Rastafarian

There were a few aspects that helped the ex-slaves unify under common beliefs. Dance is considered to be the slave’s strongest original link to Africa. African dance is a communal effort that emphasizes cooperation over individualism. The concept of working together creates unity. Strength comes from unity and the Africans needed strength to overcome the great oppression they faced.

Another way the Africans tried to keep their culture was through religion. African religions were outlawed on the plantations, but Christianity was allowed. So the Africans took the Christian figures and worshiped them as their native gods. Over the years this created a mesh of Protestant and African religions. This is why many of what are considered native religions to Jamaica such as Rastafarianism follow the Bible.

While the wisdom and philosophies followed by Rastafarianism date back to the writings of the Bible, the actual history of the religion traces back less than a hundred years. Most consider the first Rasta profit to be Marcus Garvey. Marcus Garvey was a journalist and political activist during the time of the First World War. During the 1920’s he attempted to awaken awareness of the African roots of the Jamaican people. In doing so he created the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Garvey quoted Psalm 68:31: “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch her hands unto Jah.” This quote was seen as a prediction of the coming of a black monarch in Africa. In 1930 when Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned emperor of Ethiopia, Garvey immediately ascended to the ranks of profit3.

The history of Haile Selassi I, the name Ras Tafari went by after being crowned emperor, begins with stories of his youth. When he was very young he had a knack for remember biblical scripture. Instead of playing outside, Selassi spent his free time in the temple learning from the elders. His lineage is thought to be traced all the way back to King David of the Bible. When he visited Jamaica in April of 1966 he held up his hands for all to see the marks of a Stigmata4. A Stigmata is someone who bears the same marks on their hands or ankles that Jesus had once he was taken off the cross. For his knowledge, wisdom, lineage, and physical condition, Rastafarians base their religion around Selassi I.

It’s strange to compare Christianity with Rastafarian. Even though they follow the same book, one wouldn’t know it if they were to attend an event in each. The differences are astounding. Whereas Christians believe in formally attending church on Sundays, Rastas have a more communal tradition of getting together at night with their family and other families and having the elders pass on the wisdom of the texts of the Bible. Christians often preach about what you shouldn’t do, and all the bad that will occur if don’t follow their interpretation of the Bible. Rastas tell stories of the positive. They spread the message of love and commitment to the family.

The most astounding difference is what each of these religions do outside their meetings. In America in which the majority is Christian, it is often the case that Christians will go to church once a week to feel spiritual cleansing. Then during their daily lives their values center around the self. Over consumption is at the root of this problem in America. In the United States parents spend six hours a week shopping while only forty minutes playing with their children. There are more shopping malls than high schools. People believe that money will lead them to happiness while ninety percent of divorce cases are due to money issues5. Americans seem to never be satisfied.

The daily lives of Rastafarians focus on intrinsic values. Selflessness is a core value. They also believe in community. Rastas believe that their shouldn’t be leaders telling others what to do or think. They follow this by making decisions together in meetings called Nyabingi6. They reject over-consumption. In accordance with this value most Rastas grow their own food and herbs. They then give to one another without requesting other goods in return. I once met a Rasta backstage at a Wailers concert. I asked him if I could have a beer and he replied “Ya mon, ya know dis ere world is 360.” What he meant was that you get what you give. They spread their message through selfless actions not scornful words. It’s truly a joy to be in their presence.

The most famous Rastaman worldwide was and is Robert Nesta Marley. Bob introduced the world to reggae music. Reggae and Bob’s roots began in ska music then evolved with cheerful island beats into what is now an all around positive genre that conveys the message of love. Even though he died over twenty years ago, his music is still very prevalent. Its one thing to listen to his music, but it’s a whole different experience to reflect on his message. He truly portrayed the values of Rastafarian in his songs and his way of life. In an interview with Bob, a reporter once asked him what he did with all his money. His reply was “give it away.” The reporter looked astonished and asked “All of it” to which Bob replied “give it away.” It’s known that all the profits from his concerts were split equally throughout the group. This means that each back-up singer made as much as Bob did7.

The words to Bob Marley’s songs exemplify Rastafarian values. In “Judge Not” he sings, “Judge not, before you judge yourself; judge not, if you’re not ready for judgment. The road of life is rocky and you may stumble, too; so while you’re talking about me someone else is judging you.” This parallels Matthew 7:1, 2: “Judge not, that ye be judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” In “Zion Train” he sings “Don’t gain the world and lose your soul; wisdom is worth more than silver or gold.” Proverbs 3:13, 14 states, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver and the gain thereof than fine gold.”8 In “Them Belly Full” Bob states “Them belly full but they hungry.” Here he is referring to over-consumption. People can have everything they need and not be satisfied. It’s not hard to see why he is known as Rastaprophet in Jamaica.