Christian Living
Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef
215 questions in 104 topics
Topics
Alcohol/Alcohol Consumption 8Death 8Homosexuality 8Music/Music Notes 8Dancing 7Harry Potter 7Job 6Masturbation 6Sex / Sexuality 6Career/Career Choice 5Rape 5Abortion 4Drugs 4Piercing the Body 4Tattoo 4Adultery 3Capital Punishment 3Investment 3Medical 3Slavery 3Smoking 3Stem Cell Research 3Suicide 3Animals 2Blasphemy 2Borrowing and Lending 2Corruption 2Cremation 2Death - Life After 2Discrimination 2DNR 2Drinking 2Fornication 2Gambling 2Gender 2Internet Abuse/Addiction 2Natural Law 2Organ Donation 2Social Sites 2Sports 2Unclean Food 2Video Games 2War 2Aids 1Alcoholism 1Autism 1Betting 1Birthdays 1Blood 1Blood Donors 1Bodily Discharge 1Body Piercing 1Cannibalism 1Christmas Tree 1Cloning 1Comatose Patients 1COVID-19 Pandemic 1Death Penalty 1Dress & Grooming 1Easter Eggs 1Euthanasia 1False Accusations 1Female Genital Mutilation 1Food 1Genetic Engineering 1Guns 1Halloween 1Issues 1Just War 1Lottery 1Male Sexuality 1Medicine 1Military 1Money 1Oral Sex 1Pacifism 1Pap Smears/Pelvic Exams 1People in Need 1Physicians' Decisions 1Plastic Surgery 1Political Correctness 1Politics 1Pornography 1Racial Discrimination 1Serious Illness 1Sexual Orientation 1Sexuality 1Sleep Disorders 1Special Needs 1STD 1Stealing 1Sword 1Tampons 1Taxes 1Television 1Terri Schiavo 1Terrorism 1Transsexuals 1Tsunami Victims 1Vaccinations 1Valentine's Day 1Weapons and Defense 1Weight Loss Surgery 1Wine 1
All questions in this theme
- AbortionI am teaching a lesson to our High School students this Sunday on abortion. I looked on the SUSCOPTS website and have not had much luck. I was wondering if there is a…
- AbortionAre abortions permitted by the Church for any reason?
- AbortionI got into a discussion with someone about abortions and how the Church does not allow it unless the mother's health is in danger, but what about rape victims? That is…
- AbortionWhat about if the mother is past the age of having kids but gets pregnant? Let us say she is in her 40's or 50's and she is now at a huge risk. Would the Church consider…
- AdulteryYour Grace need to address the deadly issue of adultery because it is affecting many families, and therefore silence must be broken. Homosexuality and sex outside…
- AdulteryAfter a Coptic couple is married and the Holy Spirit unites them into one, what happens spiritually if adultery is committed? Is this bond broken instantly or only after…
- AdulteryI found out my dad is cheating on my mom, so I told her. My father blamed me for being a home-wrecker and trying to start problems. The issue was eventually resolved…
- AidsIs there a spiritual explanation for why people get AIDS (is it a punishment or simply a consequence of certain behaviors)? How should a Christian respond to people who…
- Alcohol/Alcohol ConsumptionIn the Old Testament the drinking of wine was condemned. What is the Church’s viewpoint concerning alcohol, and how do we reconcile to the miracle at the Wedding of Cana…
- Alcohol/Alcohol ConsumptionIs it okay to occasionally drink some alcoholic beverages at home and not before people?
- Alcohol/Alcohol ConsumptionIn my family, drinking alcohol is not an addiction; usually it mainly appears during celebrations like in the American Christmas, or New Years Eve, or even once in a…
- Alcohol/Alcohol ConsumptionMy son said sorry; it is the first and last time to get drunk. I listened to him quietly and I told him that we have to thank God for keeping him safe, and that he could…
- Alcohol/Alcohol ConsumptionHow do we respond when peoples say they drink alcohol but do not get drunk but they drink in small quantities?
- Alcohol/Alcohol ConsumptionWhat is the Church’s view on drinking in moderation. There was an Orthodox bishop with his diocesan priests enjoying a glass of wine at dinner. I have never seen a Coptic…
- Alcohol/Alcohol ConsumptionCan a priest drink alcohol? Can an Orthodox Christian drink alcohol? How about if someone gets drunk? Is it a sin?
- Alcohol/Alcohol ConsumptionDoes the Orthodox Church really admonish everyone to not drink or is this just a preference shown by some priests and not part of the belief? I ask because in Sirach…
- Alcohol/Alcohol Consumption: AlcoholismMy wife has been an alcoholic for many years now. In the last year, she has been trying to get help via a Christian recovery group, because there is no program in the…
- AnimalsI was asked by my Sunday School kids if we have a blessing of animals in our Coptic Orthodox Church, and if not, why?
- AnimalsI was reading a quote from Pope Francis...not sure if he actually said it, but it read..."One day we will see our animals again in the eternity of Christ. Paradise is…
- AutismFrom Your Grace's perspective, what kind of service can the church provide for autistic children? There are several other servants that would like to offer a service to…
- BettingIs betting a sin? What is the Holy Bible view on it?
- BirthdaysHow can we celebrate birthdays in a Christian way at home and Sunday school? I personally, prefer to celebrate the baptism date over the birth date.
- BlasphemyConcerning the blasphemy that cannot be forgiven, He says that whosoever speaks ‘a word’ will not be forgiven. I have read the answers to questions about this blasphemy…
- BlasphemyIs blasphemy against the Holy spirit is forgivable if you repent of that sin?
- BloodCould you please explain: " But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it " (Genesis 9:4). " And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I…
- Blood DonorsIs donating blood for someone else wrong? Does it contradict with God's will?
- Bodily DischargeWhy aren't women allowed to partake of the Holy Eucharist during their menstrual period? Is there any biblical support for that?
- Body PiercingWhat is Your Grace’s opinion concerning tattooing? Is it true that it is a sign of permanent enslavement (Exodus 21:5-6)? Why do we accept ear piercing?
- Borrowing and LendingWhat is the difference, and what is ok & what is not? Borrowing without interest (al-estelaf) Borrowing with interest (like Loans from persons or from banks) Al-Reba…
- Borrowing and LendingWhat does Usury (al-Reba) and Extortion (al-Morabaha) mean? Are they ok? Why or why not?
- CannibalismFrom where did cannibals originate and how do they exist? Do they still exist and where? How can people preach to them about Christ?
- Capital PunishmentHow does the Coptic Orthodox Church view Capital Punishment?
- Capital PunishmentIn your following answer on capital punishment http://www.suscopts.org/q&a/index.php?qid=32&catid=61 you stated that our Church isn't against capital punishment and…
- Capital PunishmentIs it wrong as a Christian to support capital punishment?
- Career/Career ChoiceI am currently in college, majoring in communication studies. I was wondering if there were any careers that I could pursue after I graduate that would help our Coptic…
- Career/Career ChoiceDoes Your Grace think that a career in medicine in the US is too demanding and that it could take away from other priorities (e.g. service)?
- Career/Career ChoiceAfter a semester and a half of law school, I have realized that it is really not the place for.me. I really did feel that God's plan for me was to become a lawyer, but I…
- Career/Career ChoiceI am a student in college and I have a concern. Right now I am trying to transfer into a pharmacy school and all I have to do is do well t his semester and take some…
- Career/Career ChoiceDoes focusing on a career too much prevent others seeing the need to embrace the gospel? How can we bring His kingdom on earth if we focus on careers too much? Jesus said…
- Christmas TreeIs it true that Christmas trees and Christmas decorations are derived from a pagan holiday? Is it sinful to celebrate Christmas with a tree and decorations? Please check…
- CloningDoes the Orthodox Church support cloning? Why or why not?
- Comatose PatientsShould the life of a comatose patient be terminated and the organs harvested for other patients in need of organs if the comatose patient is brain dead and/or shows no…
- CorruptionI have a number of questions to pose: Why are we here on earth? Why do we need to praise God? He is the creator and not in need of praise. Why did Jesus have to sacrifice…
- CorruptionI am told corruption entered the world through Adam's sin. However the serpent deceived and tempted Eve prior to her fall. Thus, corruption already existed in the Garden…
- COVID-19 PandemicI go to an Oriental Orthodox Church. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there has been an uprise of arguments going on in my church relating to the disagreement of wearing…
- CremationWhat is the Coptic Orthodox church view concerning cremation?
- CremationIs it true what I have recently read that the Coptic Orthodox church is accepting cremation as an alternative solution to high cost of burial and lack of room in…
- DancingWhy is dancing wrong? God did not forbid dancing overtly in the Holy Bible. Many people danced (David, Miriam ... Aaron's sister...)
- DancingDoes Your Grace approve of dancing at graduation parties or any other outings done by middle and high school students who go to church and attend Sunday school?
- DancingIs it wrong to dance at wedding receptions as long as it is not sexual?
- DancingWhat is your Grace's view regarding dancing and clapping during worship on Sunday? Some servants teach that this is an acceptable part of prayer, citing the example of…
- DancingIn the Egyptian culture, dancing is an integral part of wedding celebrations. Is dancing in wedding receptions acceptable in the eyes of God and our Church?
- DancingIf David danced before God to glorify and worship Him, why we can not do the same?.2) Is all kind of dancing wrong? What about dancing in weddings...not necessarily in…
- DancingI know that dancing is a big sin and that it leads us into a bad direction but why is it bad? Please give me reasons and examples about dancers. What will happen to them?
- DeathHow can one cope with the death of their beloved ones? Why should we pray for the sick; if they are going to die anyway?
- DeathDo the people in paradise (or in Hades) feel the time as we do?
- DeathIs it a true statement that God terminates our lives on earth when we are ready the most?
- DeathIs it wrong to fear death? If you do, does it necessarily mean that you are on a wrong path? Is it just part of our weak nature? I read that even St. Gregory the…
- DeathWhat is the Coptic Church's view concerning death, including suicide, cremation, euthanasia, etc.?
- DeathDoes our Lord delimit age a specific number of years of humans? I have heard that God knows when a man dies, but does He not specify the day of his death?
- DeathI am freaking out at the moment. It has hit me all of a sudden that I am going to die one day. I am terrified. Really terrified. To the point that I have had panic…
- DeathMy son, who is 6 years old, asked if when humans die, their physical bodies remain on earth and their spirits go to heaven, where is God's body? How does He look like?…
- Death - Life AfterWhere do our departed beloved ones reside at the moment? Can they use their senses? Will there be family reunion after death?
- Death - Life AfterWhat if we as Christians are wrong about the existence of God existing and the afterlife?
- Death PenaltyThe Old Testament says that those who disobey parents should be put to death. How can I explain this? We do not do this today. Why is this commandment no longer in…
- DiscriminationLast March my school made a decision for certain students to follow the new curriculum they have enforced which would require that I go back to a 3rd year to take the…
- DiscriminationWhat would you do if you have great discrimination at work? For example, they promote the people who came after you and don’t have a degree, you have a very good…
- Dress & GroomingAre we to get instructions concerning our dress code from standards and traditions?
- DrinkingWhere can one draw a line between drinking until you get drunk, (especially at wedding parties etc…) and drinking just one glass or two for health purposes? What is…
- Drinking" Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more " (Proverbs…
- DrugsWhat is the Church’s opinion on mind-altering drugs, their usage and their immediate effect on our perception of reality? It is given that drugs ultimately have negative…
- DrugsHow can I help my friend who is addicted to drugs and does not see it is wrong?
- DrugsWhat is the church's view on smoking marijuana for recreational use? With the recent legalization of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use, the new wave of…
- DrugsWhat is the church's view on medicinal marijuana for certain diseases?
- Easter EggsDoes Easter Egg have any significance beyond being for fun and celebration around Easter time?
- Ethical Dilemma: DNRHow does the church view DNR (do not resuscitate) e.g., a cancer patient at end of life or a patient that has heart failure that keeps on going into the hospital every…
- Ethical Dilemma: DNRI was wondering what is our Church's view on DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders?
- Ethical Dilemma: Physicians' DecisionsI have an interview at a Canadian medical school. I wrote about all of the church activities in which I was involved in my resume, in case they might ask me: 'What will…
- EuthanasiaWhat is the Church's view on assisted dying? At what stage in a suffering human's life does the church consider a person to be dead and thus biblically appropriate to…
- False AccusationsWhat do you think about this http://www.atruechurch.info/coptic.html ?
- Female Genital MutilationWhat is the Christian perspective on Female Genital Mutilation?
- FoodI heard that shellfish eat dead fish. Is this toxic to our body?
- FornicationIs there a defined solution for getting rid of the sin of fornication or do I have to keep falling in it and repenting until the last day of my life? I have tried many…
- FornicationI know that my sister is committing many sins and is getting engaged soon, but she’s hiding a lot of things including the fact that she's been in intimate relationships.…
- GamblingI have a relative who is suffering from the grave sin of gambling which is simply affecting all aspects of his life. He tells me that whilst he is fully aware that he is…
- GamblingA certain young man in our church found interest in poker and gambling to the point that he now works in a casino as a dealer. This has tremendously changed his life as…
- GenderIn terms of gender, why does the Greek Language, and of course the Coptic, being somehow similar to the Greek language, treat God the father and the son both as masculine…
- GenderWhat is the Church's view on the new special lab technique that enables parents to choose their baby's gender?
- Genetic EngineeringWhat is the church's view regarding Somatic gene therapy? Germ line genetic engineering for the sake of preventing some genetic problems, such as down syndrome, and other…
- GunsWhat is the Coptic Church's stance on gun control/ownership?
- HalloweenI know that an email is always sent from the SUS Diocese about Halloween discouraging the kids from participating in it. When I was googling the origin of Halloween it…
- Harry PotterI read Your Grace's article " Who is Harry Potter " and I actually would like to read the book for myself. Is it appropriate if I read it? My understanding is that Harry…
- Harry PotterAlthough Harry Potter seems to conflict somehow with the Orthodox dogma; can not our children enjoy watching it as a fun program like any other fun programs; knowing for…
- Harry PotterWhy is Your Grace not in favor with all the classic Fairy tales, all of which do not have the elements that a caring parent would not allow their child to be exposed to?
- Harry PotterHow could the Coptic Church people conclude that Harry Potter is bad without having read the books? The movies show a very small portion of the books themselves.
- Harry PotterI don't understand why it is so wrong to watch Harry Potter's movie if we watch it with the conviction and understanding that it is simply fiction.
- Harry PotterWhat is wrong with Harry Potter?
- Harry PotterRegarding Harry Potter, I was taught that we should not read it or watch the movies because the book is based on wizards and magic and the Bible tells us in the Book of…
- HomosexualityWhat is the church’s viewpoint concerning homosexuals and homosexuality?
- HomosexualityWhat does Your Grace think of the Anglican Church's downward spiral regarding homosexual issues such as blessing same-sex (homosexual) marriages,electing homosexual…
- HomosexualityI do believe that homosexuality is a sin, but I feel that homosexuals are some of the kindest people I have ever met, and I fairly enjoy being around them (homosexual men…
- HomosexualityWhat does our Church think about homosexuality?
- HomosexualityWhat is the Coptic Church's stand on homosexuality?
- HomosexualityI've been reading with great interest about the Coptic Catholic Church. I am especially impressed with the church's willingness to tackle real issues in the world as we…
- HomosexualityOn a Coptic Orthodox message board, someone has started a website for "Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender people" who also identify themselves as being Coptic Orthodox. The…
- HomosexualityMy question concerns homosexuality. The Ukrainian Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada states in relation to homosexuality:
- Homosexuality: Sexual OrientationSomeone mentioned that our Coptic Orthodox Church does not believe that sexual orientation is wrong, but homosexuality (practicing the sin) is wrong. I believe that both…
- Internet Abuse/AddictionMy daughter (9th grade) is using the internet addictively. She stays up late using the net. This concerns me, although she is assuring me that she chats with a few good…
- Internet Abuse/AddictionHow can someone stop using the Internet for unnecessary reasons like surfing, watching YouTube, scrolling on reddit etc? Is there any trick to accomplishing this? I have…
- InvestmentIs investing your money into the stock market considered gambling?
- InvestmentIn a prior question, I was advised to avoid investing in the stock market because I might worry about it daily and it may take my heart away from serving God. Would you…
- InvestmentI am struggling with the thought of how much I should give to the church or for donation. I am already giving 10% of my salary and some donations. Is investing part of my…
- JobCould you please explain to me that part from Holy Book of Job 2:3 " although you incited Me against him to destroy him without cause ."
- JobAlthough God knew that Job had fallen in a sin of self righteousness, He still said about him: "none like him on the earth, and he is blameless". what is God’s measuring…
- JobAre there any Arabic or English books that explain the Holy Book of Job?
- JobWhy did God take everything from Job except his wife?
- JobI heard some fathers explain that Job was NOT in fact self-righteous. Is this true or not? Some fathers say he was just trying to figure out why God allowed such a trial.
- JobHow long did Job endure his trial? I heard it was for 33 years. He lived 70 years, and then suffered 33 years, and as in Job 42, he lived another 140 years after the…
- LotteryIs buying a lottery ticket every now and then a sin? It is not an addiction, but just when there is a big pot.
- Male SexualityWhat should someone do if he has chronic 'seminal leakage’, which prevents a person from taking communion frequently?
- Marital Problems: IssuesMy husband and I have been arguing for a little under a year about mainly the same issues. Our arguments can escalate to offensive verbal fights, which why I delay as…
- MasturbationAs Christians what are our beliefs on masturbation?
- MasturbationI have a habit of masturbation. I tried many years and methods to stop it. I prayed, washed with holy water, and talked to my father confessor, etc. I really want to stop…
- MasturbationHow can I be free from an addiction? Can I apply for the treatment center? Can I stop through prayer? My addiction is masturbation. I tried to stop for months, but then,…
- MasturbationI am a 21 year old guy. I have a really close friend who is 18. We talk about everything and trust each other very much, more than brothers. We love God infinitely and go…
- MasturbationI have a huge problem with masturbation. I have masturbated for the past 4 years of my life. At first, I had no idea that it was a bad thing, but it always felt wrong…
- MasturbationIs masturbation sin?
- MedicalThere is someone that I know that came from Egypt about a month ago, so his wife can give birth to their child in the United States. She gave birth to the baby 2 days…
- MedicalWhy do we have an appendix? How do we explain having one according to the Bible and not to evolutionary principles of it being a vestigial organ that man used to have…
- MedicalIn my medical school class, they showed us a video on 'intersex' gender and people born with genital abnormalities and are not sure what gender they are, etc. What is the…
- MedicineIs it wrong to be a doctor and make a lot of money; but with the intention of helping others in the health care field and also financially? Money does facilitate an easy…
- MilitaryDo people in the military go to hell? I know they are protecting the nation and God said to respect the law of the land. But God also said, "thou shall not kill." The…
- MoneyMy cousin has inherited a lot of money; but has become lazy. She always asks for ideas on how to spend it; for example, buying a house, traveling. But, she does not look…
- Music/Music NotesWhat is your perspective on Christian music?
- Music/Music NotesAlthough musical instruments are mentioned in the Holy Book of Psalm 150 and the Holy Book of Rev 5:8, it is often said that musical instruments are not to be used in the…
- Music/Music NotesI know a lot of the music and media out there is spiritually harmful; but is listening to Classical music inappropriate or wrong for Christians?
- Music/Music NotesIs Contemporary Christian Music alright to listen to? I like this music, but I don't want to do what is wrong. I would not want that music be used in church; but is it…
- Music/Music NotesA group in our church took advantage of Abouna's limited knowledge of the American culture, and got his consent to sing a gospel Rap on New year's Eve. Is that allowed?
- Music/Music NotesBesides the fact that it is not traditional, what is it wrong about playing the familiar American music called "Here Comes the Bride" either as a song or just music while…
- Music/Music NotesMy mother taught all her children to read music, and that's the only way I have ever known to learn music. I can not "hear" it (albeit in my head) otherwise. I am trying…
- Music/Music NotesIs music sin? What makes music sin if we use it for positive purposes like not for an individual person for country, kids, love?
- Natural LawWhat is our Church's position on Natural law (i.e. Thomas Aquinas)?
- Natural LawI would really appreciate your thoughts on this essay title: "The Ethical teaching in the New Testament on Divorce is not compatible with other ethical theories such as…
- Organ DonationWhat about the Church's view on Organ Donors? Is there any problem with it?
- Organ DonationWhat is the Church's stance on donating a dead person's organs?
- PacifismWas Christ a Pacifist?
- Pap Smears/Pelvic ExamsWhat does the Church advise in regard to Papp smears and pelvic exams and all these procedures for our sisters and daughters?
- People in NeedMatthew 25 told us to take in the stranger (like the homeless), visit the sick and those who are in prison, and all those commandments. Doesn't that mean that we should…
- Piercing the BodyWhat does the Holy Bible say about body piercing? My friend wants to get her belly button pierced?
- Piercing the BodyIf the Holy Bible clearly says that piercing is wrong (Leviticus 19:28: " do not tattoo yourselves or pierce your body to mourn the dead "), why is it alright to pierce…
- Piercing the BodyWhy is piercing wrong?
- Piercing the BodyGod says that piercings defile the body. What about girls whose parents take them to get their ears pierced while the little ones have no choice in it?
- Plastic SurgeryI am very insecure about a particular facial feature and have wanted to have plastic surgery to improve my appearance. What is the Church’s view on this?
- Political CorrectnessWe were surprised that a teacher from my son's school asked him not to say "oh my God," but instead to say "oh my gosh". I think that is based in the Catholic faith…
- PoliticsI wanted to know if the Coptic Church has any view on involvement in politics. For instance, is it advisable or not advisable to be involved in running for an electoral…
- PornographyThese days it is so easy to access pornographic material (on the internet especially, HBO, etc.), and almost all teenagers in our church view this extremely sinful and…
- Racial DiscriminationWhat is Christianity’s viewpoint on racial discrimination?
- RapeIs rape considered sin before God for the victim that was raped?
- RapeHow does the Church deal with a rape victim? I was raped by my boyfriend and I am hesitant to talk to my father of confession about it. I know I am at fault for allowing…
- RapeIf someone is considering marrying a woman who revealed that she has a relative that she alleges raped her a long time ago, and never showed remorse, what steps of wisdom…
- RapeIf the woman was raped as a child by a relative, should she tell the man whom she is considering to marry?
- RapeIf the woman was raped as a child by a relative, and no action was taken on the part of the parents to pursue civil disciplinary action (such as Proverbs 17:15) or Church…
- Serious IllnessRecently, I found out some news about my friend that has been troubling me very much. She was diagnosed with a serious illness earlier this year. She has the first stage…
- Sex / SexualityWhy do the Copts look at sex as a taboo?
- Sex / SexualityI am haunted by my previous life as a sexual playboy. As long as I was having sex, I was happy. In addition to that, I happened to get turned on by my girlfriend's dog…
- Sex / SexualityHow would one refute the claim made against the Holy Bible as being sexist in creating Eve as a 'helper' to Adam? In their argument such people refer to Genesis 2 where…
- Sex / SexualityI have always wondered if oral sex is really sex.
- Sex / SexualityCan Copts have sex when married without the intention of reproduction to fight off lust?
- Sex / SexualityIs it okay to use sexual devices for self-stimulation if one's spouse approves?
- Sex / Sexuality: Oral SexIs committing oral sex one time considered a loss of virginity?
- Sex / Sexuality: SexualityIs using a vibrator sinful? If yes, why? What if this is what is helping me to stay in my marriage? Or I would have cheated?
- SlaveryWhere, in the Holy Bible, is it stated that a slave's body belongs to the slave's owner who would then be able to rape the slave as a result? Would that not make it scary…
- SlaveryWhy didn't Jesus or any of the disciples condemn slavery and say it is wrong or sinful to own and control another human being? Isn't slavery a sin? By the way, I read in…
- SlaveryHow can we explain the bottom verse to non-Christians (or for our own understanding)? It seems as if it is clearly saying it is okay to beat servants. Exodus 21:20-21…
- Sleep DisordersI have been having insomnia for 4 nights? Is this demon possession? I have no anxiety at the moment. Should I see a physician?
- SmokingMy husband had been smoking Shisha off and on for some time before I met him. At the beginning of getting to know him, I made it very clear how I don't like it and don't…
- SmokingWhat characterizes smoking as a sin? Is it not the addiction, and the detrimental effects it has on the body (the temple of God). If so, is it NOT a sin to smoke a cigar…
- SmokingIn the Coptic Orthodox Church, why do our deacons smoke outside and take communion? Would the priest not be part of the blame because he knows certain people are smoking…
- Social SitesI would like to ask Your Grace's opinion about popular social networking sites such as "MySpace" and "MyCrib", and other sites such as these that are very heavily used by…
- Social SitesMany youths spend so much time on social sites (e.g. my space and my crib) simply because they have nothing better to do. So, if studying is not sufficient to fill their…
- Special NeedsThis past year, I have done some research about people with mental disabilities and have learned to appreciate them very much and I love to work with them. However, my…
- SportsIs it wrong to work out by lifting weights to get in shape and be physically strong? If so, why?
- SportsAre skydiving and extreme sports (e.g. racing, rock/mountain climbing) considered a sin?
- STDWould it be irresponsible of me to not ask my fiancée if he ever checked whether he may have contracted HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases from previous sexual…
- StealingIs it okay to steal food if starving?
- Stem Cell ResearchDoes the church have any particular view concerning the umbilical cord stem cell banking?
- Stem Cell ResearchIf the church does not support Stem Cell Research (and rightly so), what about making use of discarded lifeless embryos to advance science and in essence life?
- Stem Cell ResearchWhat is the Church's view on stem-cell research? Is it wrong to take a living zygote (a potential human being) from a mother's fetus, and use it in the lab to create…
- SuicideWhat is the future destiny of a person who has committed suicide? Will he be judged on a different level?
- SuicideI would like to know the verses useful in helping someone wanting to end his life by suicide.
- SuicideIs it wrong to ask God to take my life?
- SwordWhy did our Lord Jesus Christ ask his disciples to buy swords, (Luke 22:36) and a minute later, He rebuked Peter for cutting off the ear of the head priest’s slave?
- TamponsCan girls use tampons? If someone is on a swim team, she cannot miss 25% of the practices and meets.
- TattooIf tattooing is a sin, according to the Holy Book of Leviticus 19:28, " You shall make no cuttings in your flesh " is having a cross tattoo an exception, or is it to be…
- TattooIs it true that tattooing could be used as a fashion statement, but shouldn't be used as a sign for saying something? For example homosexuals pierce their right ear.
- TattooIs it true that tattooing is a sign of permanent enslavement (Exodus 21:5-6)? Why do we accept ear piercing? I have made a million mistakes in my lifetime. Thank God, He…
- TattooIn your lecture in Nashville, you answered a question about tattoos. God says that tattoos and piercings defile the body. I have the cross on my wrist and my ears are…
- TaxesWhy did our Lord Jesus ask St. Peter to catch a fish to find and pay the taxes on money that he did not originally have?
- TelevisionI am in the process of doing research on the effects of TV on kids. What are the spiritual resources I can look for to do the research?
- Terri SchiavoWhat is the Coptic Orthodox opinion in the Terri Schiavo's case?
- TerrorismWhere was our Coptic Church's voice during the tragedy of 9/11/2001?
- TranssexualsWhat is our Church's thought about transsexuals? It is claimed to be a disorder by high levels of androgens occurring at birth or in the womb. If indeed it is a disorder,…
- Tsunami VictimsWhat is the true Christian perspective concerning helping hardships–stricken non Christians, financially or in any other means?
- Unclean FoodPlease read Mark 7:14-19, Matthew 15:10, Romans 14:14, and 1 Cor 6:12-13. From the above verses, it seems that we are told no food can defile us. At the same time, eating…
- Unclean FoodI heard that some churches consider shellfish unclean to eat, according to Leviticus 11:10, is this correct? If so, which churches?
- VaccinationsWhat does the Church advise regarding the HPV vaccine, as HPV is an STI? Believers ought to be abstinent, so this should not be an issue, right? So, there is no reason to…
- Valentine's DayIs Valentine's Day named after a saint? Is it possible to replace the traditional American worldly way of celebrating Valentine’s Day by something more spiritual, for…
- Video GamesMy children ages six and eight enjoy playing action figures electronic games. I don't like the roughness with which those characters act in these games. I do not agree…
- Video GamesI serve many kids that insist on playing hours and hours of video games, claiming it is "fun" and "they are not bad video games." They often play soccer video games, etc.…
- WarHow does our church justifiably apply St. Augustine's "Just War" theory to the war against Iraq?
- WarHas the Coptic Church ever made liaisons with earthly governments to bring about war?
- War: Just WarWhere does the Church stand when it comes to fighting in War? Do we follow St. Augustine's Just war theory?
- Weapons and DefenseAccording to Christianity: If a person is about to be attacked by a group of individuals about to harm him/her (for NO religious reasons) and he/she has no chance to…
- Weight Loss SurgeryI recently had weight loss surgery. My weight was causing me to have high blood pressure and other health problems. I also did not like the way I looked. Is this…
- WineIn the book of the Holy Great Fast, I read that no priest is allowed to drink wine during the forty day fast. Is it okay then to drink wine in the regular days?
Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.