Rastafarianism

Rastafarianism

Rastafarianism arose in the 1930s in Jamaica, amongst the predominantly black slave population. Adherents of Rastafarianism worship Haile Selassie who ruled as the Emperor of Ethiopia (1930–1974.) They consider themselves to be African royalty (Afrocentrism,) believe strongly in black prise and carry this through by using titles for example Prince or King to refer to their leaders. They looked up to him as God reincarnated; the Second Advent.

People who follow the Rasta movement believe in the spiritual use of cannabis and chose to reject western society. Rastafarians proclaim Africa to be the original birthplace of mankind unlike the traditional belief that Jesus was born in Nazareth, under the Roman Empire rule. Rastafarians also look to the views and teachings of Jamaican publicist, organizer, and Black Nationalist Marcus Garvey (also often regarded as a prophet).

Adherents to Rastafarianism believe in the teachings of Haile Selassie however it has been quoted that the religion is more of a ‘way of life.’ This means that individual perspectives are very important for the growth of the religion. Followers seem to look to ‘find faith and inspiration within themselves,’ but some very deep believers trust in a group of three, ‘mansions of Rastafari.’

I find most of the Rastafarian practises a little odd personally such as the growing of dreadlocks (a spiritual journey) and the habitual smoking of Cannabis for spiritual purposes. The Rastafarian movement has become almost a joke in our modern day society with the fundamentals of the religion being forgotten and the exterior quirks (as mentioned above) seeming to define the religion. The media portrayal of Rastafarians is in a somewhat negative light however it’s affiliation with reggae music has no doubt increased its popularity across the world.

Logic tells you that the smoking of cannabis is medically unsafe which leads us to believe that those who follow the region are not as intelligent as those who do not associate with drugs. The reasoning presented by Christianity and the evidence that backs up Jesus’ birth place being Nazareth also leads us to question those who follow Rastafarianism.