Faith as a Means of Healing: Traditional Medicine and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church In and Around Lalibela

Authors

Lauren Anderson, SIT Study Abroad

Home Institution

Villanova University

Publication Date

Fall 2007

Program Name

Ethiopia: Sacred Traditions and Visual Culture

Abstract

This paper examines and explores the relationship between indigenous medical traditions in Ethiopia and the healing rituals of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The practices still upheld by the Church today are explored in depth as is the prevalence of debtera, church educated traditional healers in Ethiopia. The relationship between traditional and modern modes of medical treatment in Ethiopia is explored as well as the legitimacy of both church healing and alternative medicine worldwide. Present research into the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) including mind/body healing is also examined.

Disciplines

Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Public Health

Recommended Citation

Anderson, Lauren, "Faith as a Means of Healing: Traditional Medicine and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church In and Around Lalibela" (2007). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 128.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/128