Kebra Neghast pt. 2

Our discussion from the other day about how the Ethiopian christian culture has survived so long in it's isolation prompted me to look back at some of the passages from the Kebra Neghast. I was curious to look at the way these passages were written and what connections is makes that cause the Ethiopian people to feel like they have a strong tie to the origins of the Christian religion even in total isolation. One passage in particular that stood out to me is the chapter
"How Solomon asked His Son Questions". This section provides answers to the Ethiopians who may wonder how they fit into the bigger picture and story of christianity. The story of the affair between King Solomon and Queen of Sheba creates a connection to the roots of Judaism and Christianity that would not otherwise have been there. Solomon and the Queen bear a child, his first-born son. This son returns to visit his father and upon his visit, Solomon claims that he is his rightful heir to his kingdom in Judea. Even though he is an ilegitimate child, he is stll his first born son and he feels that he deserves to live as the Prince he believes him to be. Although the son refuses his offer to live as his heir in Judea, it helps to show Ethiopians that this man directly connects them to their holy land. According to the Kebra Neghast, he is a rightful son of Judea and he is also the an ancestor of Ethiopian christianity. This gives the followers of this sect of Christianity reasoning not only to feel deeply connected to the Judaic lineage, but to also feel that they are descendants of royalty. It gives them a reason to believe so strongly in themselves as a chosen christian nation. This may help explain why Christianity has stood the test of time and change in Ethiopia.