Defying Death: Zakaria Botross: Apostle to Islam

by Stuart Robinson, Peter Botross

In Defying Death you are about to discover how God uses an ordinary person to achieve extraordinary outcomes, probably never achieved before in 1400 years of ministry to Muslims. When British Christian scholar, evangelist, pastor and teacher John Stott visited a mid-week meeting in Cairo in the 1970s, he was deeply Impressed. Decades later in 2002 he still recalled the event. In his book, People My Teachers Stott One of the most striking figures of the Coptic Orthodox Church at that time was Abuna (Father) Zakaria Botross. He was an Orthodox priest who in 1964 had an evangelical experience of Christ, which changed the direction of his ministry. He was now expounding Scripture and answering questions to one thousand or more people using relay and closed circuit television, every Tuesday and Thursday evening in the hall of his church, St. Marks. In 1978 a new renewal movement, including tongues, healings and other charismatic phenomena, emerged at St. Mark s Church, Heliopolis, under the leadership of, Father Zakaria Botross, attracting weekly crowds of 3,000 and baptising 200 converts from Islam. Not only did Fr Zakaria preach for conversions to Christ and to strengthen believers, he also effectively rebutted accusations against Christianity made by Islamic leaders. He presented arguments, which challenged them to re-examine the question of the validity of their religion, their Holy book the Quran, and their prophet Mohammad. His ministry to Muslims is so challenging, effective and productive. As you read this book, you will come to know Fr Zakaria Botross and the Lord whom he serves Jesus. This is their story.

Genres: Biography, Religion, History

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 14, 2008

Reviews

[Claire Syers]

This book marked the last book to complete my yearly challenge! Sadly amongst a year of many 5 star books, this one was only a 2.

[Esther Filbrun]

I’ve picked up different biographies over the years, and honestly don’t remember where I found this book. Since I have a keen interest in church history and appreciate learning about Christian workers around the world, this was an easy one to pick up, even though it took me quite a while to actually read it.

Having never read a book about anyone from a Coptic Orthodox background before, I found the setting of this book—both physically and culturally—fascinating. Several years ago, I was blessed to meet a Christian refugee who came from that church tradition, so reading about someone likely well-known in his circles was interesting.

As far as the faith element of the book goes, I was both blessed and challenged. Watching Father Zakaria move from performance-based faith to trusting that Jesus’ work was enough was both precious and confronting. I think I tend to land on the “performance” part of my faith a lot more heavily than I should, and seeing the true joy of the Holy Spirit in this man’s story was beautiful.

Personally, I found the writing style of this book a bit dry, and the editing wasn’t that great. Still, the story was intriguing enough that I didn’t have trouble finishing the book.

If you’re interested in reading about Christian believers from different parts of the world, especially if (like me!) you come from a more evangelical background, I’d recommend you read this book. You’ll come away encouraged and inspired—the Lord is definitely still working to build His church!

[Mr S Jarvis]

A great read that puts the establish church to shame, when you read of there decisions. Make you wonder if it the people they care for or themselves

[DROPPING OUT]

Predictably anecdotal and perhaps pietistic, it is, nonetheless, the only work about the life and work of perhaps the greatest "renewer of the Faith" and evangelist in the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Having retired from the congregational pulpit at the age of 70, he re-invented himself as one of the few Arabic-speaking clergy in the Middle East who has dared to take on Islam in disputation, first in scriptural study groups, the pulpit, and most recently, the Internet. Whereas most Christian clergy in that part of the world seem afraid to make waves, Fr. Zakaria Botross (no longer living there physically) is undaunted, employing his knowledge of the Koran and Hadith and his skill as a public speaker and debater.

The book, published in Australia, is not easily found in the U.S. (I am lending this copy to a friend, a Jesuit priest, who then will donate it to a library willing to accept it.)

I came away with a tremendous respect for Fr. Zakaria Botross. As I have personal experience in attempting to discuss Islam critically with Muslims, I wish him not only the best, but muchsuccess.

[J]

As a very ordinary person, whose achievements have been largely superficial and empty, I am in awe of people like Zakaria Boutros. How does he have the energy? How does he have the courage? Even a few days in that Egyptian prison might well have been enough for me. He and his fellow priests were there for a year. Countless thousands have endured even worse. Whether pouring his energy into caring for ordinary, often troublesome congregants in three countries, enduring unjust treatment at the hands of the hierarchy of his Coptic church, being on the receiving end of threats and violence from numerous Muslims, and still going... By no means a perfect man, but insofar as there are great men, he is surely one of them.
I echo the words and sentiments of the other reviewer: the book itself is anecdotal and pietistic; the man is remarkable; and may his words and example inspire many, not least the Muslims he loves despite their hostility to him, to honestly examine their religion and have a courage like his to leave it.

[Douglas Fyfe]

Wonderfully told life story of Fr Zakaria. Encouraging to hear the resolve of Christians under a repressive regime. Also God to hear of the good that comes through (but also despite) the Coptic Orthodox Church.