- Hardcover: 208 pages
- Publisher: Sussex Academic Press (1 April 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1902210565
- ISBN-13: 978-1902210568
- Product Dimensions: 23.1 x 15.5 x 2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,901,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
| |||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Amazon.co.uk Trade-In Store for more details. |
Product details |
More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"His scholarship is well attested to and his knowledge of the present state of the Coptic Church rivals any from within or without the church. I am sure it will make an excellent contribution to our knowledge of Coptic Church history. St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter I warmly commend 'Among the Copts' as a substantial contribution to Ecumenical understanding. George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury 'Among the Copts' is likely to take its place at once as one of the best informed and authoritative books on the contemporary situation in this great Oriental Orthodox Church...this book will be greatly welcomed by all who have an interest in Eastern Christianity. Dr. Sebastian Brock, Reader in Syriac Studies, University of Oxford I am certain that students of the Coptic Church and visitors to Egypt will find this up-to-date study of the Copts an important and helpful source of information. Dr. Otto F.A. Meinardus, Professor of Philosophy at the American University in Cairo...an invaluable source of information... Canon Hugh Wybrew, Church Times
Product Description
The book explores all the important themes of the Copts from the earliest moment sof Christian history to the present day.
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organise and find favourite items. |
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Review on The Christians of Egypt,
By A Customer
This review is from: Among the Copts (Hardcover)
This is a well written, informative, and easy to read book for readers, who may or may not be familiar with the Christians of Egypt, the Copts. Egypt is home for the largest indigenous Christian population in the Middle East that by some estimates is about 15-20% of the total population. The book provides a good and critical review for the history and status of the Copts. Saint Mark the Evangelist baptized the Egyptian Church with his martyrdom in the first century AD. Historical tradition recognizes Saint Mark as the first Patriarch of the Coptic Church.The book starts by the definition of what is Copt, however it excludes the Roman Catholic and Protestant Copts from its review, and concentrates primarily on the followers of the Coptic Orthodox Church. This is unfortunate, as regardless of the denomination, the Copts collectively face similar challenges. The author may have elected to focus on the Orthodox Copts, as the most ancient Christian group or the one with largest population. However, the author provides a brief review for some of the Protestant and Catholic influences on the modern Coptic Orthodox Church, such as the introduction of Sunday schools and the modest interactions of the Orthodox Coptic Church with the Catholic and Anglican Churches, and other international Christian Churches and communities. The book provides brief historical reviews, where the author felt the need to introduce historical background, however it primarily focuses on reviewing of the contemporary history of the Copts in the latter part of the 20th century. It also reviews the influence of Islam, specially the resurgence of militant Islam on the Copts. In addressing the issue of the size of the population of the Copts in Egypt, the book provides a rather short review for a major issue affecting contemporary Copts. The book indicates that given conflicting figures of the census data, and the vagaries of politics and hazards of census taking, it is better not to know exactly how many Copts there are. This is unfortunate as the weight attributed to demograhic factors tend to influence a group's social standing, political prospects and influence. Militant Islamic groups have tended to discount the number of the Christians in Egypt, as it suits their political agenda. Sympathizers with militant Islam within the ranks of the government of Egypt have kept the data of the census of the Copt as if it were a state secret. The Copts have long contended that their number was deliberately discounted. The book provides a good review for historical events occurring during the eras of Cyril VI 1959-1971 and Shenouda III 1971- present, the Patriarchs of the Coptic Orthodox Church. It reviews the revival of the contemporary Coptic Orthodox Church, immigration of the Copts to western countries, evangelical missions in Africa, resurgence of violence by militant Islamic groups against the Copts in Sadat's time through the present, banishment of Pope Shenouda III 1981-1985, and the life of Father Mark of Scetis, a convert from Uganda whose support for Pope Shenouda may have led to his murder in the US. The book criticizes, and rightfully so, the Mercedes Princes of the Coptic Church. This phenomenon reflects upon some of the monks and or bishops who joined the Church's ranks to profit rather than serve the poor. In its concluding chapter, Era of the Martyrs, the book provides a brief background of contemporary militant Islam and terrorism, and the resurgence of their violence against the Copts, non-Muslims in general, moderate Muslims, and intellectuals in Egypt. The book lists many of the violent episodes of violence against the Copts. It recounts the murder of Raafat Khalil at the age of 32, a Coptic priest who was shot in November 1988 by the Egyptian militant Islamic groups at the doorsteps of church, leaving a young widow and a one-year old baby. The book also notes that the government of Egypt policy and actions seem to have failed its Coptic citizens. The book is a good and critical review for the contemporary history and status of the Copts in the late 20th century. It reviews how an ancient Christian community is facing a rising tide of intolerance and violence by Islamic militancy and terrorism, and its attempts to cope with the daily pressures of discrimination and persecution.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
3.8 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews) 15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Review for the Modern Histroy of Christian Egyptians,
By hapixii - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Among the Copts (Hardcover)
This is a well written, informative, and easy to read book for readers, who may or may not be familiar with the Christians of Egypt, the Copts. Egypt is home for the largest indigenous Christian population in the Middle East that by some estimates is about 15-20% of the total population. The book provides a good and critical review for the history and status of the Copts. Saint Mark the Evangelist baptized the Egyptian Church with his martyrdom in the first century AD. Historical tradition recognizes Saint Mark as the first Patriarch of the Coptic Church. The book starts by the definition of who is a Copt, however it excludes the Roman Catholic and Protestant Copts from its defintion, and concentrates primarily on the followers of the Coptic Orthodox Church. This is unfortunate, as regardless of the denomination, the Copts collectively face similar challenges. The author may have elected to focus on the Orthodox Copts, as the most ancient Christian group or the one with largest population. However, the author provides a brief review for some of the Protestant and Catholic influences on the modern Coptic Orthodox Church, such as the introduction of Sunday schools and the modest interactions of the Orthodox Coptic Church with the Catholic and Anglican Churches, and other international Christian Churches and communities. The book provides brief historical reviews, where the author felt the need to introduce historical background, however it primarily focuses on reviewing of the contemporary history of the Copts in the latter part of the 20th century. It also reviews the influence of Islam, specially the resurgence of militant Islam on the Copts. In addressing the issue of the size of the population of the Copts in Egypt, the book provides a rather short review for a major issue affecting contemporary Copts. The book indicates that given conflicting figures of the census data, and the vagaries of politics and hazards of census taking, it is better not to know exactly how many Copts there are. The population of the Christian population affects its social standing, political prospects and influence. Militant Islamic groups have tended to discount the number of the Christians in Egypt, as it suits their political agenda. Sympathizers with militant Islam within the ranks of the government of Egypt have kept the data of the census of the Copt as if it were a state secret. The Copts have long contended that their number was deliberately discounted. The book provides a good review for historical events occurring during the eras of Cyril VI 1959-1971 and Shenouda III 1971- present, the Patriarchs of the Coptic Orthodox Church. It reviews the revival of the contemporary Coptic Orthodox Church, immigration of the Copts to western countries, evangelical missions in Africa, resurgence of violence by militant Islamic groups against the Copts in Sadat's time through the present, banishment of Pope Shenouda III 1981-1985, and the life of Father Mark of Scetis, a convert from Uganda whose support for Pope Shenouda may have led to his murder in the US. The book criticizes, and rightfully so, the Mercedes Princes of the Coptic Church. This phenomenon reflects upon some of the monks and or bishops who joined the Church's ranks to profit rather than serve the poor. In its concluding chapter, Era of the Martyrs, the book provides a brief background of contemporary militant Islam and terrorism, and the resurgence of their violence against the Copts, non-Muslims in general, moderate Muslims, and intellectuals in Egypt. The book lists many of the violent episodes of violence against the Copts. It recounts the murder of Raafat Khalil at the age of 32, a Coptic priest who was shot in November 1988 by the Egyptian militant Islamic groups at the doorsteps of church, leaving a young widow and a one-year old baby. The book also notes that the government of Egypt policy and actions seem to have failed its Coptic citizens. The book is a good and critical review for the cotemporary history and status of the Copts in the late 20th century. It reviews how an ancient Christian community is facing a rising tide of intolerance and violence by Islamic militancy and terrorism, and its attempts to cope with the daily pressures of discrimination and persecution. 11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christian sons of the Pharaohs, revisited,
By Didaskalex "Eusebius Alexandrinus" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Among the Copts (Hardcover)
*****
"The Coptic Church of Egypt has to be taken seriously by Western Christians," Dr. G. Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury Among whom, The Copts? Why should you bother, or anyone, to read about an endangered ancient species? The Coptic Church of Egypt has to be taken seriously by Western Christians, thus writes G. Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury in his preview of this analytical and inspiring and book. Among the Copts facilitates the reader face to face encounter with the Copts, the Christians minority of Egypt. The author renders a the historical roots, that allowed him to present the facets of their twentieth century life. He also explored the thought of the Coptic Church, the core issues of the Copts since the preaching of St. Mark to the present day, when Coptic life is becoming harassed by fundamental Islamists. Controversial themes are tactfully analysed by a writer who is considered by leading Copts as one of the greatest Coptologists who lived, loved, and acquired a great appreciation of Coptic Egypt, within its Islamic milieu. Among the Copts completes a great trilogy with 'The lonely minority' (E. Wakin, 1963), and 'Modern sons of the Pharaohs' (S. Leeder, 1918) 'Blessed be Egypt, my people': Dr. Watson takes you in a wonder tour of 'virtual' Coptic Egypt spanning 1950 years in just sixty pages to explain to the amazed reader the prophecy of Isaiah 19:24, which plays a central role in Coptic faith and feelings. While in chapter 3: 'In the state of angels', you could be carried far and away with the Holy family in their flight to Egypt to meet Abba Justus of St. Antony, an ascetic healer and clairvoyant. On the tour you meet with many colorful Christians mystics and scholars: Thomas Merton as well as Pieternella Van Doorn of U. S. Carolina.'In liturgical times' you will find out how the temporal expresses the eternal, the Coptic genius: the expression of the inexpressible. In his biography of Abba Kyrillos: Dr. Watson visits the ecclesiastical history of the most ancient tradition of Alexandrian papas, since Athanasius and Cyril, the defenders of faith and doctors of the catholic Church could not be as breathtaking as the ministry of Saint Cyril VI, the praying patriarch (1959-71), wonder worker, clairvoyant and exorcist. Read about the venerated anchorite! Thinking with the Coptic Church Dr. Watson masterpiece is chapter 8, his critical examination, theological analysis, talented analogies and inspiring comments. He contrasts the great Alexandrine tradition with the present failure to answer the daily problems in the present language and culture.He echoes the disappointment of the Coptic scholars as well as the lay theologians which are "an envy of many churches" The Coptic liturgical year, starts with the feast of Niruz, a commemorations of the great many and ever living Martyrs,Coptic and Universal. Due to differences of their ancient calendar adopted by Julius Caesar,from the Gregorian, it is celebrated on September 11, the day of American martyrs. For the last three decades they have been repeatedly targeted by same mentality of 9/11 terrorists. 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Miracle of Coptic Servival,
By TheoGnostus "Encycoptic" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Among the Copts (Paperback)
Introducing Coptic Life:
Being myself a Coptologist, at least by my birthright and devotion, did not give me any ultra qualification to read this insightful analysis that Dr. John Watson, an ecumenist, Minster, and theologian combined his talents to expose the Coptic noia. Fr. Watson, who enjoys being Abouna (our Abba), did not intend to only introduce you to Coptic life and culture, but also to encourage you retrieve a part of you in Oriental Orthodoxy. Coptic History, a Reading: The Copts find their greatest identity in their faith, represented by an ancient Church that lead Christianity and put its people's fingerprints on its development through its great early and recent martyrs, its saints and their monastic vocation, its didaskalia from Clement& Origen to Athanasius& Cyril, its Catechetical scholia. John Watson tries to assure the Copts first and other Christians second that the Copts may be in a coma, that they do not realize, but are not yet dead. He takes the pains to describe life in the 'great and solitary submerged Egyptian temple' presented by the late outstanding Coptoligst and historian Dr. Aziz Atiya (Distinguished Professor of History, University of Utah.) In his own words; "The Orthodox church in Egypt led its lonely life unnoticed on the fringe of Christian civilization, buried in the sands of time and oblivion. The Coptic Orthodox Church, like the same immense temple, has proved itself to be indestructible though battered and much buffeted by the winds of change." Among the Mystics: In the state of angels, is the mystical devotion of abba Watson, to those which shall be accounted worthy, 'for they are equal unto angels, and are the children of God,' as per our Lord's description. Here you meet with very different types of Christians, fools for Christ, and more. 'When Coptic Monasticism is discussed it is examined not only as the most important Egyptian contribution to the Christian world, which it certainly is, but as a living Christian witness, embodied in the life of one of the greatest though least known mystics of the twentieth century.' (At the sources of Christian civilization, Introduction) Genuine Ancient Christianity: Some outstanding western scholars are actively busy in a widespread rediscovery of the faith and doctrine of the ancient churches from Barth's Neo-Orthodoxy, C. S. Lewis Mere Christianity and more recently Oden's Paleo-Orthodoxy, but it is through John Watsons hands on experience, with his analytical explanation of this phenomenon of 'Coptic Orthodoxy' that the reader can experience a real feeling of being in contact with ancient Christianity. |
|
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
