Studies of the 1974 Ethiopian revolution have hitherto almost completely ignored religion, in spite of the commitment of a great majority of Ethiopian people to one or another religious tradition. Moreover, existing studies focus almost exclusively on the center, on national politics, and on the evolution of national institutions.

This book makes an important contribution to the literature on the Ethiopian revolution and on African church growth and development.

Based on the wealth of materials available from informants, in documentary collections, and in missionary records, in addition to his personal observations, Eide traces the journey from support for the revolution by the church leaders and local members to their suspected alliance with opposition forces. The result is informative, and, at times, moving.