SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

Cultural Gaps: In the West, the Coptic family is exposed to a number of problems such as defacto relationships, expedient divorce, dating and mixed marriages. An outsider cannot help wonder as he/she is generally impressed by the great sense of attachment and loyalty of members of the family to each other. The influence of these family bonds has proven to be decisive in the day to day life of the immigrant Copt. The strength of the family stability has evidently become the backbone of the inner and outer life of the Coptic immigrants living in Western countries. It has born witness to their dealings with other ethnic groups and with Anglo community at large. As family ties among the Copts are the product of their culture which is deeply immersed in a well established tradition, it is quite easy that the parents are whole heartedly devoted to certain cultural elements, whereas their children are attracted to the secular Western culture. This results in some friction within the family unit. Through the wisdom of the parents and the spiritual influence of the church, both the parents and the children are able to strike a happy medium. Responsibilities and Changes: The changing pattern of family life raises serious questions concerning the religious function of the Coptic Christian home and the responsibility of the Church towards the family. Can the Coptic family still carry on its religious function of nurturing its children in the Christian faith and life? What can the Coptic Church do to assist the home in this respect? What programs may be established by the Church in order to develop better family life? The continuity of Christian life in the Coptic Christian home depends upon the awareness and maintenance of the spiritual function of the home. The child’s religious life is first shaped in the home before he/she goes to school or to church. The parent’s beliefs and the parent/child relationship have powerful impact on the religious beliefs of the growing mind of the child. The child’s approach towards God is a reflection of what he/she experiences in his family life. In other words, the

family plays a central role in the spiritual nurture of the child, in forming his basic outlook and attitudes towards the meaning and worth of his life, of the universe and his place in it. The first task to be undertaken could be an examination and redefinition of the relationship of the Church and the Christian Coptic family and mutual responsibilities of one towards the other and to evaluate the change of family structure and functions and their impact on the value pertaining to family life and their effect on the relationships among family members. Educational material for Christian family life is not a specialized program for a certain age but an educational program for all the stages and roles of life which takes into account the unity, continuity and integrity of the life span. Sunday school and youth fellowships work together towards producing a strong, healthy Christian personality. However, greater efforts should be exerted towards special curriculums which outline a preparation for family life and family responsibility. Preparation for marriage does not begin when the person is actually planning to be married but should be a continuing process in the life of the individual, as well as in family life and the Christian community as a whole. One of the problems that needs careful understanding and a wise approach is dating among Christian Coptic youth. The Church does not socially accept dating as a proper behavior. Nevertheless, young men and women meet without consent of their parents. Thus frequent social/cultural activities at the Church community level is critical to overcome the issue of dating. It is the best arena for persons to find their future life partners. Newly married couples face new experiences in life. The pattern of family relations, which is built in that period, will mostly affect the whole of their married life. Thus, seminars sponsored by the parishes and theological colleges can facilitate such forums and canvass such issues as conflict resolution, communication skills, budget, sexual

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

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