A question of balance: A theological examination of the Ethiopian Orthodox understanding of the relationship of adoration, contemplation, work and leisure in the light of Gordon Preece's theology of work

While the issue of work has been a focus of theological research and discussion in a Christian communities since the time of Reformation, concern regarding the understanding and practice of work was not given due attention in the Ethiopian context in which Scripture was read for several thousand years. This dissertation seeks to addresses the vital issues that contributed to the imbalance of leisure and work. In chapter one by utilizing Gordon Preece's theology of work this dissertation examines the EOTC's understanding of contemplation, adoration, work and leisure. In chapter two the thesis explores how the EOTC's historical journey, with its emphasis on the teaching of the Founding Fathers and its focus in mystical theology contributed to the minimal development of a theology of work. From chapter three to chapter five the thesis addresses the notions of deification, theological anthropology, the allegorical interpretation of the Scripture and uncritical appropriation of Platonism and the roles they have played in shaping the lapsarian-centered view of work in the EOTC. In chapters six and seven the thesis attempts to show the flaws of EOTC's system when viewed from an evangelical perspective. This study concludes with the suggestion that the lapsarian-centered view of work needs to be replaced by vocation-centered view of work that brings balance between leisure and work. Further, the dissertation proposes that vocation-centered view of work is the way to attain the intended community transformation.