The Written and Unwritten Word of God: The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church's Perspective
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, we believe that the word of God is not limited to the written scriptures alone. Our tradition holds that there is also an unwritten word of God, which is referred to as apostolic tradition. This understanding is rooted in our faith and morals, and it plays a significant role in shaping our beliefs and practices.
The Holy Scriptures, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, are considered the written word of God. These scriptures contain nothing but perfect truth, guiding us on our spiritual journey. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church holds the Bible as one of its two great foundations of faith, along with tradition.
Our church's teachings emphasize that the word of God is not contained solely in the Bible, but also in tradition. This means that we recognize the importance of both written and unwritten sources of divine revelation. The apostolic tradition, which has been passed down through generations, provides additional guidance and wisdom for our spiritual growth.
In Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, there are many books and manuscripts that contain this unwritten word of God. These texts are considered sacred and are studied by clergy and laity alike. They provide valuable insights into the teachings and practices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, offering a deeper understanding of our faith.
In conclusion, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church recognizes the importance of both written and unwritten sources of divine revelation. Our tradition emphasizes the value of apostolic tradition, which is passed down through generations, as well as the written word of God contained in the Holy Scriptures. These two foundations of our faith provide us with a rich understanding of our spiritual heritage and guide us on our journey towards eternal life.
