Settling this once and for all!

[Paul Younan]

Thank you Paul for the link, perhaps I will be able to get that book later.
(I right now I am pressed with finances, so even getting this book is...ehh...)

Paul, this sacramental teaching -- is it apostolic according to CoE or was it initiated by the clergy a little later than the apostles?

And about the CoE teaching on baptism, did it have any Western "changes" creep in? (I read about the CoE from "Was the New Testament Really Written in Greek?" and it leaves the impression that the CoE was corrupted. I don't believe that book completely so I ask you for clarifications.)

Hi DC,

Nothing in the CoE was initiated later on by clergy, the clergy inherited the Apostolic teaching and faith from the Apostles themselves. The Apostles didn't drop off a copy of the New Testament and wish us all luck. <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->

Be careful of Raphael Latester's "book" - he is now, unfortunately, an atheist. He never really understood why he believed what he did, which is what makes the Mysteries book by Mar Awa so important. You have to know what it is you believe in, and most importantly why. His Grace masterfully weaves the story from scripture and history, and explains the "why", and puts to shame anyone who (in their ignorance) claims otherwise. It truly is an awe-inspiring treatise on the topic, and it goes into far more detail than I could here.

I hear you on the finances, but definitely put this one on your wish list for the future. Everyone who is serious about Christianity in general, and the Church of the East in particular, needs to have a copy of this book.

+Shamasha