Coptic Culture
by Ed Rizkalla
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, the government shall be, upon his shoulder. He is God the Powerful, and the Counselor…Rejoice and be happy…for God has revealed his love to the world, that He gave his beloved Son for those who believe in Him, so that they may live forever." From the Praises of the Coptic Orthodox Holy Psalmody: Monday Theotokia
Long time ago as a Coptic child growing up in Egypt, I used to attend Sunday school. In one of the Sunday school lessons, the teacher told us a most interesting story, which I tend to believe some of the readers, might be familiar with, and in my view provides a good example for the influence of the tenets of the Christian faith on Coptic culture, values, and norms.
The story is about a Coptic man who worked as (صراف) or a tax agent for the government. Until the end of the first half of the 20th century or so, the vast majority of the Egyptian government tax agents were in fact Copts. His colleagues observed that though he handled large sums of money, and financial audits and controls did not exist at the time, he conducted his job with great honesty and integrity. One day his colleagues asked him why he doesn't cream off a little, after all no one will be able to find out. His answer was simple and straight forward. He indicated that at times he was tempted to do so, however a voice deep inside him said (انت يارب تراني) or You Lord see me, and so he would not touch the money. Likewise, many patrons of Coptic businesses would note pictures with Arabic calligraphy reading (رأس الحكمة مخافة اللة) or "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" Psalm 111. 10. This is another reflection of the influence of the tenets of Christian faith on Coptic culture, norms, and values.
Perhaps the story cited above, helps shed light on certain aspects of Coptic history. For centuries under the Arabs, Turks, Mamlukes, and Ottomans rule, many rulers relied on the Copts-as the LORD in his grace, in all ages, was with them and caused all they do to prosper-for administering the government affairs of Egypt. There were many recurring episodes, as the enemy of all goodness (عدو الخير) prompted fanatic rulers to dismiss the Copts from their government posts because of their Christian faith. However, after some time, they returned back and hired the Copts to administer the government affairs. Though some of these rulers might have not liked the Copts as Christians; they knew for a fact that they could rely on their knowledge, business acumen, honesty, and integrity.
The Coptic culture has its genesis in the ancient Egyptian history and mythology. It has also been greatly influenced by the tenets of the Christian faith, which have emphasized some of the ancient Egyptian cultural traditions, modified, and/or changed others. The Coptic culture attributes include: 1) respect for education, knowledge, and love of wisdom, 2) respect for the individual and his or her individuality and creative abilities, 3) respect for the family as an institution established and blessed by God bonding a man and a woman, which forms the corner stone of a civilized society, 4) respect for women and their role in the family and society at large, 5) equality of men and women, 6) taking initiative and a "can-do" approach to life, 7) flexibility, adaptability and innovation, 8) a sunny disposition and joy of life; and other attributes.
Over the past few decades, management scholars came to recognize the major role that culture plays in enhancing and/or hindering the success of firms and organizations. Likewise culture plays a major role in enhancing and /or hindering the prospects for groups, societies and nations. Nations compete for market share and economic growth, and prudent nations sharpen their competitive edge in the market place first and foremost through knowledge, and building a knowledge workforce. Among the known cultural attributes which enhance the opportunities for success are the ability to take initiative and risk, a can-do attitude, flexibility, adaptability, and innovation.
The Coptic culture is a forward-looking culture. It has helped the Copts over the centuries not only survive but also thrive. It continues to enhance the Copts abilities and their prospects for success and growth in our day and age.
You all have a merry Christmas and may the peace, love, and blessings of the LORD be with you all. Irene Passe
Ed Rizkalla is a management consultant and a freelance writer. He is the founder of Pharos on the Potomac Group (POPG), a non-profit organization at Annandale, VA.