“The Coptic Christian Heritage: History, Faith and Culture” is a comprehensive introduction to Coptic Christianity edited by Luther Seminary professor Lois Farag. This volume brings together voices from around the world to write on Coptic Christianity’s history, religion, literature and material culture. Farag contributes multiple chapters focusing on the early Christian period, theology, monasticism, spirituality and Greek literature.
In the introduction, Farag states, “This book is the story of the Copts, the ancient dwellers of the Nile Valley, who accepted Christianity in the middle of the first century. It is an introduction to the story of 2,000 years of Christianity in Egypt.” Each of the book’s four sections tells this story, while maps, illustrations and tables provide further information.
David Brakke says, “The Coptic Christian Heritage fills an urgent need for better information about and understanding of the history, culture and spirituality of Coptic Christians. Lois Farag and her colleagues have created an invaluable resource for teachers, students, researchers and general readers. By approaching Coptic Christianity without either doctrinal prejudice or Euro-centrism, this volume brings to life one of Christianity’s oldest and richest traditions.”