Dogmatic Topics, Part 1

Servants Preparation Curriculum

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Dogmatic Topics, Part 1 – Dogma and The Creator

Objectives:

1. To define what Dogma is in your life and in the Coptic Church
2. To learn a few of the Atheist’s claims against Christianity
3. To identify claims on creation

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Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Dogma / My Belief

• Dogma is a set of religious doctrines proclaimed by the church that affects our behavior, lifestyle, and goals in life

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• Each member of the church must know and practice Dogma

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• Dogma does NOT change over time

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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How does a belief affect your life?

• If you believe God is a just judge, then you would not sin
• If you believe God listens to you, then you will focus during praying
• If you believe God loves you, then you should focus all your emotions on Him
• If you believe in Heaven, then you will try to do good deeds and service to your greatest extent
• If you believe God rewards you for your donations, then you should give more

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Coptic Orthodox Dogma

• God’s existence
• God’s traits
• Darwin’s theory
• The Holy Trinity
• The Divinity of The Son
• The Divinity of The Holy Spirit
• The Original Sin and its consequences

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Coptic Orthodox Dogma Cont.

• Incarnation and Salvation in The Orthodox Faith
• Intercessions
• Final Judgment and The Kingdom of Heaven
• The Church Sacraments

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Dogmatic Topics, Part 1 – Dogma and The Creator

Objectives:

1. To define what Dogma is in your life and in the Coptic Church
2. To learn a few of the Atheist’s claims against Christianity
3. To identify claims on creation

​

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Who are The Atheists?

• A person who does not believe in the existence of God
• They are everywhere!
• Teachers
• College Professors
• Scientists
• Professionals
• Celebrities
• 500 to 750 million people worldwide
• Vermont & Oregon

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Atheists attack Christianity

• Teachers’ assignments are about how the world takes care of itself without a mention of Godly intervention

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• Expressions
• Mother nature is angry
• The Earth…
• The Heavens are not happy with…

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Reference to God in Disrespect

• Expressions
• The big fellow up there
• The big brother
• I have a friend up in heavens

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• The Bible teaches us to call on God with respect
• “Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord” (Genesis 18:27)

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• The church teaches us to call on God with respect
• “Our LORD God and Savoir Jesus Christ”
• Stand up to pray in respect

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The First Command to Moses

"Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5)

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Atheists attack Christianity Cont.

• Billboards that promote Atheism and attack Christianity
• Establishing schools for free thinkers and free of religion
• In Washington DC, the children had a rally encouraging their attendance

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• Claim that children belong to the community not to their parents
• Opposition to teaching religion in public schools

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Atheist’s Slogan

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God on trial

Movies

The man who sued God

Books

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Atheist Oklahoma lawyer sues the court for having 10 commandments posted

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Atheist want to remove “under God”

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Obama banned the Pledge of Allegiance from public schools… “under God”

Why do Atheists deny the presence of God?

1. There is no need for a creator and the world was formed on its own
2. Aliens formed the world
3. The world was made by random reactions between electrons, protons, and ions
4. No one has seen God
5. God does not control the world, tornados, hurricanes, floods, or disasters
6. God has no control over evil or the evildoer
7. I don’t need God in order to be a good person

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Youth Claim…

• The Church implements too many strict rules on us
• Long liturgies, fasting, prayers, confessions, donations, etc.
• Limitations on my freedom
• Clothes, food, fiends, relationships, etc.

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Dogmatic Topics, Part 1 – Dogma and The Creator

Objectives:

1. To define what Dogma is in your life and in the Coptic Church
2. To learn a few of the Atheist’s claims against Christianity
3. To identify claims on creation

​

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Who is The Creator?

1. Nature
2. Randomization
3. Aliens

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1. Nature

• Nature created itself…

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• Nature cannot create itself since it is itself lifeless
• Mountains, oceans, and air cannot create

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2. Random Reactions/Chance?

• Random chance does not follow rules
• Random chance can not create complex and sophisticated creatures

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• Random chance can not maintain regular systems all the time without error
• If we get too close to the Sun we burn
• If we are too far, we freeze to death

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3. Aliens?

• No way!

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• There is no definite proof that aliens even exist!
• The aliens did not declare themselves
• The aliens do not control the world

Lecture 18, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Memorization Verses

1. “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach)” (Romans 10:8)

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• “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9)

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