Perception and Identity: A Study of the Relationship between the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Evangelical Churches in Ethiopia

by Seblewengel Daniel

Ethiopia is an icon of freedom and indigenous Christianity across Africa due to its historic independence, ancient Christian identity and rich religious heritage. However, Ethiopia and its various Christian denominations have their own understandings of this identity and how these communities relate to one another. In this detailed study, Dr Seblewengel Daniel explores the perception and identity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and evangelical church in Ethiopia and examines the relations between the two.
Beginning with the earliest evangelical missionary engagement with the Orthodox church, Dr Daniel skilfully uses historical and theological frameworks to explain the dynamics at play when approaching the relations over two centuries between these two churches and their respective communities. Daniel ultimately emphasizes that what unites the Orthodox and evangelical church is greater than what divides – namely an ancient faith in the triune God. This important study urges both sides to place the Bible at the centre, using it to understand their differences, and challenges them to take responsibility for past negative perceptions in order to move forward together in greater unity and mutual respect.

486 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2019

Reviews

[John Coatney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a thorough and well-documented history and assessment of the relationship between Evangelical churches and the EOTC in Ethiopia. The historical coverage was in depth, illuminating, and quite helpful for better understanding the events that have led to the current state of Orthodox/Evangelical relations. The assessments were quite good, with strong attempts at objectivity, although in places the author's Protestant bias was apparent, as was an apparent lack of understanding some of the nuances of Orthodox ecclesiology (although this was understandable, given that the EOTC possibly hasn't articulated its ecclesiology as thoroughly as some other Orthodox Churches, from which I've formed my understanding of Orthodox ecclesiology).

Particularly helpful were the emphasis on both the role of Mary and the doctrine/hermeneutics of Scripture as the major points of contention between the Evangelical and Orthodox Churches (in addition to the historical interactions).

I highly recommend this book to others interested in this area.