A Christian Oasis: The Role of Christianity and Custom in the Laws of Ethiopia

摘要

Christianity has millennia long history in Ethiopia. The religion was entrenched from the top-down by the elites who bore the power to enact legislation and were free to impose it upon their subjects in an act of providence. Many centuries later, it is not surprising that the elites have continued that practice into the current era. The presence of Christian customary influence on these laws does not mean that there is nefarious-ness afoot; rather, those in power are not infallible nor unbiased in the creation of law. It is difficult to separate one's culture from the laws one makes, and cultures develop and are influenced by long established traditions, rules, customs, and revisions.