From the Throne of David to Wilderness Caves: Theology and Philosophy in 16th-7thC

Catalog description

This course provides a "top" to "bottom" analysis of Christian thought in Ethiopia from the 15th to the 17th century. What is the nature of divinity, and how does it express its power in the world? What is the nature of law, and where does it emanate from? Where does authority come from, and who assigns it to rulers? These questions and more will be examined through focused study of the works and reforms of arguably the most important figure in the history of "Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, King Zar'a Ya'qob (Seed of Jacob) (15th Century) in comparison to the treatise of the 16th century philosopher Zar'a Ya'qob. Readings for the course are from a variety of primary and secondary sources, translated primarily from Ge"ez (classical Ethiopic) and Amharic, and include philosophical and theological treatises, law codes, and more.