An Ethiopian Reading of the Bible

This book explores the biblical interpretation of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC). In doing so, it illuminates the interpretation of the Bible in a particular historical and cultural context and presents a compelling example of the contextual nature of biblical interpretation. Those who visit Ethiopia experience its unique spirituality, which is significantly informed by the presence of the EOTC. The EOTC has existed from earliest years of the Christian church. It has also developed and maintained its own ecclesiastic tradition in the Ethiopian context and has its own distinctive way of reading the Bible. It is noteworthy, particularly in the African context, that it has its own commentaries on the Scriptures, which continue to serve as a vital tradition in the EOTC's interpretation of the Bible. This is evident in the contemporary hermeneutics and sermons of EOTC preachers. In its comprehensive consideration of the EOTC's past and present, this book examines the interplay between tradition and context in biblical interpretation and contributes to current biblical scholarship.

"This is a path-breaking study that adds historical depth and insight into contextuality and the process of contextualization. Much of the work to date on this theme has been done by Western scholars or is based on Western scholarship. Keon-Sang An, who taught theology in Ethiopia, explores the rich tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church with regard to its approach to Scripture. This work deepens our understanding of contextualization as a necessary process in every local church."
--Wilbert R. Shenk, Senior Professor, Fuller Graduate School of Intercultural Studies


"Keon-Sang An's work is not only a window into East African biblical contextual theology; it is also an introduction to biblical and theological method for the 21st century. He carefully argues that the long shadow of western theological method must be replaced by local interpretations that pay attention to both context and tradition. Even more remarkable is that this introduction to a method and its application comes from a Korean, listening to Africans, and writing in America."
--Scott W. Sunquist, Dean, School of Intercultural Studies, Professor of World Christianity, Fuller Theological Seminary


Keon-Sang An is Assistant Professor of Bible and Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary. He previously served as a missionary in Eritrea and Ethiopia, working with SIM (Serving In Mission) and GMS (Global Mission Society)