Includes bibliographical references and index.

The hermeneutic of "wax and gold" -- The hermeneutic of demystification -- The hermeneutic of compartmentalization -- Toward a new hermeneutic of covenant.

"Social and political history of Ethiopia has proven, time and again, that abrupt change did not suit the cultural nature of its society. The reason is that Ethiopia is an ancient society anchored in religiously laden value system. As a result, the ready-made changes tailored by the political entrepreneurs with no participation of the grassroots did not suit social memory of the mass. Instead of sudden rapture, this calls for the continuity of some elements of traditional values. This study therefore aims to use the metaphor of covenant thinking as a hermeneutical tool that can be used as medium to negotiate change and transition without fear of risking cultural identity"--