Coptic Orthodox : The Rise Part 2

Let me first start off by saying that Theology confuses me. I enjoy reading about it but my mind goes to mush because my science brain wants white & black. Theology, however, does not lend itself completely to a white & black answer. The Bible is ginormous! There is bound to be disputes over what God is telling us which makes total sense because there are a myriad of Christianity denominations worldwide.

Okay...let's start.

Where I left off was the beginning of the 4th Century when the BIG question arouse. What is God, Christ, and Holy Spirit in relation to one another?

An Alexandrian presbyter named Arius proposed the idea that each were separate entities and that Christ was not on the same level as God. The exampled used to explain this argument was John 14: 28 which states "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I." Reading this passage alone without knowing its context you would think that there was a subordinate relationship and separation between Christ and God. Arius and his followers felt the same way and as their heretic teachings spread. This caused a great alarm to the leaders of the church and they called an emergency assembly known as the Council of Nicea in 325 AD (Nicene Creed / Symbol of Faith).

The Nicene Creed's purpose is to provide doctrine for Orthodox beliefs and views concerning the teachings of the Bible. Think of it as a loosely written rule book which is still in practice today was based on the teachings of Pope Saint Athanasius of Alexandria.

SIDE NOTE: Incase you didn't know. As Christians we follow the idea of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. This idea defines God into three expressions or hypostases (Greek for underlying or manifestation), each having equal weight and importance. 

In the centuries to follow, there would more councils assembled to bring more clarity to basic doctrines still found in modern day Christianity.

Another example is the Council of Chalcedon 451 AD when the nature of Christ was in question. Whether or not the humanistic and divinity of Christ co-existed or were two separate entities. This is where the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox separated due to a misunderstanding in the Greek language. From my understand of what Fr. Kyrillos was trying to explain to me, the root of the disagreement was due to the four Greek words that define the soul/ spirit. (Fr. Kyrillos handed me two books to read shortly after I asked him this loaded question. So I will get back to this at a later date.)

This now brings us to the Byzantine Era (Eastern Roman Empire) where Coptic Orthodox suffered greatly due to their opposition to Chalcedonian doctrine. Though they were tortured as a means of pressuring conversion; many stood by the non-Chalcedonian doctrine. (Prime example of the Egyptian Christians' passion for their beliefs.)

And that's all for today!

NEXT: Coexistence with the Islamic faith.

My apologies if these entries are missing a lot of finer details. Its really hard to be concise without losing  your attention as the reader. My entries are an abridge version of all the pages I've poured over within the last few months. In essence, they are key points that have stood out to me during my journey.

Till we meet again.

Many Blessings.
Linda


Photo:
It is the question block from Super Mario Bros. which was released in 1985 by Nintendo. Nintendo itself dates back prior to the fall of the Ottoman Empire and was created in 1889. Of course at the time video games were not what they marketed. They sold playing cards. (Yes, I am aware that at least one of you already knows this. I just wanted to share. :p )

The question mark itself was introduced into western language some time during the 8th century and was called a 'lighting flash' and denoted by a dot along with a curved lined. Then later during the 13th century the question mark became as it appears to us today. A theory suggest that it is merely the letter 'q' deformed into a notation.

Betcha didn't know that! I totally looked up all of this during my writer's block last night.