Ethiopia and the Judeo-Christian Tradition

Ethiopia and the Judeo-Christian Tradition: Antiquity to Modernity is a groundbreaking scholarly volume that illuminates the unique Judeo-Christian heritage of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC). In eight insightful chapters by both established and emerging scholars, the book explores how the EOTC—deeply rooted in Ethiopia’s historical inheritance—intertwines the Old and New Testaments in its rituals, traditions, and identity.

Set at the crossroads of history, trade, and cultural exchange, Ethiopia has long served as a refuge for the three Abrahamic faiths. Its geography and ethos of accommodation have nurtured a spirit of tolerance that, despite occasional exceptions, has fostered bonds across centuries. This context makes the EOTC’s synthesis of traditions truly distinctive.

The volume also sheds light on the history and present circumstances of the Beta Israel community. Their modern return to Israel has created new dynamics, as they, like many groups in multicultural societies, navigate questions of identity while contributing to the building of a pluralist and inclusive nation.

Rich in history and contemporary relevance, this book provides readers with a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s enduring role in the Judeo-Christian narrative—past, present, and future.