A nuanced and erudite Coptic perspective on science, religion, and life during a pandemic.
In this collection of nonfiction pieces, a psychologist and acclaimed Coptic scholar evaluates the Covid-19 pandemic through a spiritual lens.
The recipient of the Recognition Award bestowed by the Coptic Orthodox Church’s Pope Tawadros II in 2018, Gabriel has written multiple books on the history and theology of Coptic Christianity, served as a contributor to Logos TV’s Coptic Civilization program, and traveled the world as a foremost English-speaking expert on the Coptic Orthodox Church. But his speaking tours came to an abrupt halt during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a trained behaviorist and former faculty member at Thomas Jefferson University, he does not downplay the severity of the pandemic—or follow the scientific denialism of some American Christians—as he mourns the death toll and acknowledges “there appears to be no end in sight to this global disaster.” As a Christian, he also believes in the power of “divine intervention to bolster humanity against fear” and that the pandemic represents a “global wake-up call to change and redeem lives.” Christians are urged to remember their “mandate to love our brothers and sisters as ourselves.” Divided into three “books,” this volume comprises more than 60 essays, devotionals, and historical vignettes. Many chapters deal with pandemic-related issues surrounding grief, anxiety, and self-sacrifice, while others center on broader topics, such as Coptic history, the veneration of saints, and basic Orthodox theology where the author “decided it was time to put in writing what I had said at the microphone for years.” The first book centers on “Meaningful Lives and Spiritual Joys,” providing readers with stories of hope and resilience from Christian history. The second and third books (“Great Character Transformation” and “The Effects of Family Values on Enjoyable Family Life”) draw on biblical stories and Coptic history in their examples of how to find meaning and purpose in difficult times.
The volume’s chapters are typically only two to three pages. They are not designed to be read in a single sitting but rather perused individually to be meditated and dwelled on. Even the historical examples about biblical figures and Orthodox monks encourage readers to reflect on their applicability to contemporary life. Despite Gabriel’s pride in his Coptic heritage and firm command of Orthodox dogma and history as reflected in the work’s scholarly endnotes, the author emphasizes an ecumenical message that welcomes Protestant voices like C.S. Lewis and Roman Catholic perspectives, including excerpts from Pope Francis’ 2020 Easter reflections. An appendix of Orthodox saints and patriarchs is also offered for readers unaccustomed to the faith. Bringing in the best practices of his medical profession, the author presents readers with gentle reminders about the value of physicians and mental health experts without minimizing the spirituality that is equally central to his belief system. Non-Christians may not agree with Gabriel’s theology, but it will be difficult for even skeptics to deny that this is an accessible yet learned work, born out of spiritual wisdom, precision, and a career dedicated to “improving the life of man—mind, soul, and spirit.”
A nuanced and erudite Coptic perspective on science, religion, and life during a pandemic.Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: 9781639615315
Page Count: 237
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing
Review Posted Online: Dec. 3, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
