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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao https://doi.org/10.2...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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The Metastasis of Infallibility and the Architecture of Factionalism A Socio-Ecclesiastical Study of Functional Sacredness, Monastic Sovereignty, and Faith Deconstruction in the Contemporary Coptic Context

Authors: Rezk, Kerolos Kamal;

The Metastasis of Infallibility and the Architecture of Factionalism A Socio-Ecclesiastical Study of Functional Sacredness, Monastic Sovereignty, and Faith Deconstruction in the Contemporary Coptic Context

Abstract

<p>The Coptic Orthodox Church historically and dogmatically rejects the concept of individual Papal or Episcopal infallibility, emphasizing instead a conciliar (Synodal) model of governance. However, a significant paradox has emerged in the contemporary era: the rise of "functional infallibility." This paper explores the tension between formal theological rejection of absolutism and the practical application of autocratic authority within church administration. By utilizing the novel <i>Their Judge</i> (Rezk, 2023) as a qualitative case study, this research establishes a socio-literary phenomenological laboratory. <b>To bypass the administrative secrecy of "Sacred Silence" and maintain political neutrality without slipping into direct polemics, the text is treated as a heuristic simulation model of Weberian ideal types.</b> Through this framework, the study analyzes how the "sacralization" of the administrative office leads to a metastasis of power, where the perceived sanctity of the Bishop radiates to his secular inner circle. This shift from the patristic model of the Bishop as a "physician" to an "iconic autocrat" is identified as a primary driver of institutional betrayal. The results of this study suggest that this structural rigidity facilitates "faith deconstruction" among the youth and encourages denominational migration, as the vacuum of accountability renders the institutional framework fragile in the face of modern transparency.</p>

Keywords

Sociology of Literature, Origenist Fault Line, Millet System, Functional Infallibility, Coptic Orthodox Church, Institutional Betrayal

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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