Other Churches and Faiths
Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef
116 questions in 50 topics
Topics
Catholicism 10Rosicrucian Order 9Convert 8Orthodox and Catholic 7Sabbath 7Earth 5Atheists/Non-believers 4Circumcision 4Denominations 4Rapture 4Superstitions 4Catholic Church 3Protestant Churches 3Atheism 2Da Vinci Code 2Dinosaurs 2Horoscope/Zodiac Signs 2Judaism 2Utilitarianism 2Witchcraft / Sorcery 2Alchemy 1Alien Creatures 1Bin Laden 1Conversion 1Deja Vu 1East 1Extraterrestrial 1False Religion 1Fortune Telling 1Fossil Records 1Galaxies 1Ghosts 1Halal 1Idolatrous offerings 1Jewish Sacrifices 1Lunar Eclipse 1Magic 1Neanderthals 1Neurotheology 1Non-Christians 1Nostradamus 1Ouiji Board 1Personality Type 1Pluralism 1Purgatory 1Relativism 1Santa Claus 1UFOs 1Unicorns 1Yoga 1
All questions in this theme
- AlchemyI have a close friend who is very dear to me, but lately he began to open up to me and told me about how he began to drift away from Christianity. Instead, he started to…
- Alien CreaturesWhat is meant by there are other people who live in another earth or another planet and we do not know it, but that God created them like He created us?
- AtheismWhat would Your Grace's answer be, if asked by a hardcore skeptical atheist about your beliefs? Reasoning must be a completely rational and intellectual explanation…
- AtheismMy son is in high school and has many debates with atheist students and teachers. Please let me know how to find the answers to his questions.
- Atheists/Non-believersI have non-Christian friends who are great people and have amazing qualities. Will they go to hell because they don't believe in God?
- Atheists/Non-believersPeople are saying that in the Koran it says that we should kill infidels. Also, in the Bible it says to kill infidels, examples from (Deuteronomy 13, Deuteronomy 17, and…
- Atheists/Non-believersAmong the unbelievers, outside the Church, I have many friends. Those friends do not believe in God, and the logical consequences are that they will not share in the…
- Atheists/Non-believersWhy is God not revealing Himself to Atheists & non-believers?
- Bin LadenIs it wrong to celebrate the death of Osama Bin Laden? I do not mean to celebrate the fact that a human being died without finding Christ. That, I know we should surely…
- Catholic ChurchWhat is the difference between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Coptic (Egyptian) Catholic Church?
- Catholic ChurchMy daughter has a good friend that is Catholic and wants to know the differences. Her friend "wikipedia'ed" the Coptic Orthodox Church and said that the Catholic Church…
- Catholic ChurchIs the Coptic House of Prayer in Houston sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church?
- CatholicismWhat are the important basic points understandable to American kids that I should cover in making a comparison between the Coptic and Catholic church?
- CatholicismApart from the similarities, what are the major differences that exist between the Catholic Church and the Coptic Orthodox church?
- CatholicismIs "indulgences" the only difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism?
- CatholicismDoes the Coptic Church believe in circumcision, Purgatory, or the Immaculate Conception?
- CatholicismWhat is the difference between the Coptic Catholic and Coptic Orthodox churches?
- CatholicismDoes the the Coptic Orthodox Church believe that the Theotokos committed personal sin during her lifetime? Also, was there ever a moment in her life when she was not…
- CatholicismIn www.geocities.com/mgocsmbvli/orth_cath.htm Fr. Michael Azkhoul states "Roman Catholicism teaches that human reason can prove that God is; and, even infer that He is…
- CatholicismBaptized in the Catholic Church, I am now interested in the Coptic faith and would like to get to know about the differences between the two. Could you please tell me…
- CatholicismWhat are the differences between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church?
- CatholicismWhat are some differences between a Coptic Orthodox Christian and a Catholic?
- CircumcisionCould you please explain the Holy Book of Exodus 4:24-26?
- CircumcisionIs circumcision in the New Testament still as essential as it used to be in the Old Testament? Is it necessary that our baby boys be circumcised?
- Circumcision"Two Thousand Years of Coptic Christianity" by Otto F.A. Meinardus states that according to the folk religion of the Copts, females are circumcised. Is this still…
- CircumcisionWhy is it a choice to circumcise or not circumcise?
- ConversionOur Lord's appearance to St. Paul influenced him to convert and follow the Lord. Why doesn't God do this with all those who are far from Him?
- ConvertI am surprised at the use of the word "convert" to refer to someone changing from being Protestant to becoming Orthodox. Is it converting from Christianity to…
- ConvertMust a protestant converting to Coptic Orthodoxy be baptized again even if he had been baptized in the proper manner? Can such a convert become a priest?
- ConvertI was raised a Protestant, but was not satisfied with that and felt a call of the Spirit to leave and seek out an Orthodox fellowship. Through study and prayer, God has…
- ConvertI am a convert. I did not convert for marriage. I became Orthodox Christian because I prayed and asked God to help me to find the Church, and He placed me here. I love…
- ConvertWhat are some books in English that are required to read before someone can be baptized in the Coptic Orthodox Church? I am from the Baptist Church. Is it OK to be…
- ConvertI was born into a Muslim family, but I never really felt any sort of connection to my parents' faith and I stopped practicing about eight years ago. I recently met a…
- ConvertI am an American with a heritage similar to the Middle East. I was hoping to seek some guidance on how to convert. I am a college student and currently live in the…
- ConvertI am a Roman Catholic inquiring into the Coptic Orthodox Church. I might convert to the Church. I understand that there are plenty of differences between the two, even…
- Da Vinci CodeWhat is the Church's view about the theory in the popular book Da Vinci Code which says that our Lord Jesus actually married Mary Magdalene, had a child and the Church…
- Da Vinci CodeHas the Coptic Orthodox Church issued any official document or report concerning the novel "The Da Vinci Code"?
- Deja VuHow do we explain experiences of Deja vu??
- DenominationsWhat are the basic differences between the Coptic Orthodox Church, Jehovah Witnesses, and the Mormons?
- DenominationsDo we believe that the other denominations are members of the Lord Jesus Christ's body, the Church?
- DenominationsIs it wrong to attend another denomination church service when invited by a friend?
- DenominationsI believe that Satan’s primary purpose is to try to get each of us to separate from each other, basically getting us to stop uniting. With over 41,000 different Christian…
- DinosaursDid God create dinosaurs? Did they really walk upon the earth? Can you explain why it was never mentioned in the Holy Bible?
- DinosaursDid dinosaurs exist a long time ago? If so, why is it not mentioned in the Bible? Why are they extinct?
- EarthWe know that we need earth now because we live on it, but why do we need a new earth as St. John says the first earth had passed away?
- EarthWhat is meant by the first heaven, the one that will pass away? Which one is he talking about?
- EarthHow do we explain the age of the earth? The Bible says it is roughly 6600 years old, while scientists speak of the earth as being millions of years old. Also, where are…
- EarthHow old is the earth according to Coptic Orthodox Church and according to Ethiopian Orthodox Church, too, if possible?
- EarthHow old is the universe and the earth? I have been reading on the issue and some say that the Holy Bible says is 6000 years old while many credible scientists show the…
- EastDo you really think that God cares in which direction we pray? I think it's more important that we wait on God by keeping His commandments rather than looking towards the…
- ExtraterrestrialWhat is the Church's opinion regarding the Extra Terrestrial from other planets who supposedly has had encounters with people? Are those evil signs that will seduce…
- False ReligionI was on a Protestant website and it said orthodox and catholic could be possessed because we follow a false religion. I should just ignore this? As long as I avoid all…
- Fortune TellingConcerning evil spirits and fortunetelling, St Anthony the Great writes: "to reveal secret things and to make known aforetime what is to be performed are matters which…
- Fossil RecordsThe Bible states that Adam was the first human. However, fossil records prove that there were multiple human species (Neanderthals, Homo Erectus, Homo sapiens, Etc.). Why…
- GalaxiesI was wondering what the church's stand is on the question of intelligent life existing beyond earth or even beyond our galaxy. Are we against it or do we accept this…
- GhostsWhat is the Church’s viewpoint on ghosts? Are there spirits that linger in the world with unfinished business? If they do exist, is there such a thing as a good spirit?
- HalalRegarding 'Halal’ meat, are we allowed to eat it or is it considered an offering to an idol? If it is not allowed, what should people do who live in Islamic countries?…
- Holy Communion: Orthodox and CatholicWhy can't we take Communion at the Catholic Church? Is it allowable at our church, to immerse the Body into the chalice and dispense it?
- Holy Communion: Orthodox and CatholicShall I allow my daughter to partake of the Holy Communion at her Catholic school? What is Your Grace’s opinion on this issue?
- Holy Communion: Orthodox and CatholicWhy can't we partake of Communion at the Catholic Church?
- Holy Communion: Orthodox and CatholicHow does the Orthodox Church differ from the Catholic Church in preparing to receive Communion? Does any Protestant Denomination believe in the Holy Sacrament of…
- Holy Communion: Orthodox and CatholicWhat are the precise differences between the Coptic Orthodox Communion and Catholic Communion? Do both churches believe that the bread and wine really turn into the body…
- Holy Communion: Orthodox and CatholicI had a debate today with an Egyptian couple from Egypt stating that we can take communion with Catholics in Egypt and with Greek Orthodox as well because we are all…
- Holy Communion: Orthodox and CatholicI go to a Catholic university and have been blessed to have a Coptic Orthodox Church near me to be able to go take Communion almost weekly. The university itself has…
- Horoscope/Zodiac SignsWhat is the church's stance on Horoscope?
- Horoscope/Zodiac SignsWhat are the Coptic Orthodox Church's beliefs and opinions about horoscopes/zodiac signs? I have always wondered if the Church supports them or not.
- Idolatrous offeringsIs it a sin to use idolatrous offerings for non-idolatrous purposes (ex. to study them in museums etc.)?
- Jewish SacrificesI know through history that the Temple of the Jews had been destroyed around year 70 AD. In between this time, were the Jews able or not to offer sacrifices?
- JudaismHow should a Christian respond to the Jewish objections to Jesus?
- JudaismWhat is the Coptic Orthodox Church's view on Rabbinic Judaism?
- Lunar EclipseI was wondering if your Grace were aware of the Nov 2003 event that occurred in November 2003. I believe that the photo taken on the night of the lunar eclipse, November…
- MagicHow does the church regard magicians like David Blaine?
- NeanderthalsHow do we explain the role of Neanderthals in creation? One of the kids in my Sunday school class asked this and I was unsure what our view of Neanderthals and all the…
- NeurotheologyDoes Neurotheology, which claims that religiosity is the outcome of a stimulation of the cerebral region in the brain, form a threat to Christianity? There is an article…
- Non-ChristiansIs there any shame for a patriarch to be sitting next to a non-Christian if that non-Christian is a guest in the country?
- NostradamusWhat do you do you think about the predictions that "Nostradamus" made in the 1500's?
- Ouiji BoardAre Ouija boards real? Is it true that people (mainly celebrities) can sell their souls to the devil?
- Personality TypeMy question is that I am 100% parent personality especially with my family, which I did not see it as a bad thing until I heard Your Grace’s sermon regarding these…
- PluralismHow can one philosophically refute pluralism?
- Protestant ChurchesYou replied once that not all Protestants are heretical. Here's the text of the question and exchange:
- Protestant ChurchesWhat is the wrong with Protestant beliefs?
- Protestant ChurchesDo we as Coptic Christians believe that Protestants are going to hell? Why or why not?
- PurgatoryHow about purgatory? What can you say about Rome's dogma? How do you explain 1 Cor 3:11-15, is it not purgatory?
- RaptureWill you please explain the "Rapture?" Many believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will come, and then seven years of tribulation will occur. During these seven years, all…
- RaptureWhat is Your Grace’s opinion concerning the two articles “Rapture of the Church" and "The Rapture of the Saints" posted on the Internet?
- RaptureWhy are there so many theories about the rapture? When do you think the rapture is going to happen—before or after the tribulation? Do you believe Islam is the Beast…
- RaptureI heard on a Catholic radio station a man talk about the Catholic understanding of the Rapture and the Last Days compared to a wrong view of the Rapture that some people…
- RelativismIs man born with an inherent sense of right and wrong from God? How far does environment affect our sense of judgment and preferences? If we were never taught, would we…
- Rosicrucian OrderSignificantly the gospels tell us in plain language that Saint John the Baptist was the reincarnated Elias. This was a mystery and Saint John the Baptist, when…
- Rosicrucian OrderThe parable of a man blind from birth is another example. The suggestion that he was being punished for previous sins presents an interesting matter for reflection. (A…
- Rosicrucian OrderThe Christian religion is a direct continuation of the Egyptian, and each one of the evangelists is represented by a symbol that is one in the four of the sphinx: the…
- Rosicrucian OrderThe idea of reincarnation was contained in the secret teachings of the Church, as were many of the initiatory concepts of Egypt. (A point from the Rosicrucian order site…
- Rosicrucian OrderIt has been said that the Church condemned reincarnation; this is false. A council has said though, that those believed to have returned to earth were not accepted into…
- Rosicrucian OrderLastly, according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, who have kept much less of the occult tradition than the Russian Orthodox Church, a considerable span of…
- Rosicrucian OrderChild prodigies are easily explained by the idea of reincarnation, as are the experiences of people who find a curious familiarity in certain places and lands. (A point…
- Rosicrucian OrderThe old Christian reincarnationists did not propose that mortal life on earth is the result of a diminishing of God's grace, or one's losing their love of God but quite…
- Rosicrucian OrderThis earthly existence would not mature without difficulties if it were prolonged much beyond a hundred years for reasons that it is pointless to address here, but a…
- SabbathWhen, in church history, was the Sabbath changed to Sunday and why?
- SabbathIf, according to the Holy Bible, the Sabbath day is the seventh day, and Sunday is the first day of the week, then where in the Holy Bible does it say that God changed…
- SabbathI came across the website www.sabbathtruth.com about the history of the Sabbath. There seems to be a growing movement concerning the importance of worshipping on…
- SabbathWas it for political and security reasons that the "Sabbath" was moved to Sunday? Are the following reasons correct: (1) the early church wanted to distinguish itself…
- SabbathI have a question about keeping the Sabbath on Sunday instead of Saturday. I know that Sunday is the day of the Lord Jesus Christ's Resurrection & that Sunday represents…
- SabbathWhat does it mean to honor the Sabbath? Is driving to church considered work? Or should we just avoid eating out and making others work? In your answer to another…
- SabbathHow true it was that the Oriental Orthodox once observed the Sabbath??
- Santa ClausIs Santa Claus the same as St. Nicholas? Is Papa Noel real? What are the church's beliefs about both of them? These questions are confusing many of people.
- SuperstitionsWhat should be our approach to superstitions (e.g., if you see a black cat it means bad luck will befall you, or if an owl hoots during daylight, someone is going to die,…
- SuperstitionsIs it possible that such things are true? If so, is there a way to prevent the bad luck from happening if we see a black cat or prevent the death of someone if the owl…
- SuperstitionsIf we happen to cross paths with a black cat or walk under a ladder or see an owl hoot in daylight, should we try to shoo the owl away before it hoots? Or should we pray…
- SuperstitionsIs it ok to ask God for protection from such things, i.e., if someone is not sure if such things are true or not and so prays to God just in case?
- UFOsCould you please give me the church’s view on UFOs? My husband witnessed something he describes as an unidentified flying object when he was young, and because of this,…
- UnicornsWhy are unicorns are mentioned several times in the bible? We know that they aren't true creatures, so some people say the Bible is not true because of that. Please…
- UtilitarianismAccording to Utilitarianism which states: The greatest good for the biggest number of people; would you justify killing Adolph Hitler to save the millions of Jews?
- UtilitarianismOne may argue that just as Herod was part of philosophy, so, could Hitler be taken as God’s will. However, killing Hitler could have saved the lives of million Jews.…
- Witchcraft / SorceryDo witchcraft and sorcery really exist, and are there people, nowadays, practicing them? How powerful is the devil, and how much authority does he have in this business?
- Witchcraft / SorceryFirst, what is the truth about ghosts and hauntings? Second, when King Saul went to the medium and she summoned the prophet Samuel, was that actually Samuel or a demon…
- YogaIs Yoga bad or sinful?
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.