Disputes with Protestants
The lecture presents an organized and expanded overview of the main doctrinal, theological, and liturgical differences between the Coptic Orthodox Church and Protestant denominations. His Holiness explains that these differences are not superficial but touch the core of faith, theology, and worship. He supports his explanations with clear biblical references and stresses the importance of teaching these matters to the youth to preserve the Orthodox faith.
1. The Difference Regarding the Nature of Christ
His Holiness notes old debates regarding one nature or two, and mentions that agreements were reached with Catholics and Greek Orthodox, but not yet fully discussed with the Protestants.
2. The Procession of the Holy Spirit
– The Orthodox Church believes that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone.
– Protestants, following the Catholic view, believe He proceeds from the Father and the Son.
– His Holiness cites the verse: “The Spirit of truth… who proceeds from the Father” (John 15:26).
3. Denial of the Sacraments
– Protestants generally do not acknowledge the seven sacraments.
– They may accept “two ordinances”: baptism and communion, but not as sacraments.
4. Differences Concerning Baptism
– They do not see baptism as necessary for salvation, but only symbolic.
– They reject its biblical effects: sonship to God, new birth, forgiveness of sins, putting on Christ, etc.
– They baptize by sprinkling, while the Orthodox baptize by immersion, being buried and raised with Christ.
– Numerous biblical references are cited: John 3, Titus 3, Romans 6, Acts 2 & 22, Galatians 3.
5. Denial of the Priesthood
– They do not believe in any human priesthood.
– They regard Christ as the only priest.
– Even the term “pastor” does not imply priesthood.
– Thus they reject confession, holy unction, and marriage as a sacrament.
6. Denial of the Eucharistic Mystery
– They deny the real presence of Christ’s body and blood.
– Communion is seen merely as a memorial.
– Consequently, they have no altar, no sacrifice, no incense, and no candles.
7. Rejection of Liturgical Worship
– They reject rituals, incense, and candles.
– His Holiness references the Book of Revelation (chapters 5 and 8) showing incense in New Testament worship.
8. Rejection of Fasting
– They do not acknowledge church fasts or communal fasting rules.
– Their fasting is individual and unrestricted by food types.
9. No Veneration of Saints or Intercession
– They do not honor saints, celebrate their feasts, or use the Synaxarium.
– They reject the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints.
10. No Prayers for the Departed
– They do not pray for the departed at all, using funerals only for preaching, not intercession.
11. Rejection of Church Tradition
– They reject apostolic tradition, church canons, and ecumenical councils.
– They consider the teachings of the Fathers as personal opinions.
12. Additional Issues
– They do not orient churches toward the East.
– They do not practice monasticism.
– They do not use the sign of the Cross.
– They ordain women as pastors and even bishops.
– They believe in a literal earthly millennial kingdom.
– Their concept of salvation eliminates all mediation: no Church, no priesthood, no sacraments — only “faith alone.”
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