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Behind a gruesome ISIS beheading video lies the untold story of the men in orange and the faith community that formed these unlikely modern-day saints and heroes. In a carefully choreographed propaganda video released in February 2015, ISIS militants behead twenty-one orange-clad Christian men on a Libyan beach. In the West, daily reports of new atrocities may have displaced the memory of this particularly vile event. But not in the world from which the murdered came. All but one were young Coptic Christian migrant workers from Egypt. Acclaimed literary writer Martin Mosebach traveled to the Egyptian village of El-Aour to meet their families and better understand the faith and culture that shaped such conviction. He finds himself welcomed into simple concrete homes through which swallows dart. Portraits of Jesus and Mary hang on the walls along with roughhewn shrines to now-famous loved ones. Mosebach is amazed time and again as, surrounded by children and goats, the bereaved replay the cruel propaganda video on an iPad. There is never any talk of revenge, but only the pride of having a martyr in the family, a saint in heaven. "The 21" appear on icons crowned like kings, celebrated even as their community grieves. A skeptical Westerner, Mosebach finds himself a stranger in this world in which everything is the reflection or fulfillment of biblical events, and facing persecution with courage is part of daily life. In twenty-one symbolic chapters, each preceded by a picture, Mosebach offers a travelogue of his encounter with a foreign culture and a church that has preserved the faith and liturgy of early Christianity - the "Church of the Martyrs." As a religious minority in Muslim Egypt, the Copts find themselves caught in a clash of civilizations. This book, then, is also an account of the spiritual life of an Arab country stretched between extremism and pluralism, between a rich biblical past and the shopping centers of New Cairo.… (more)
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In fact, Christians in the region have been horribly
This work is a corrective.
Highly recommended.
Martin Mosebach is an award-winning journalist and novelist whose writing rewards the reader with insights and knowledge. He takes us into the history of the Coptic church, into the present-day experiences of members of that church, what their village life was life, family life, and especially their church life. The most rewarding aspect of reading this book is the enlightened awareness Mosebach brings to our understanding of the Coptic liturgy; and not only that, but to our understanding of the power of liturgical worship itself. Seldom have I encountered such passionate, perceptive understanding of this seldom written of and little understood aspect of the worshipful life. He makes the connection between the participation of these men in the hours-long, sung liturgies that were the centerpoint of their existence and their calm, powerful presence on the beach in Libya.
Not everyone will be able to connect with this book, but I believe it is an important book, well told. Martin Mosebach writes with such respect and humility that he actually teaches the reader an attitude that we can all learn from. The structure of the book designates a symbolic chapter for each of the 21 martyrs while shining a light on 21 facets of their lives and foundation. I felt privileged to be invited into their world and know that my understanding of this event and the culture of these men has deepened my compassion and respect for them and for the persecuted around the world.
First, the story of the 21 is told in a matter of fact way that belies the notorious nature of the event. One has to accept the notion that the horrific event of slicing the throats of 21 men is not an outrage. It is, instead, a welcome event that elevates
At the same time, the author weaves in the theology of the Coptic Church which seems to thrive on persecution. It is the historical aspect that makes this book so enlightening. At once, the Coptic church is seen as very much small-town orientated but also as a unified whole. The history must sadden one who professes to be Christian/Catholic because it is clear it was shut out of mainstream Christianity not so much over dogma but out of petty power-seeking by Rome and Constantinople. If the author is correct, nothing has changed in the Coptic world since the Council of Chalcedon -- it is what it is.
Finally, the author indulges in an analysis of the current state of the Coptic Church as viewed by one whose theology is more modern by 1,400 years. This analysis is similar to what a modern day democrat (not the party but the political science person) might have to say about a resurgence of the Inca Empire. It isn't that we now know more than we did hundreds of years ago, it is that our thought patterns have changed. In this regard, it is not clear modern day life is better off than the Copts who haven't changed in centuries.
The introduction tells us why we are reading about these particular 21 as opposed to any of the other, many, Coptic martyrs throughout history and does not shy away from asking many questions and stating painful facts. This is a style of writing and point-of-view that was wonderfully refreshing to me as an American too often being told NOT to think or, at least, not to think so critically of our negative role in distant events.
Each of the 21 martyrs is pictured in their living, robust, prime of life and the book serves as their shrine wherein we learn their backgrounds, as we do all martyrs who became saints. Through their backgrounds we learn about the time, the place, the conditions, struggles, and history of the people who, as Coptic Christians, have lived with persecution for over 1000 years, as well as those who persecute them.
This read will stay with me for awhile and I can see why it became an international bestseller. Should appeal to those interested in Christian history, history of Egypt, and/or anyone wanting to better understand faith under the most extreme conditions.
I received my free copy from the publisher through LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for my honest review.
Sadly, while Mosebach sincerity was evident, the book itself was a little disappointing. As he journeyed, he discovered there was almost no information about these men. Poor and inconsequential until that video, there was almost no record of their life, save for a few passport photos and the tales of Family who now venerated them as Martyrs in the Coptic Church.
Mosebach narrative makes it seem that these men were extraordinary humans, destined from birth to be martyrs. I cannot tell whether Mosebach is simply honoring the beliefs of the Coptic Church or if he actually believes this. The things spoken of these men cannot possibly be all true, and yet to say that, is to belittle the beliefs of an entire religious group – one known for its strength of faith under hundreds of years of persecution.
A point in Mosebach’s favor is the excellent discourse on the history of the Coptic Church in Egypt. Those portions of the book were intriguing and well-done.
Overall, the book did not reach the depths I was hoping – but whether this was Mosebach fault or simply the lack of information regarding these men, I cannot tell.
Note: I received this book free via LibraryThing's Early Review Program, in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
Millions of people were repulsed by the sadistic and senseless murder of 21 Egyptian Christians by Islamic terrorists in February of 2015. These young men were captured while they worked in Libya—seeking work so they
Through 21 chapters, each beginning with a photo of one of the martyrs, Mosebach gives an overview of the Egyptian Orthodox church, its heritage, history, and liturgy, as well as brief biographies of most of the men. He reverently tells the story of their village and contemporary Egypt and how these men have become role models and heroes.
Not only did I learn more about the Egyptian Coptic church, but I also gained a renewed appreciation of the still-perilous state many Christians around the world find themselves in today. I was able to reflect on my own faith and tradition in a new light looking through the lens of people that are persecuted and yet willing to die for what they believe.
This book certainly isn’t for everyone, but for those who are interested in understanding why people might be willing to die for what they believe, or for those interested in having their cultural horizons expanded, I heartily recommend The 21.
I’m astonished by the high praise I’ve seen for this book as I feel I must have read a completely
Additionally, for a book that was supposed to be about 21 martyrs, the reader learns remarkably little about them, but a great deal about the minutiae of the Coptic Church. I was extremely disappointed in this book. It’s more propaganda than history, and for a book marketed as non-fiction, that’s shameful.
But further along the focus shifts. Yes, the men are talked about. Glimpses emerge by talking to the bereaved families, but here’s the thing. Their faith was such a defining factor of their lives that no distinguishing characteristics remain…each man is remembered as kind, a true faithful Copt, a good son/father, a hard worker, humble. The faith lies like a gossamer blanket not only on the martyred ones, but on the entire landscape, the entire populace. Somehow, and the author expands knowledgably on this, the Coptic Christian faith has survived much in its original form through the centuries. Thus, it can be said to be unique; each martyr, therefore, is not an individual, but a Coptic Christian martyr.
Much is said about the other unique aspect of the martyrdom itself. The dead men are venerated by turning their photographs into icons or icon-like images; these are displayed prominently in each home. Indeed, the ghastly video of their deaths itself is not an object of nightmare; rather it is played back without compunction because it reinforces the very journey to martyrdom. These men were killed for professing their faith until the end. What else is there?
Not to say that the bereaved families have simplistic views. In fact, the author only gets to the surface level of their true emotions and is content to leave it at that.
Other areas are available into which to delve with the full force of his scholarship, and this he does. The history of the Coptic church, its architecture, iconography, its rituals, the role of the priest, and so forth. All this is delivered with a detached, somewhat dry tone. And that might have been necessary given the graphic nature of the inspiration for the book. All in all, I don’t fault the author. This is a serious and worthy piece of writing; one that will certainly serve as the starting point for many who will be made curious about this fascinating faith. But as a humble reader, I am tempted to suggest that we may have been better served by the simple expedient of crafting a more suitable title.
In Libya, 21 young men were beheaded, and the violent, terrorist event was put on a video for all the world to see. Twenty of these young men were Egyptian Copts; one was a young man from Ghana who has since been embraced by
This book breathes life back into these unknown, simple men, brings them back to life and gives them a past and a future. It memorializes their tragic end, as well, and it humanizes them and dehumanizes the vicious, radical terrorists, the radical Muslims, who murdered them for the sake of the publicity of this awful, horrific event. Instead of giving these monsters the fame and honor they craved for their shameful acts, it shamed them and gave them notoriety in the eyes of the sane world.
It was sometimes difficult to decide whether the book had a religious message, a political message or a compassionate message. Although religion has been the cause of much violence in the world, and the Christians have been under attack, I prefer the compassionate message which made their deaths the criminal act of monsters who should be punished in this life and the next, to the message of religious superiority, which by definition, makes one religion more important than another. This can only cause further division and conflict.
The author is evidently a religious man and talks about them being with Jesus. I am not a religious person. although raised as a Roman Catholic. Fervent devotion to religion makes me uncomfortable, since it can lead to fanaticism enabling people to murder in the name of God. I was aware of Muslim persecution of Christians in Syria, Iraq and Egypt and wanted to find out more about the Coptic culture.
Pros: The book was very informative about the Coptic culture and religion. He describes in detail their churches and religious services. He also explains how the common people interact with priests. He interviewed the Coptic bishop in charge of the hometown of the martyrs. He also interviewed the Coptic Pope, who is not under the jurisdiction of the RC pope or the Eastern Orthodox patriarch in Greece. The author explains in clear language how the Coptic church split form those churches in the 4th century AD. If you are interested in the history of these religions, you will enjoy this book. The translation was excellent.
Cons: The book was overly religious for my taste. If you are a devout Christian, you will probably like this book. It took me almost 3 weeks to read this book.
Some quotes: "The faces of the prisoners clearly show that these young peasants could influence neither the American government nor any other, let alone their own. Their patience, their stoic dignity, and their prayers make them seem poor choices for casting as representatives of evil."
"We Copts are the real, true Egyptians. This has been our land for many thousands of years--it was our land long before the pyramids were built."
"The ancient Coptic language developed under Hellenistic rule but was essentially the language of the Pharaohs, and to this day it is used in the liturgy. In other words, the Pharaohs' language lives on in the Coptic liturgy."
Thanks to Plough Publishing House for sending me this paperback through LibraryThing.
Mosebach begins the book with a description of the video of the beheadings of these 21 men by Islamic
The rest of the book is devoted to the present state of the Coptic people, told with a German Christian's Western sensibilities. Two points emerge. These men (ranging in age from early 40s to early 20s) were ordinary members of their village church, yet able to die calmly with the name of Jesus on their lips. The Coptic Church itself has remained what it was from its inception, not influenced by the changes in either the Roman Catholic tradition nor that of the Orthodox.
Mosebach visits the families of the 21 as well as Coptic monasteries, and reports with thoughtful commentary on what he sees. I was moved by the picture of each martyr (including the Ghanian Matthew) which precedes each of the twenty one chapters.
Thanks to Early Reviewers for an opportunity to read this book, which would not have come my way otherwise.