SPOEM | St. Paul Orthodox Evangelism Ministry

The History of the Church

1. How can the Church claim to be divinely guided when it has faced schisms, corruption, and political involvement throughout history?
2. Why did the early Church face persecution if it was established by God?
3. How did the early Church Fathers influence the formation of Christian doctrine, and why should their teachings still matter?
4. Why did the Great Schism occur if the Church was meant to be one body?
5. How does the Orthodox Church trace its lineage back to the apostles amid claims of authority from other denominations?
6. Why did the Church historically align itself with political powers, and how did this affect its mission?
7. How do Orthodox Christians reconcile the Church’s imperfections with its claim to be the Body of Christ?

8. Why is the Church necessary for faith if individuals can have a personal relationship with God?
9. How does the Church serve as the Body of Christ while being composed of flawed human beings?
10. Why does the Orthodox Church emphasize communal worship over individual spirituality?
11. How does the Church provide access to the sacraments as a means of grace and salvation?
12. Why is the Church’s teaching authority necessary if the Bible is sufficient for salvation?
13. Why does Orthodox Christianity teach that there is no salvation outside the Church?
14. How does this teaching align with God’s love and desire for all people to be saved?
15. What does “outside the Church” mean, and how does it apply to those who have never encountered Orthodoxy?
16. How does the Church explain its role as the “ark of salvation”?

22. Why is fellowship within the Church essential if salvation is a personal journey?
23. How does the Church build spiritual relationships and support among its members?
24. Why is communal prayer more powerful than individual prayer in Orthodox teaching?
25. How does the Church balance individual faith and collective responsibility?
26. How does the Orthodox Church view the family as a “domestic church” within the larger community?

27. Why does the Orthodox Church consider sacraments like baptism and the Eucharist essential for salvation?
28. How can physical elements, like water, bread, and wine, convey spiritual grace?
29. Why is infant baptism practiced when infants cannot consciously profess faith?
30. How does the sacrament of confession restore the believer’s relationship with God and the Church?
31. Why do Orthodox Christians believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist?

32. Why is evangelism a core mission of the Church when many people already have their own faiths?
33. How does the Orthodox Church view evangelism as more than just conversion?
34. How does the Church balance preserving tradition while engaging with modern culture in evangelism?
35. Why is the Church called the “ark of salvation,” and how does this relate to its mission?
36. How does the Church equip its members to be witnesses of Christ in their daily lives?

37. Why does the Church emphasize discipleship and spiritual growth rather than just belief in Christ?
38. How does the Church guide believers through spiritual struggles and temptations?
39. Why is obedience to spiritual leaders important in Orthodox discipleship?
40. How does the Church encourage lifelong learning and growth in faith?
41. How does the Church use the lives of saints as models for Christian living?

42. How can the Church claim unity when its members come from so many different cultures and traditions?
43. Why do Orthodox Christians believe unity comes through shared faith and sacraments rather than organizational structures?
44. How does the Church celebrate diversity while maintaining doctrinal consistency?
45. Why is unity in the Church so important if individual salvation is what matters most?
46. How do Orthodox teachings address the challenges of division within the Church?

47. Why does the Orthodox Church place such importance on maintaining ancient dogmas in a modern world?
48. How do Orthodox Christians distinguish between dogma and traditions that may evolve over time?
49. Why is the Nicene Creed central to Orthodox belief and worship?
50. How do Orthodox Christians view the infallibility of Church teachings compared to Scripture?
51. Why does the Church reject certain modern theological trends as incompatible with Orthodoxy?

52. Why does the Orthodox Church practice elaborate rituals that seem outdated to modern believers?
53. How do rituals like icon veneration and incense enhance worship rather than distract from it?
54. Why do Orthodox Christians follow the liturgical calendar with such devotion?
55. How do traditions like fasting connect believers to Christ’s suffering and resurrection?
56. Why is it important for the Church to preserve traditions when many view them as unnecessary formalities?

57. How does the Coptic Church trace its roots back to the apostolic age, specifically to St. Mark?
58. Why does the Coptic Church emphasize its connection to the early Church Fathers, such as St. Athanasius and St. Cyril?
59. What distinguishes the Coptic Church from other Orthodox Churches, such as the Greek or Russian Orthodox Churches?
60. Why did the Coptic Church remain separate from the rest of Christendom after the Council of Chalcedon?
61. How does the Coptic Church preserve ancient traditions and liturgies in a modern world?
62. Why does the Coptic Church emphasize martyrdom as a key aspect of its identity?
63. How does the Coptic Church balance its unique cultural heritage with its universal Christian mission?
64. How does the Coptic Church view its role in global evangelism and ecumenical dialogue?
65. Why does the Coptic Church use the Coptic language in its liturgy, and how is it relevant today?
66. How does the Coptic Church approach the concept of unity with other Christian denominations?