What is Coptic Christianity and what do Coptic Christians believe?
Coptic? means Egyptian and Christians living in Egypt identify themselves as Coptic Christians. As a denomination they originated in the city of Alexandria, one of the most Faithful, respected, and fruitful during the Apostolic period. Proudly, the Coptic Christians acknowledge and herald John Mark, (author of the Gospel of Mark), as their founder and first bishop sometime between A.D. 42 - A.D. 62. The Coptic?s during the early church period became members of the Roman Catholic Church but because of issues related to ritual and doctrinal differences split, separating away to form their own denomination. The Coptic Church followed the Eastern Orthodox Church in protest and rebellion against the authority of Rome, no longer willing to support or be controlled by the Roman Catholic Church. To this day 95% of Christians in Alexandria are members of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
The tradition goes that when John Mark arrived on a missionary journey to Egypt, the Coptic form of religion of that day was god-centered worship, centered or focused upon the pyramids. However, John Mark and the Gospel message were well received by the Coptic people as they also believed in ?eternal life.? The Coptic people, under Roman rule and societal influence, consisted of Greeks, Jews, and Egyptians, therefore Christianity had to take into account the different cultural, language, and religious backgrounds when evangelizing for converts and in establishing its church. Coptic Christianity was originally well-founded in theology which other churches in cities throughout the Roman Empire looked up to with great admiration and respect, willingly following their lead in doctrinal like-mindedness and unity.
Throughout early church history major life changing Christian events took place in Alexandria, including the Council of Nicea Conference in AD 325, the Council of Constantinople Conference in AD 381, the Council of Ephesus Conference in AD 431, and the Council of Chalcedon Conference in AD 451. These councils formally and collectively confirmed and established the Deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity doctrines, as well as the virgin birth and the two natures of Christ, Divine and human.
It is interesting to note that when the Coptic?s were under the rule of the Roman Empire, they suffered severe persecution and death for their steadfast faith and beliefs in Christ while refusing to worship emperors. However, by AD 641 yet another tribulation began when the Arab conquest took place overthrowing the Romans? rule in Egypt which at first relieved the Coptic Church from persecution. What appeared to be their liberty and freedom became yet again, bondage. The societal strength and control of the Arabs? caused them to endure a major language and culture change as well as confront the Islamic faith. Unfortunately, over the centuries, Christianity lost foothold and most Coptic?s converted over to Islam.
Today, there is a small population of Coptic Christians remaining in Alexandria whereas most are located elsewhere. Estimates indicate that there are 60 million members worldwide with 30 million in other parts of Egypt outside of Alexandria while the rest are located in bordering countries.
Theologically, Coptic Christianity is very similar to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. They profess to be genuine followers of Jesus Christ and apart of His worldwide Church. As with Catholicism, they tend to emphasize meritorious works in salvation along with liturgical ritual rather than salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
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