Responding to the Ideas of Father Matta El-Meskeen – The Book Church and State

1. Introduction and Context

Pope Shenouda III begins by recalling his own pastoral and historical experience since becoming bishop in 1962, emphasizing how Church–State relations in Egypt have gone through various political phases (under Nasser, Sadat, and beyond).
He notes that some of Father Matta El-Meskeen’s books—especially Church and State—were written in the 1960s and republished later, stirring debate about the Church’s social and political role.

2. Political Aspect: The Church and the State

Pope Shenouda summarizes Father Matta’s view as teaching that the Church should focus purely on the “Kingdom of God,” without political involvement or claims to social rights.
He responds that this can lead to misunderstanding—portraying the Church as indifferent to national duty or even betraying social responsibility.
The Pope stresses that the Church must not reject cooperation with the state; ignoring civil authority may cause instability or division in society.

3. Social Service and Key Passages

He discusses parts of Church and State where Father Matta criticizes church social work, suggesting it may humiliate or anger the poor.
Pope Shenouda rejects this, affirming that social ministry—schools, hospitals, orphanages, and charity work—is an essential and historic duty of the Church.
However, he insists it must be organized wisely within legal frameworks so as not to clash with the government.

4. Historical Perspective: Constantine and After

Pope Shenouda addresses Father Matta’s criticism of the Church’s alliance with Emperor Constantine, clarifying that history cannot be simplified into slogans.
He explains that many councils and theological developments after Constantine were guided by necessity, not by political corruption, and that fair historical study must consider all sides.

5. Other Writings: The Book of Church Gifts

He briefly mentions Father Matta’s The Church Gifts, which questions the difference between priests and bishops.
The Pope explains that early biblical language used similar words (like “elders”), but over time the Church established distinct roles for bishops and priests.
He warns that misinterpreting these terms—as some Protestant translations do—creates confusion.

6. Theological Core: Pentecost and the Descent of the Holy Spirit

This is the central point of disagreement.
Pope Shenouda criticizes Father Matta’s interpretation of Pentecost, which he says risks blurring the line between divine nature and human nature.
He insists that the Holy Spirit’s descent on the apostles gave them power and grace, but did not unite divine essence with human essence the same way it did in the Incarnation of Christ.
To claim the Church became “filled with divine nature” after Pentecost, he argues, confuses the mystery of the Incarnation with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
The Church is indeed the Body of Christ, but that should be understood symbolically and sacramentally—not as a literal fusion with the divine nature.

7. Sacraments and Liturgical Practice

The Pope explains that the Holy Spirit works in every sacrament—Chrismation, ordination, consecration of churches, and the prayers for the dead—but these do not mean the divine nature is transferred to humans.
He warns against using expressions like “we became Christ Himself” after baptism, because that may lead to theological error.
The Holy Spirit indwells believers by grace, not by essence.

8. Tone and Approach

Pope Shenouda speaks firmly but respectfully. His goal, he says, is not to attack a person but to protect correct Orthodox doctrine.
He emphasizes patience and balance: he acknowledges the value of Father Matta’s spiritual work but insists on correcting theological inaccuracies publicly for the sake of Church unity.

9. Conclusion

• The disagreement is mainly theological and methodological, not personal.

• The Pope defends the Orthodox understanding of the Holy Spirit, Incarnation, and Church life.

• He warns that over-symbolic or speculative teaching can lead to confusion, and that Church tradition must always be interpreted carefully and faithfully.

• Social service is essential but must cooperate with the state and reflect Christian humility, not rebellion or pride.

Core Message

The lecture upholds the purity of Orthodox faith, calling for theological precision, respect for Church tradition, and harmony between spiritual and social responsibilities.

For better translation support, please contact the center