Biblical Portrayal of Ethiopia as a Challenge to Western Perspectives of Africa

Africa has been presented as underdeveloped and backward until the adventure of colonial architects. Archaeological remnants and structures, some of which are still standing to date, portray a different reality seemingly echoed by the biblical account. The endowment of Africa with natural resources,...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Sampson Ndoga
Format: Article
Language:Afrikaans
Published: Old Testament Society of South Africa 2021-10-01
Series:Old Testament Essays
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ote-journal.otwsa-otssa.org.za/index.php/journal/article/view/453
Description
Summary:Africa has been presented as underdeveloped and backward until the adventure of colonial architects. Archaeological remnants and structures, some of which are still standing to date, portray a different reality seemingly echoed by the biblical account. The endowment of Africa with natural resources, evidence of processing abilities and references to established kingdoms occasionally used as instruments of divine punishment of Israel or provision of refuge suggests a much more advanced situation than has been routinely presented by historians. The biblical record which has been proven for its reliability and historicity provides us with the impetus to re-analyse key texts in order to re-examine the views that have been posited. The Western tendency to undermine Africa’s advancements is well known. This article therefore considers the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch as a point of reference to African realities reflected throughout the biblical text.    https://doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2021/v34n2a11
ISSN:1010-9919
2312-3621