User:S3716961/sandbox

RASTAFARIANISM
Rastafari which is also known as Ras Tafari is political and religious movement that commenced in the 1930’s in Jamaica. It combines the doctrines of mysticism, pan African political views and Protestant Christianity, and It is globally adopted. Believers of this movement use Old Testament stories, they believe that people of African descent are “on exile from Babylon”. They believe “Jah”(god) is testing them through slavery and racial “downpression” ( oppression). Rastas, as the believers are called are expecting deliverance from captivity and restoration to Zion based on Revelations in the New Testament. They claimed that Ethiopia is the seat of Jah and ultimately the home of all Africans. Many Rastas believe that the 1930 Emperor of Ethiopia, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I was the “Messiah “who had returned to deliver black people. The movement got their name from the emperor’s original name which was Ras Tafari. Rastas believe that the King James Version of the bible is incorrect because “English slave owners promoted incorrect readings of the bible to better control slaves”. They believe that cultivating a mystical consciousness of Jah and oneself (called I‐and ‐I) was the way to learn the true meaning of biblical scriptures. Rastas, selectively read the bible and focus on portions that eating of certain foods, cutting hair and beard and performing rituals like prayer and mediation. Rituals like smoking of the ganja (marijuana) to achieve better “itation” (meditation) with Jah, they also have all night drumming ceremonies called ‘bingis’. Reggae music was birthed from this movement and was made popular globally by the famous Jamaican singer Bob Marley. This is how ritual functions within' the religion.

The Rastas do not have a formal worship building, they use a believer’s house or a community center. The meetings are called reasoning sessions, where there is chanting singing, prayers, as well as communal issues are discussed. Marijuana is a sacred plant that is used, and they believe smoking it during sessions brings them closer to Jah. Rastas call marijuana holy herb or wisdom seed and have biblical references to justify its use. They are Ps 104:14: He causeth grass for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man. Another scripture they use is Gen 3: 18 ….. thou shall eat the herb of the field. Before using marijuana,a prayer is said in unison because it is a ritual act. The prayer said is: Glory be to the father and maker of creation. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end: Jah Rastafari: Eternal God Selassie I.

Rastafarians firmly believe in biblical teachings, but they have their own verson of the bible which can be known as the Holy Piby or The Blackman’s Bible. It was written to remove the written text about white power structures to oppress Africans. The Holy Piby was assembled and retranslated between 1913 and 1917 by Robert Athlyi Rogers. The sacred is manifested within’ the religion through belief. Rastas believe that Ethiopia is the holy land, a heaven on earth where true Rastas live eternally as bodily and spiritual immortals, negating the need for after life. They believe the Ark of the Covenant is hidden in Ethiopia. Rastafarians protect the teachings, the beliefs and the codes of the religion. Living close to nature and keeping their body purified from coffee, alcohol and even smoking cigarettes. Those are things that aren’t allowed or frowned upon as a Rastafarian, but smoking marijuana is encouraged because it is viewed as a natural and beneficial herb. Rastas wear dreadlocks because they do not believe in combing or cutting their hair. 1 Corinthians 11:15 “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering”. Hair is looked upon as a glory to god.

Cited Sources
McAlister, E. (2020, July 23). Rastafari. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rastafari

BBC (2009, October 09). Religions ­ Rastafari: Worship and customs. Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/rastafari/customs/customs_1.shtml

"Rastafarianism: Beliefs, Rituals & Rules." Study.com, 20 March 2019, https://www.study.com/academy/lesson/rastafarianism-beliefs-rituals-rules.html

“Rastafarianism” https://www.uri.org/kids/world-religions/rastafarianism