Christian Communities and Religious Movements in Ethiopia and Nubia

African Christians and churches have always figured prominently in matters of historical theology. However, the theological traditions of Nubia and Ethiopia have not received as much scholarly attention as those of the African Mediterranean coast (e.g., Egypt). This is because Nubia and Ethiopia developed independently of Western Christianity, and at times even rejected it. This chapter will address this lacuna in historical theology by providing an overview of Christian history in Nubia and Ethiopia. This overview will include the theological and ecclesial contributions of Shenoute of Atripe, Takla Haymanot, Zara Yacob, and the monk Estifanos.