An authoritative account of the Coptic Papacy in Egypt from the coming of Islam to the onset of the Ottoman era, by a leading religious studies scholar, new in paperback

In Volume 1 of this series, Stephen Davis contended that the themes of "apostolicity, martyrdom, monastic patronage, and theological resistance" were determinative for the cultural construction of Egyptian church leadership in late antiquity. This second volume shows that the medieval Coptic popes (641-1517 CE) were regularly portrayed as standing in continuity with their saintly predecessors; however, at the same time, they were active in creating something new, the Coptic Orthodox Church, a community that struggled to preserve a distinctive life and witness within the new Islamic world order. Building on recent advances in the study of sources for Coptic church history, the present volume aims to show how portrayals of the medieval popes provide a window into the religious and social life of their community.

An authoritative account of the Coptic Papacy in Egypt from the coming of Islam to the onset of the Ottoman era, by a leading religious studies scholar, new in paperback

About the Author
Mark N. Swanson is Harold S. Vogelaar professor of Christian-Muslim studies and interfaith relations at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Reviews

Praise for The Popes of Egypt series:

"Based on serious research . . . . [shows] how the Coptic papacy has survived and served the Church through many difficult periods. In the present uncertain times its resilience will surely help it to fulfil its mission of leading the largest Church in the Middle East."-Michael L. Fitzgerald, Proche-Orient Chretien

"Focusing on some of the most influential leaders, the books trace the social, economic, political, and religious trends they negotiated."- Nelly van Doorn-Harder, The Montreal Review

"Essential reading for historians of ancient Christianity and for all scholars of Coptic Egypt." -David Brakke, Ohio State University on The Early Coptic Papacy

"A lucid, meticulous, and highly accessible account of papal institutions in early Egyptian Christianity. . . . A critical read for any student of Christianity in Egypt and the Middle East." -Febe Armanios, author of Coptic Christianity in Ottoman Egypt on The Early Coptic Papacy

"An excellent introduction to its subject and the relevant literature."- Christopher van der Krogt, Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641-1517

"Reading this well-researched and beautifully produced book is both sobering and encouraging."- Michael L. Fitzgerald OBE, on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641-1517

"A comprehensive yet very readable review of the history of the Coptic leadership in the Middle Ages."- David D. Grafton, International Bulletin of Missionary Research, on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641-1517

"Extremely useful"- Alastair Hamilton, Church History and Religious Culture on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641-1517

"Magdi Guirguis is one of the very few scholars who has actually tackled the archives of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate and of the Dar al-Warth'iq al-Qawmiyya in Cairo and has consequently produced a series of excellent studies in which he breaks entirely new ground."- Alastair Hamilton, The International Journal of Middle East Studies on The Emergence of the Modern Coptic Papacy

"Substantiates the Coptic Church as a subject in religious studies with its own history worthy of study." -Midwest Book Review

Book Information
ISBN 9781649032461
Author Mark N. Swanson
Format Paperback
Page Count 248
Imprint American University in Cairo Press
Publisher American University in Cairo Press
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 13mm