A Theology of Health: Exploring the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's Influence on Human Well-Being in Ethiopia.

This study examines the role of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) religious practices, particularly fasting, prayer, forgiveness, and community engagement, in promoting holistic health and reducing risks of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A mixed-method approach was employed, combining documentary analysis with qualitative interviews. Documentary review included canonical and non-canonical texts, church canons, and relevant scholarly literature. In addition, 11 purposively selected key informant interviews were conducted with religious leaders, scholars, health professionals, and community members. Data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns linking EOTC practices to health outcomes. Three interrelated domains of influence emerged. Physical health is supported through dietary restrictions, fasting practices, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and physically engaging rituals such as prostration and pilgrimage. Mental health benefits arise from prayer, forgiveness, spiritual counseling, and rituals such as holy water practices, contributing to emotional resilience and stress reduction. Social health is strengthened through community support, altruism, and spiritual gatherings, fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging. Collectively, EOTC teachings constitute a holistic framework for well-being that aligns with key public health priorities on diet, lifestyle, and social cohesion. However, the study is limited by its focus on selected areas in Addis Ababa, reliance on self-reported data, absence of quantitative validation, potential interpretation bias in documentary analysis, and limited generalizability beyond EOTC contexts. These findings highlight the potential of faith-based practices as complementary pathways for promoting holistic health and inform opportunities for integrating religious institutions into public health strategies.