Coptic Culture

Christian Teachings and Thought, Part V

by Ed Rizkalla

In previous articles of this series, the writer explored the influence of Christian teachings and thought on some of the ancient Egyptian cultural attributes, norms, and values. The writer explored examples from “The Life of Anthony” written by Saint Athanasius.  In this article, the writer, with the grace of Christ the Lord, will explore Christian teachings and thought dating earlier than the “Life of Antony”, namely writing of the famous Coptic philosopher Origen (185-254 A.D.). It is perhaps noteworthy that Origen’s name which means “born of Horus” follows a most ancient Egyptian tradition. The contemporary reader should keep in mind that the purpose of Origen’s writing, very much like that of Athanasius’s “The Life of Anthony”, was first and foremost Christian teaching, however as the writers were Copts, the narrative reflects some aspects of the Coptic culture.

One of our examples is Origen’s “Commentary on John, Book 13” (1). Trig indicates that Origen’s “Commentary on John” most probably date to the 230s. A.D.  In the following excerpts, Origen comments on the encounter of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. He states “Besides, at the verbal level, here we also learn from him that he (Jesus) is gentle and humble of heart, for he does not disdain to discuss such matters with a woman who is a water-carrier, who on account of her great poverty must leave the town and labor in order to draw water. For even, the disciples marvel when they come…marveling that such a great person would speak with a woman. But we, under the impulse of boasting and disdain, scorn those who are inferior, forgetting that “Let us make man according to our image, and according to our likeness” (Gen 1:26) applies to each human being.”

Another example is Origen’s “Letter to Gregory”, dating to about 240 A.D.  Trig indicates “We may presume that the editors of the “Philocalia” preserved this letter, because it affirmed the value of the Greek intellectual tradition-and of Greek philosopher in particular- while subordinating it to the Bible and cautioning against its misuse”. The following are excerpts from Origen’s “Letter to Gregory”: “As you know, an innate capacity for understanding can, with disciplined practice, achieve as far as possible what one may call its purpose, the thing for which the exercise is intended. Your natural ability can, therefore, make you an accomplished Roman lawyer or a Greek philosopher. Nonetheless, I have desired that with all the power of your innate ability you would apply yourself, ultimately, to Christianity. I have, for this reason, prayed that you would accept effectively those things from the philosophy of the Greeks that can serve as a general education or introduction to Christianity and those things from geometry and astronomy that are useful for the interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. For just as the servants of philosophers say concerning geometry, music, grammar, and rhetoric that they are adjuncts to philosophy, we say this very thing about philosophy itself with regard to Christianity…You, then my lord and son, apply yourself to the reading of the divine Scriptures, but do apply yourself…Do not be content with knocking and seeking, for prayer is most necessary for understanding divine matters. It was to exhort us to this thing that the Savior did not only say, “Knock, and it shall be opened to you” and “Seek, and you shall find”, but also, “Ask and it shall be given to you”.

In the two examples cites above, Origen’s writing provides a window on the influence of Christian teachings and thought on the Coptic culture, norms, and values. The first example affirms the ancient Egyptian cultural attributes 1) Respect for the individual and their individuality, and 2) The equality of men and women, as Origen notes that our Lord reached for all individuals, men as well as women, regardless of their background, condition, or status, whether they were Jews or Samaritans, rich or poor, leading a presumably respectable or unrespectable life. Origen also notes that from the beginning God created mankind, both man and woman, in his own image, thus bestowing dignity on all mankind both male and female. In the second example, Origen, reflects another Coptic cultural attribute 3) The respect for education, knowledge, and love of wisdom. Origen admonishes Gregory- and future readers of his letter -to learn the knowledge of his time. Origen further admonishes him to diligently apply himself to the Holy Scriptures and prayers, as he states that prayers are most necessary for understanding divine matters. Origen’s writing reflects not only a tolerance of the learning of others, even those with different world view, but also an acceptance for this learning, provided that it is subordinated to faith in Christ. Thus the ancient Egyptian cultural respect for knowledge and love of wisdom have been further enhanced and invigorated by Origen’s Christian teachings and thought. Furthermore Origen exhorted his readers to prayerfully seek “spiritual discernment”.

The peace of the Lord be with you all. Irene Passe.

References:

(1) Origen, by Joseph W. Trigg, Routledge, New York, NY, 1998.

Acknowledgement: The writer would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of the Library of Congress, Washington, DC, for their assistance with research for background material for this article.

Ed Rizkalla is a management consultant and freelance writer. He is the founder of Pharos on the Potomac Group (POPG), a non-profit organization at Annandale, VA. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzes76jv/pharosonthepotomacgroup