U.S. Government Commission Taking Note of Coptic Situation

On June 26, 2009, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom ("the Commission") issued a report in which it expressed concern over growing, unchecked violence against Copts in Egypt.

Felice D. Gaer, chair of the Commission, stated, regarding the recent events in the Beni Suef region,

This latest incident is another example of the upsurge of violence against Coptic Christians we have seen in the past few years. The Commission has long expressed concern that the Egyptian government does not do enough to protect Christians and their property in Egypt, nor does the government adequately bring perpetrators of such violence to justice.

On July 1, the Commission issued an update, stating,

With every violent attack on Copts, the same scenario of events takes place. The State Security forces the Coptic victims to an unofficial 'reconciliation meeting', in which they are forced to give up their rights, and the perpetrators go unpunished. Such a 'reconciliation meeting' for the villagers of Ezbet Boushra-East is scheduled for 6/30/09; the outcome of this meeting is already known by the Copts.

Many thanks to Mr. Victor Beshir for directing me to the June 26 report.

You may read the June 26 report here.

Running to Josh's Tunes

JOSH COX is the American record holder for the 50K. Runner's World recently published articles featuring his playlists for relaxed runs (which includes music that reminds him of his spirituality and his dad) and for harder workouts.

You have to have to hand it to a man who can appreciate both "King of Glory" by Third Day and "You & Me" by Dave Matthews.

How Do You Say No?

Immediately after baptism, St. John Chrysostom's first inclination was to adopt the monastic life.

But his mom stopped him.

He recounts the story in which she took him to the bed where she had given birth to him and begged him with tears not to forsake her. In substance, she said:

My son, my only comfort in the midst of the miseries of this earthly life is to see you constantly, and to behold in your features the faithful image of my beloved husband who is no more. This comfort began with your infancy before you could speak. I ask only one favor from you: do not make me a widow a second time; wait at least till I die; perhaps I shall soon leave this world. When you have buried me and joined my ashes with those of your father, nothing will then prevent you from retiring into monastic life. But as long as I breathe, support me by your presence, and do not draw down upon you the wrath of God by bringing such evils upon me who have given you no offense.*

He relented. Can you blame him?
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*Schaff, Philip, Prologomena to the Works of St. John Chrysostom, CHAPTER III: His Conversion and Ascetic Life, Nicene and Post Nicene Fathers (Vol. 9)

Advice for Beginning Runners

A friend asked me this morning about getting into running. As the weather is warming up, I thought it would be a good time to repost some things I have learned so far.

Book Review: Not The Religious Type (Confessions of a Turncoat Atheist)

IT IS PROBABLY TOO MUCH to say that I like Dave Schmelzer, based simply on having read his short memoir, Not the Religious Type: Confessions of a Turncoat Atheist. I don't think it's too ambitious, though, to at least say this: I'd be surprised if I met him and didn't like him.

Here is a book that is part memoir, part apologetic, and which never seems to over-do either. In this quick and pleasant read, Schmelzer shares his spiritual journey and presents life with God as a kind of adventure.

He makes the case that truth is relational rather than simply abstract or propositional (Personally, I think it is both). He explains why we are better off entering into a relationship with God and others as part of a Christ-centered life journey (rather than a group/my team/us-and-them existence).

He also makes the bald statement "God is good. Religion is bad." At first I found it, I suppose, kind of annoying. The more I thought about it though, I saw his point. It is a view shared by prominent Orthodox Christian thinkers such as the (late) Rev. Fr. Alexander Schmemman (For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy*) and the Rev. Fr. Thomas Hopko (in many of his lectures). I agree that although Christianity may be characterized as a 'religion' in certain contexts and discussions, it is above all a "Way." (Acts 18:26; 24:22).

Eastern Christians will appreciate this book in that it reminds us to keep union with God in Christ as our paramount aim in life. It also holds a unique value to those who serve in "ethnic" churches. While cognizant of the need to serve the needs of those coming from a particular cultural milieu, we are warned not to be snagged by cultural trappings.

And he is a good writer. Having earned his undergrad degree in English from Stanford, Dave has a way with (few) words. He is mercifully stingy with his words and generous with his ideas. He has masterfully combined the fields of memoir and apologetics (he makes some powerful, succinct observations on the 'new atheist' movement).

While I think he and I would probably disagree on some points of theology and ecclesiology, I liked the book overall. I heartily recommend this work for pastors, college-student ministers, and as a gift for the skeptic in the cubicle next door.
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*Schmemman writes, "Christianity, with its message offering fullness of life, has contributed more than anything else to the liberation of man from the fears and pessimism of religion...

"Christianity quarrels with religion and secularism not because they offer 'insufficient help,' but precisely because they 'suffice,' because they 'satisfy' the needs of men. If the purpose of Christianity were to take away from man the fear of death, to reconcile him with death, there would be no need for Christianity, for other religions have done this, indeed, better than Christianity. And secularism is about the produce men who will gladly and corporately die-and not just live-for the triumph of the cause, whatever it may be...

"Christianity is not a reconciliation with death. It is the revelation of death, and it reveals death because it is the revelation of Life. Christ is this Life. And only if Christ is Life is death what Christianity proclaims it to be, namely the enemy to be destroyed, not a mystery to be explained." (pp.98, 99)

Mob Attacks Church and Loots Christian Homes in Egypt

I AM SORRY FOR BEING LATE IN REPORTING THIS but there are reports coming out of Egypt that a Muslim mob attacked a church on Sunday, Jun 21 in the village of Ezbet Boshra-East, El-Fashn*.

The mob smashed windows and assaulted Copts with clubs and white weapons, wounding 25 Copts. The most awful part of the report is that this was all done "in the presence and with the instigation of the State Security."(emphasis added).

It gets worse: The next day, El-Fashn prosecutors issued an order for the village priest, Reverend Isaac Castor, to appear and answer charges of sectarian sedition.

Apparently three Muslim women accused him of hurling stones at them from inside the church.

The priest remains holed up in the Church, together with 10 people and three children, ages five years and younger.

"As if I'm dreaming what went on, such savagery! It broke my heart to see my children (i.e. his congregation) treated in such a beastly and barbaric way" said Rev. Isaac to Coptic News Bulletin. "It is as if we are back to the Era of Diocletian"

The report also indicates that homes of nearby Copts were broken into on Sunday by the Muslim mob, which included women, assaulting the residents including young girls, and destroying their furniture and looting electrical equipment.

Human rights organization 'Sunshine' said that what is happening now in El-Fashn is a new trend in the violations carried out by the State Security against Coptic clergy.

Bishop Estephanos, who staged a sit-in said, "We will all pray. Since matters reached this stage, if necessary we will all become martyrs. Our Coptic Church has been built on the blood of martyrs."

You can find the full report here and an update here.

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*El-Fashn is in Beni Suef region of Upper Egypt, north of Minya

Sara Hall's Workout Mix

Runner's World recently published a feature on middle-distance standout Sara Hall, wife of elite U.S. Marathoner Ryan Hall. Sara discusses her workout mix, which includes songs that remind her of her faith. When asked what music she'd want if stranded on a desert island, she says

"I'd want U2, Coldplay, and Kim Walker.

"U2 is timeless, and their lyrics would give me food for thought – which I'd need, since I'd be bored.

"Coldplay is one of my favorites. I could listen to some of their more whiney songs when I was feeling sorry for myself.

"And then I'd listen to Kim Walker, whose music would lead me to worshipping God and focusing on his goodness - instead of feeling sorry for myself."

You may find the full article here.