Gary R. Varner

The Ancient Religions and Beliefs of Ethiopia Gary R. Varner

One of the most ancient nations in the world, Ethiopia is a magnificent and diverse society attempting to hold on to its traditional ways in an ever changing world. The first nation to accept Christianity in the 4th century, indigenous religions and practices have been able to survive in a symbiotic relationship with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church mixing pagan beliefs and ways with the dominate Christian religion. Today, however, due to the missionary efforts of both the Evangelical Christian and Muslim factions only a small percentage of Ethiopian peoples still observe their traditional ways and beliefs. The Evil Eye and spirit possession continue to exist across the Ethiopian scene in a fascinating mixture of the ancient and modern worlds.