Coptic Orthodox church is fascinating!!! THANK YOUUUUU.. The interview is amazing, very objective, very high level of respectful mindful discussion between two Christians from different backgrounds. Thanks for giving people the chance to know more about this beautiful church, to understand more why things go that way. I believe this video and these series of knowing more about different churches and traditions, from where they all come, will help everyone to be more open minded and accepting, and loving to His brothers and sisters in Christianity. I always pray that we all unite in Jesus Christ. It’s not difficulty or harmful at all to look at different churches and know more their history and to be impacted or grown up spiritually through some of these traditions or concepts in faith. The main goal is always getting deeper and deeper in your knowledge and personal relationship with God. And the Coptic Orthodox church, in my opinion, has many ways of support to have a deep intimate relationship with God. God bless 🙏🏼
I am Greek orthodox and have worshipped in the Coptic in London in Kensington and was always moved by the worship and powerful singing and intense spiritual authentic atmosphere of the liturgy and people. Reading the services I cannot find any difference to chalcedon faith. Just a different way of explaining the same facts.
One remembers the 20 Coptic martyr's refusing to deny Christ on that Libyan beach in 2015 and meeting a gruesome death by beheading with a knife . And the African none Christian with them who could have gone free but chose to die with them confessing Christ.
Very, very inspiring. The true Church of Christ, in a direct line.
They moved a mountain. That's the big one.
Our Coptic brothers and sisters are so beautiful and loving.
Hopefully one day, we ALL will find a path forward together.
Your Orthodox brother in Christ.
Great video! Thank you. Father's point on the Eucharist reminded me of Elizabeth of England's reply when asked about her belief in the Eucharist:
"Twas God the word that spake it,
He took the bread and brake it;
And what the word did make it;
That I believe, and take it."
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
I really love your videos. I never really had an understanding of Protestantism but thru your interviews your faith becomes clear and is truly beautiful. God bless you from an Orthodox brother!
I enjoyed the LCMS episodes a lot, the pastor was very interesting. I gotta say, though, these Coptic episodes have been my absolute favourite! Fr. James seems like an excellent priest, and you guys seem to be genuinely enjoying each other in conversation.
They really do! Matt is such a great interviewer
Everything he said was with love and tradition. His belief in Christ is impowered or connected by tradition but he never made a judgement based on tradition. This is a great man.
Yeah. Coptics got some darn good priests not gonna lie haha.
Really well said.
This series on the Coptic Church has really opened my eyes and heart.
visited an orthodox church bc of this series, found a coptic church nearby, maybe i can visit them and take part in a liturgy sometime soon.
It might be a little more complicated now because of COVID (my church is still in the phase where you have to sign up for a liturgy unfortunately). It might be better to find their contact info and reach out to them like that? Good luck on your journey, God bless!
Momera 100% agree with you
This is a brilliant film, I have learned so much about the Coptic Church and was very impressed with this Coptic priest. Rev'd Bryan V East (Retired Anglican living in UK)
It's the same in the Eastern Catholic churches as well. Sacraments of baptism, confirmation and holy communion are all given together at the same time to infants
I’m totally in love with this series. Thank you Matt from the Ten Minute Bible Hour for your openness and willingness to explore the Coptic Orthodox Church and thank you Father James Mikhail -an incredible ambassador of Christ and our Church!!
Matt, I have really enjoyed your tours of faith. Thank you for your enormous effort.
Thanks for saying that Ben.
I’m non-religious, but I really appreciate these conversations!
I'm a fallen away catholic and struggle with many things. Matt your work makes me a better Christian and helps me to understand and appreciate many things I previously did not. Thank you.
This is an awesome series thank you for sharing my faith with so many people! I love this it makes me so proud to be a Coptic Orthodox Women🥰🥰🥰🥰God Bless your work 🥰🥰🥰
Didn't realize how close the Coptic expression is to my own. Very good stuff. thanks
The coptic expresión will be always close to Catholics and Orthodoxs
I have really enjoyed this series. It has opened up the world and people of Christianity to such a wider net than how I grew up. In the 80's as a kid going to youth group, the assumption was true Christians were those of the "traditional" Protestant denominations (whatever that means). Everything else was a cult, and that included Catholics and Orthodox. As an adult I slowly rejected that thought and strongly feel no church has it 100% correct and should be humble in our view of what makes a Christian a Christian. Nowadays I'm going to assume that my net is even wider than most evangelical Christians are willing to go, but that's ok. Like you I knew nothing about Coptic faith. You have opened my eyes to its beauty and so many common links it has to our western understanding of faith.
Thank you for your open-mindedness! Growing up Orthodox in a western country, I remember a friend once asked me "Are you Catholic or Christian"? I hadn't realized that some protestants didn't consider Catholics Christians until that point. I didn't know how to answer because I was like I'm Christian but I guess not in the way that you mean it
These are getting better and better The later videos you were doing a much better job on than your earlier ones. You're asking more questions you are obviously getting more comfortable with it very well done keep up the good work
Watching these series brings me hope that the Church may come back together one day.
This must be one of the best church interviews you done. Fr. James is such wise and lovable leader. He makes the Coptic Church look like the best church ever.
The consecration of the whole body is a beautiful idea.
Matt, thank you for doing this.
This misconception about the Catholic Pope is everywhere lol. Very rarely does he make any sort of ex cathedra statement. *_It is only meant to be used when the Church is already clearly in consensus or a Church Council (which is called to resolve debate) is unable to come to consensus, in which he would finish the debate_* . The vast, vast majority of things are solved in a conciliatory manner, in a *_council called by the Pope_* , for _only the patriarch of the universal Church has the _*_authority to call the whole Church to council_* .
And as an example where the Church is already in broad consensus, there is the *_definition of the Assumption_* . Pope Pius XII polled a very broad population of the Bishops and theologians of the Church, asking them if this was the belief of their people and whether it was a theologically founded belief. The vast majority answered in the positive, with only a handful in the negative. *_Only after the Church consented did he define the dogma_* .
The *_definition of the Immaculate Conception_* was also very similar. Pope Pius IX, after consulting the theologians, questioned the Bishops about the opportuneness and the possibility of such a definition, convening as it were a *_"council in writing"_* . Again, *_the vast majority of the 604 Bishops gave a positive response to the question_* . *_Only after the Church consented did he define the dogma_* .
As a Roman Catholic, it would be AWESOME to see you and your family convert to Coptic Orthodox. I am happy to see a Protestant looking into this. I was raised Non-Denominational Protestant and ever years of study, I became Catholic. Now, I'm not saying you WILL convert but I ask that you please keep the idea of "I may be wrong so I'm gonna look deeper into this". Or, of course, you don't have too. You could say "meh, I'm not really open to that. I'm pretty set on the beliefs I hold already" and THAT'S FINE and I'm really happy to see you doing these kinds of videos, either way. I'm just giving you a general idea of how I went about it and thought maybe it might be something you would want to do, as well. That's all I'm saying. God bless you, Matt! Thanks for all the great content!
I'm a Coptic orthodox & quite enjoying father James's explanations & your own honesty and Christ. I actually learned few things about my own church in those videos, thank you!
His explanation of "where the Church is" reminded me of the Russian saint Theophan the Recluse. He was apparently asked by a spiritual directee about Lutherans and whether or not they were saved. His response (and I haven't personally read it yet, so I have no idea about the exact thing he said) was: "You, the Orthodox Christian, need to stay faithful to the Church. You need to focus on what Christ has given to you." But, concerning those outside of the visible boundaries of the Church, God will love them and lead them in whatever way He wants to. He may guide them into the Orthodox Church, but that is between them and Him, not you. On your part, stay faithful. But then, apparently, (and this is really beautiful), concerning those outside the visible bounds of the Church, he recites the lines from Matthew: "what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?" On one level, they may not have valid Sacraments/Apostolic Succession--but on another level, they are still asking a Loving Father for bread.
As a Catholic (and former Protestant), this really rings true for me personally. Even though I was not "really" receiving Holy Communion in the Anglican Church, I definitely know some sort of union with Christ still was happening. His offered Body and Blood may not have been sacramentally present--but looking back on it, I know He was giving Himself to me in some way.
I've been really big on learning more about the saints recently.
So thanks. Very interesting and rings true to me
I love this so much, that's such a beautiful way to look at it and that verse makes so much sense in this context. Thanks for sharing, God bless you
I would go so far as to say God may bless nonsacramental communion whether rhise who receive it believe or know it. People come to faith through hearing the gospel who don't believe it or know it at the time.
I was a Cradle RC, but somehow I felt something missing and here in Singapore, we do not have many other expressions of Christianity other than Roman Catholics or Protestants(& prosperity ones). I follow your channel for insights to many other practices I can relate to as a Catholic. I have to honestly admit that I have left the Roman practice in search of of a home where my heart is guided to by the Holy Spirit. Your series has brought insights to other Apostolic Traditions that I was not educated about and have left me with a hunger to know more about other Churches in the Traditional Liturgy. I would actually term myself as a Tradtional Christian, of Liturgy & Tradition..Thank U for opening up the world of fellow family churches rooted in Liturgy and Apostolic traditions for me Matt!
Those who teach Prosperity theology are not Christians, they teach a different Gospel through monetary means.
While any practicing Catholic would have concern for you, and feel grief at the dismal state of our education programs; knowing that you would at least be in an apostolic church with real sacraments would be some relief.
which tradition to you follow now? I am lost right now,... I'm not comfortable with Catholicism anymore..
I'm just leaning towards the Anglican High Church.. I just feel comfortable with their Approach, I know that certain friends will be uncomfortable with a Catholic turning Protestant, but I've really looked at many practices of the High church with similarities to my Catholic Faith... they have religious orders similar to catholics, franciscans, carmelites etc... there's also my deep reverence to Our Lady, and they gave the Society of St. Mary which is similar to the Legion of Mary. I know my friends will not be happy with me receiving holy communion in the Anglican faith which they deemed invalid. But my heart believes that it is and that's all that matters.. I've yet to receive it though, as the Local representation of Anglican Communion in Singapore is of the Low and evangelical type.
Dear Angel Love, I happen to chance upon your comment in another thread about your disconnect with Marian Apparitions, I must say that though I have very High Reverence to Our Lady, Its not because of of her supposed apparitions/miracles, it's because She said "yes" to Angel Gabriel that we had Christ and Christianity today. I cannot accept certain dogmas of the church about The Blessed Mother though.. I believe what other orthodox church preaches, that she is the Saint of Saints and I accord her with full Reverence and gratitude... Yes, I still recite the Rosary in her honour but that's as far as I go, not asking her for blessings or for that matter other Patron saints for miraculous blessings, eg praying to St Jude for Health etc..
I am not a Christian at all and some how it's so nice seeing the two of you conversate and share ideas or opinions as well as traditions and beliefs. So respectful, this was wholesome and refreshing
Thanks for saying that, and for watching.
I am surprised that, not being a Christian, you'd watch a video like this though i am glad
You should tour a Roman Catholic Traditional Latin Mass parish like the ICKSP or FSSP
I’m Orthodox and I love watching these videos !!!! Teaches a lot and it’s so interesting to see Father James explain the Faith so well🥰 This was so beautifully said amen amen amen 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Once again. An absolutely wonderful,informative interview. Thank you.
I really appreciate your respect and attitude. You have blessed me, brother, thank you.
Dear Natt.
As a Coptic Orthodox Christian, I want to thank you for your interest and helping your RUclips audience become aware of the Coptic Orthodox faith. After watching I believe the 3rd. Episode on your visit to St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church I feel a clarification to what Fr. James has said is in order, not that Fr. James miss stated but he spoke as if he was speaking to a Copt like me and did not say what is obvious to us. As a result in your epilogue you stated allegorical Vs. literal interpretation of the Bible with regards to the sacrament / mystery of communion/ Eucharist and also the mystery of Chrismation.
I would like to start with a simple definition of what a mystery means to an Orthodox Christian. A mystery is an action of God the Holy Spirit performed by the priest though which the believer receives visible and invisible graces/blessing. For example in the mystery of baptism the visible grace is the prayers, the blessing of the water and the immersion of the new believer in the water. The invisible grace is getting a new nature, dying and resurrecting with Christ Col. 2:12 and becoming a member of the people of God / the church. Likewise the mysteries of Eucharist and Chrismation has visible and invisible graces in accordance with the teachings of the Scriptures.
A little history about the mystery of Chrismation in which the believer receives the Holy Spirit and his/her body becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit 1Cor. 6:19. According the Bible this gift was received only through the laying of the hand of one of the Apostle as in Acts 8:14-18 and Acts 19:6. As the Church grew and the apostles were not able to administer this mystery to all the new converts in different and far places, they (the apostles) prayed on the spices that the women have brought for the Lord’s burial mixed them in olive oil prayed on the mixture and gave it to the priests and authorized the priests to administer this mystery. This is evident from 1John 2:20 anointing implies use of oil and similarly in the Old Testament oil was used to anoint kings and prophets so they may receive the Holy Spirit. The visible grace of the mystery of Chrismation is the 36 anointings that Fr. James mentioned, the invisible grace is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us as promised by the Lord in John 14:26 and it is also the fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2:28-29.
As for the mystery of the Eucharist you states that in your tradition you interpret the verses that Fr. James cites as allegorically and not literally. Typically allegory is used to add / discover hidden knowledge and not to change the meaning of the text. For example in John 6:53-66 the Lord was clear “my flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed” note that some of the disciples objected and left Him John 6:60. If the Lord’s words were meant to be taken allegorically then the Lord would have said come back you miss understood, rather He challenged the remaining disciples if they wanted to leave also? John 6:67. This is not the only place where the Lord was emphatic about the explicit meaning of His words, He reiterated the same when He instituted the mystery of Eucharist Matt. 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24 and Luke 22:19-20. It is interesting that this is the same understanding that St. Paul had, although he was not present at the last super, 1Cor. 10:14-16 & 1Cor. 11:23-25. St. Paul goes further in warning those who eat in unworthy manner 1Cor. 11:27. If it is to be taken allegorically why the warning after all it is not the real body and blood of the Lord?
Finally it is note worthy that all the apostolic churches (those which were established by one of the Lord’s apostle) agree that the Eucharist is the body and blood of the Lord regardless of their other disagreements, not to mention that my Lutheran friends believe that it is the body and blood of the Lord. The tradition that it is symbolic is a new tradition and it is different from what the Lord and apostles have taught.
May God bless you.
I think it's a gift from God that you met this SPECIFIC Coptic priest, I loved how he doesn't just tell you how the rites go, but explains the spirituallity behind everything!
I believe wholeheartedly that you sir now know more about the Coptic church than many, many Copts
Just finished the video,your comment at the end was like a beautiful preach to me...I will keep that in mind also to care for everyone
I've been so excited for this video ❤️ love your work Matt!
Your description of Christians used to be affirmed and family dinner was SOOOO exact and true! Loved it and GOD BLESS YOU!!
The Priest was so gracious in his answers.
Dude! This was an awesome conversation. His explanation of the consensus view of the Eucharist was exceptional. Loved it!
I truly respect this series! As an Orthodox Christian that converted from a Canadian Baptist Church I find that we aren't exposed to other none Low Church denominations or if we are it's only through negative views and misconceptions that have been made to cloud our eyes from those traditions. We aren't taught the truth of other denominations and if we are taught their views it's always accompanied by why it's wrong and our way is right which is so not the way to learn and understand other denominations. We should be hearing their truths even if we don't agree. We need to listen first and then understand why we ourselves don't follow that after. This series does an amazing job of showing the Truth of each denomination you have tackled and shows respect to their beliefs even if you don't agree with them and I believe all Christians need to use this lens! I recommend it too all the Protestant friends I meet! Thank you so much and I look forward to other denominations you do and I hope after you finish all the major ones you will also do a similar series on other religions because we aren't called to hate other religions and I find so many Christians do this but we need to learn their beliefs just as much as we learn other denominations because it will grow our own faith, make our faith in the Trinity stronger, open our minds more, and educate ourselves so we can properly love our other religious brothers
This IS one of your Best videos, Matt. Keep Going.
Amazing interview. I have had a fascination and tremendous respect for the Coptic church since my time as a Brit Prot Missionary in Egypt. This series is superb, keep going brother.
Hi Matt, love the platform and approach to exploring Christian faiths! Especially liked the videos on the Orthodox Church! My parents left it up to me what I wanted to be baptized as and as it so happened I had my spiritual moment on a visit to russia where I was baptized orthodox! Without really understanding the faith I knew this was right for me! I’ve since married a Romanian orthodox and have two little children! Only a few years ago I began learning about my faith and since you have been covering TTMBH I have learned more about the Bible and even more about the orthodox faith! Thank you
I have been eagerly waiting for this video since I watched the last one
I am Anglican clergy and this series has opened up so many fruitful conversations with my evangelical friends who find themselves hungry for more of the sacramental worldview.
Jake Sanders what core doctrines translate from Presbyterianism to Anglicanism?
I would consider myself Anglican now from being a cradle Catholic, but that said, I revere the High church Liturgical style of the Anglican Communion. I've always told my fellow protestant friends, our lives in the world today is full of noise... why can't we devote our Service and worship for that 1 hour or so in solemnity.. afterall, Christ's birth and Death is not about Bands and noise to announce the events but a remembrance of a time of quiet and humble birth to the Sad and mournful crucifixion of Christ. So it just about me and that once a week service that I devote solemnity to Liturgy 🙏
@@jakesanders136 Really, dead people? I thought we are all living God's life after we meet Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I am catholic myself and I don't pray to dead people but I ask them, brothers and sisters, who went before me in front of God to intercede for me. What about that Jesus said in Luke 20, 37, and 38: but in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”
@@andreschezpik of course they are alive. That doesn’t mean they can omnisciently hear thousands of prayers everyday.
@@adamsmith4195 If they're alive they listen us for sure. If you don't believed it good for you.
Love Orthodoxy.
God Keep our Orthodox Father's All over the world.
Thank you very much Abouna.
⛪💒⛪💒⛪💒⛪💒
As as married man with 3 boys discerning the priesthood, I was really encouraged that he put his vocation as a husband and father to his children first. Surely being a priest includes these gifts from God. Having been brought up Roman Catholic, I think that the way the Catholic church frames priesthood and marriage as distinct vocations has blocked a a fuller understanding of what the priestly vocation is. Thank you Fr James.
I hear that the Vatican is considering the ordination of married seminarians to minister within the vast Amazon area in Brazil. I really hope it falls through as the Church could gain a lot by reopening the doors of the presbyterate to married men, just like the Pre-Elviran Church.
Thanks for this fantastic video! I love learning about our coptic brothers and sisters, this interview was amazing.
Love your comments at the end of the video! I share your discomfort on how the apostolic churches are making us Protestants re-examine what we've been taught as the "only correct view" of Christianity. It's humbling to discover that the apostolic churches [Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, etc] have maintained their beliefs & practices from the beginning and Protestants are often the odd man out with our own unique interpretations and theological beliefs . One thing's for sure, your videos are getting us out of our separate "holy huddles" to form the one, unified church Jesus desires to see!
Am I a Christian? Absolutely the most terrifying and urgent question one can ask.
Yes!
What’s the time stamp?
The most terrifying questions are: is the actually a God, and do we continue to exist after physical death.
There is absolutely no objective evidence that either of these are true.
The faith one holds is largely a function of the culture and family you were born into - in other words, chance. There may be cases of mental and emotional "epiphanies" leading one to other Faith's, but these are by definition subjective interior reasons that can never be objectively efficacious evidence of thruth. In other words, it all comes down to simple preference, and the forces your immediate culture exerts on your choices. All religions are merely cultural "tags" that mean "You can trust me. There are certain things I will and will not do to/for you.". It's a social warranty.
@@rwshaw1234 Interesting. Thank you for sharing your information. I heard something similar to your statement years ago and your comment refreshed my recollection of that viewpoint. So what you are saying is that people use religious labels, jargon, experiences, as a shortcut or "trust coupon" to gain leverage. Is that correct?
@@rwshaw1234Your opinion is respected but i beg to differ, i know someone who had very normal worldly home, and went to the monastery. How can you explain that? God works with each person in different ways, your role in this is to have eyes to see his working in your life and in your circumstances , and the more you see the more your faith grows. That is how it works. Give him a chance and see how He will work with you, but you have to give it freely. Hope you experience this with all my heart, it truly will be a blessing in your life.
Okay, the oil thing, that reminds me of something else you might be super interested in! There is another ancient church that is even more obscure than this called the Assyrian Church of the East who are super fascinating (especially their NT canon of Scripture, the Peshitta, which has been preserved with Masoretic level accuracy, and they even claim that they received the letters in Aramaic from the hands of the Apostles or their direct associates themselves!) But what is really fascinating is that they have the same tradition as the oil, but with the flour of the bread for the Eucharist... and the flour they use is actually from the same bread as the last supper (is how the tradition goes).
If you're ever interesting in checking them out, I would suggest trying to get in touch with Rev. Fr. Genard Lazar (Qasha Genard on Facebook). They did an English outreach liturgy/service once a month at their church before COVID hit (most churches are still strictly Aramaic and not everyone's English is good; Fr. Genard has super good English and I think your guys' personalities would match really well!)
Anyway, just a suggestion for a potential future video!
Yes love that Church. And also its sister Church - the Chaldean Catholic Church
I love this Father James!! Really appreciate the emphasis on Eucharist teaching!!
"He died for us, so that we may live for Him". That's a very cool way to look at it.
It is so refreshing to hear Fr. James answer Matt with casual clarity rather than the usual boilerplate of many other traditions.
i was protestant and converted to the coptic orthodox church
Father James not only walks the walk, he talks the talk. He has dedicated himself to become as Christ like as a human can become. That is a Christian. I have put myself back onto that path by returning to the church I grew up in. My pray is that I can express my faith and my church's traditions and doctrine as eloquently as he did.
Am I a Christian? What a black hole of a question :D
I was really impressed with Fr James' response.
I remember his holiness late Pope Shenouda III in a television interview a few years ago answering a similar question with something along the lines of anyone who confesses the creed is a Christian regardless of how we view their other doctrines. This position gives us the ability to draw a line and say with a clear conscience that certain churches are not Christian, for example JW, Mormons and Scientologists, while at the same time stops us from slipping into judging brothers and sisters who worship the Lord Jesus Christ differently.
Ramez Aziz but then, were Arians Christians. What kind of a heresy is too far? Also isn’t being non-judgmental a way of saying “We’ll just let those errors slide. Couldn’t we say, Arians are Christians who need to be shown the errors.
@@gareginasatryan6761 Can Arians proclaim the creed?
Ramez Aziz many fundamentalists say that the Creed isn’t free of error. So, while agreeing with the statements of the Creed, they actually reject the first Councils and confessional or creedal documents. Steven Anderson (Baptist) even called Nicea “bunch of phony preachers getting together”.
@@gareginasatryan6761 as I said, the creed is my test. It is the statement of faith that every Christian must uphold. There is a difference between who is a Christian and who is saved or who is a "real" Christian... This is not the topic.
So if you believe the creed is wrong then you don't confess the same faith. If you are a unitarian you don't confess the same faith. If you are a muslim, a mormon, a Jehova's witness... You're not a Christian regardless of what you call yourself. In other words, there are Christians with whom we disagree on really important things and there are non- Christians altogether. What's the difference? The core beliefs ie the creed.
Ramez Aziz got it.
I could listen to Fr. James all day every day.
All your videos have been great, but the videos with the Coptic priest have been awesome. This priest is a great example of being a Christian.
Being a Christian is an inward change, not outward. This is the equivalent of a Pharisee.
@@savagebanshee1234 and one must outwardly act like the inward change, which this priest does. Too many Christians talk all the jargon and don’t live a word of what they say.
@@rmb10 if there is an inward change fruit will come by work of the Holy Spirit within. Following a tradition made up by men yields no fruit.
@@savagebanshee1234 a tradition made by man that is 2000 years old would have failed. Orthodox and and Catholic Churches are the only ones that follow apostolic faith. Protestant churches are man made.
@@rmb10 really? What verse says to anoint each eye and nostril? Please tell me the verse that proves purgatory and how giving money to the church gets family members out? What verse says that the pope is infallible? Traditions are illusions of holiness. Men are wretched, from the Pope to a beggar on the street.
This isn't my opinion, its the Bible's.
I watched some of the videos you made, I like it. But I subscribed to you channel because of this Lovely young Pastor you interviewed.
This is interesting because I worked with dozens and dozens of Egyptians along with Persians. I realized that the Egyptians were actually Christians, not Muslims at my job, and the Persians were Jewish. In many aspects I realized that global events like the Arab Spring made many believers move to the USA to escape possible persecution in modern day from the extremists in the Middle East.
Persians were never mosaics, Persians were zoroastreans and then converted through force to islam.
That was one brilliant wrap up Matt. Great job!
Thanks Paul. I appreciate that everyone is gracious in allowing me to process what I experienced at the end of these videos.
Very informative :) and love the positivity. I've learned so much from the coptics. With the faith of a mustard seed you can literally move mountains ❤️
Simply brilliant! Thank you for this work.
I am very much drawn to the Coptic church due to its physical connection to Jesus. St. Mark as the founder of this church and as you also noticed the oil, how its mingled with the original oil which was given by Jesus to St. Mark. So fascinating! Thank you very much for these videos and what an amazing person Father James is, praise the Lord!
I'm Greek Orthodox and went to Bible study at a Coptic Church. Great people.
I love your work Matt! So well done, keep them coming. Thank you!
Thank you! Will do!
This video was immensely educational and interesting! These conversations have really humbled me in approaching other Christian denominations. I used to ignorantly think that alternative takes to my own (eg, Catholicism, Coptic) were obviously wrong and ungrounded but I have been quite taken back by how each denomination has clear reasons why they believe what they believe. You have a real gift Matt when it comes to asking probing questions in a way that is genuine, constructive and loving. Keep up these videos and thanks for all your efforts! Tim from New Zealand