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Questions & Answers

Jonah the Prophet

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Holy Scripture › Jonah the Prophet

The question

Sometimes people say that stories like Jonah's did not actually happen, but it is in the Holy Bible for teaching reasons, how can we respond?

The answer

The authenticity of the Holy Bible is well documented under the Literature Link of the Southern Diocese Website. Please refer to the literature section of the Diocese website and select 'Conference Abstracts' where you will find the College Conference, Water, Wind and Faith 2002 lecture materials.

Within the Coptic Orthodox Church we do not believe in "stories" placed within the Holy Bible unless we are specifically told these are stories, such as the parables.

The Holy Scriptures constitute a coherent whole and are read with this affirmation  in mind. The Holy Scriptures are divinely Inspired and interpreted through the Church.

When meditating upon Holy Scripture, have obedience and careful attention before you in order to achieve spiritual fulfillment and unity with Christ and the church. Do not waste your energy on whether what you hear is true or not.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 606 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.