The Ethiopian Bible: A Unique and Mysterious Text

Introduction

• Description: The Ethiopian Bible is a highly mysterious and controversial text that resembles something from a treasure hunt movie.
• Significance: Contains older Bible scrolls than the King James Version (KJV).
• Ethiopian Civilization: One of the oldest in the world and the only African country not colonized.

Historical Background

Lineage and Christianity

• Lineage: Ethiopians trace their lineage to Ham, one of Noah's sons.
• Early Christianity: Ethiopia received Christianity in the 4th Century, long before many other nations.
• Cosmos Indicus: An Egyptian traveler noted Ethiopia as a Christian country in the 6th Century.

Ethiopian Orthodox Church

• Oldest Christian Body: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (Teaho) is the oldest organized Christian church, predating the Catholic Church.
• Illustrated Christian Books: One of the earliest Christian illustrated books was found in Ethiopia in 2010.

Unique Biblical Texts

Additional Books

• Total Books: Unlike the KJV with 66 books, the Ethiopian Bible contains 88 books.
• Unique Scrolls: Contains Old Testament, New Testament, and previously unseen scrolls.

Queen of Sheba and King Solomon

• Historical Account: Ethiopian ruler Queen of Sheba and King Solomon had a son named Menelik, the first Ethiopian emperor.
• Genetic Evidence: Genetic studies provide evidence of mixed heritage dating back to this period.

Controversies and Rejection

Canon Formation

• Vulgate Translation: St. Jerome’s translation of the Bible into Latin called The Vulgate.
• Council Decisions: Books chosen based on authorship and alignment with other scriptures.
• Missing Books: The Ethiopian Bible includes texts considered pseudepigrapha by other traditions.

Translation and Language

• Ge’ez Language: Written in an ancient Ethiopian language, making it inaccessible to many.
• Lack of Translations: Limited availability outside Ethiopia.

Political and Theological Differences

• Political Influence: Early Christianity was influenced by the Roman Emperor's political needs.
• Hidden Scrolls: Some non-canonical scrolls were hidden and later found near the Dead Sea.

Different Canons in Ethiopian Bible

Broad vs. Narrow Canon

• Broad Canon: Contains 81 books, including unique texts like Enoch, Jubilees, and Epistle to Clement.
• Narrow Canon: Established by Emperor Haile Selassi, contains 72 books.

Modern Interest and Preservation

Renewed Interest

• Academic Studies: More academic focus on the Ethiopian Bible in recent years.
• Translations: Efforts to translate the text into more languages.

Resilience

• Survival Against Odds: Survived attacks, fires, and other disasters.

Conclusion

• Unique Role: The Ethiopian Bible provides a different perspective on biblical history and theological development.