: The word "Copt" comes from the Egyptian translation of the Greek "Aegyptos" (contrary to what most Americans think, Egyptians don't call their country "Egypt"). Christianity was introduced to North Africa during the first century reign of Nero. It is based on the teachings of St. Mark. Some informative links on the Coptic church include the Encyclopedia Coptica, the Coptic Network, and a site run through Harvard on Coptic Christianity.: (Here I'm demonstrating that, despite what some regular visitors to Mc.S. seem to believe, I actually am quite knowledgable about religion and really don't need them to explain it to me ;-)
: I hope these links help in your research.
: -Floyd
Thank you for the link.
I believe that if you look at some of my other posts re: religion and christianity you'll see that I may have some difficulty buying into this sect as a pure form of Christianity.
Two Reasons.
1. They seem to have some reverence for St. Paul.
Please see the book "The Messianic Legacy" for exact historical facts about him and his relationship with "The New Church at Jerusalem". This information suggests strongly that Paul(Saul the assasin) was a tool of the Roman Empire to pollute the true teachings of Christ. Before he was paul he saught out christians(true followers of Christs words during his life and after his death, including his brother Thomas) and killed them. When that got him nowhere he joined the New Church and went out preaching great abberations of the Truth. Please dont take my word for it-do the research.
2. Coptics strongly oppose Gnosticism.
John The Baptist was an Essene. Evidence shows a strong relationship between Jesus and Co. and this group. They were Gnostics. Remember one thing about Jesus-He did not like the Roman Empire. The Roman empire assimilated "christianity" and even canonized the bible. Nero was sick in the mind. As was Constantine who forced christianity upon all the Gauls he didnt kill. These things are referenced in the book mentioned above. Once again that you look into it-it is very interesting.
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McSpotlight: So you're saying Jesus was a Gnostic? Stuart and Robert will probably disagree with you there; it might be an idea to provide your mail addresses if you wish to respond, because I have the feeling that debate could run and run and run, and it's fairly dull for non-theologians.
None.
