Rastafarianism: Abrahamic Belief Developed 1920s and 1930s (Research Paper Sample)

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Rastafarian Culture
Introduction
Rastafarianism is an Abrahamic belief that was developed in the 1920s and 30s in the slums of Jamaica following the coronation of Haile Selassie I as the first emperor of Ethiopia. He is worshipped similarly to Jesus in his Second Advent, or as God the Father. The members of the religion are known as Rastafari, Rastas, Rastafarians or simply Ras. The Rastafarians are also known by their church titles such as High Priest and Elders. This way of life is at times are referred to as "Rastafarianism," a term that is considered as offensive by the Rastas as they criticize "isms" since it is associated with the "Babylon" system.
Terminologies
The title "Rastafari" was taken from the emperor’s names, Ras Tafari Makonnen. The term Ras in Amharic literally means "head" which is an equivalent of a prince or a chief in Ethiopia. The other personal name, Tafari on the other hand refers to "one who is revered.”The Rastas worship Jah-a Hebrew name of God which is a shortened name for Jehovah or Jahweh as outlined in the Biblical Chapters of Psalms in the King James Version. Adherents perceive Haile Selassie I as their Jah, thus Jah Rastafari, which is clearly an incarnation of the God the Father, and the second advent of Jesus Christ who is the "Anointed one" which describes the second coming of Christ Jesus the King to Earth. (Dagnini, 32)
African religious traditions and Biblical themes have greatly influenced the Rastafarian way of life in terms of culture and belief systems. Bob Marley, who is arguably the most famous Rastafari, is known for composing reggae music which has earnedthe Jamaican movement an international recognition.
Discussion
There is a wide variety of moral and spiritual variation within the Rastafarian context arising due to the informal organization of leadership styles employed. While some Rastas view Rastafarianism as a culture and way of life, others perceive it as an established religion. Despite these differences, the Rastas are united by a common belief in the Messiahship or divinity of the Ethiopian first emperor, Haile Selassie I and his symbolism of resistance of oppression, Jamaican culture, and pride in African heritage. The lifestyle employed by Rastas is characterized by rituals such as the use of marijuana, wearing of one’s hair in dreadlocks, avoidance of alcohol, and vegetarianism. (Shankar, 508)
According to Salter, the Rastafarian lifestyle involves making of important choices by its members. The growing of long hairs and maintaining matted dreadlocks is usually to serve as a reminder to the practitioners that they have made a natural covenant that they should always endeavor to uphold. Smoking marijuana is a sacred activity as it is believed to bring strength, clarity and calmness to both mind and soul. This smoking practice is believed to lead to a common "reasoning" where Rastas get together to have a smoking session in order to develop important and crucial spiritual ideas. The Vegetarianism aspect of the Rasta community is intended to form an "ital lifestyle" sort for vital lifestyle, which is intended to promote life in all forms.
Religious beliefs
The Rastas believe in a Judeo-Christian God, whom they refer to as Jah. In general, the Rastafarian beliefs are based on Christianity and Judaism, with most emphasis on prophecies of the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation.
Jah, according to Rastas, was manifested on earth as Jesus who they believed was black and Emperor Haile Selassie. Haile Selassie who is still believed to be alive is referred to as His Imperial Majesty (H.I.M) often pronounced as "him." His death was a hoax as he still lives in protection awaiting the Day of Judgment. In essence, the Emperor Haile Selassie is viewed as divine and is worshipped by over one million adherents. These adherents also believe and honor old prophets of the Old Testament such as Elijah and Moses.
Rastafarians do not believe in life after death because they view Africa (called, Zion) as a heaven here on earth. True Rastafarians are believed to be immortal, both spiritually and physically, a concept referred to as "ever living." They also believe in another concept of "I and I" rather than "you and I" which emphasizes the oneness and togetherness between god and humanity and the equality of all human beings despite race, color and religion.
The other important concept by the Rastafarians is Babylon, which refers to the AmericanS and the entire European structure. They seek to resist Babylonians for their cruelty in enslaving the black community and holding them down through poverty, inequality, trickery and illiteracy. This concept depicts the greedy nature of Babylonians as contrasted to the humbleness and simplicity of the Rasta community.
Texts
The Sacred texts used by the Rasta community is known as the Holy Piby otherwise known as the "Black Man’s Bible." The book was compiled and written by Robert Rogers of Anguilla from 1913 to 1917 and later published 1924. The book is said to be formulated from the original version of the Bible with only a few alterations. The alterations are meant to correct the distortions made by the English men during the translation of the Bible from the original language to English. Another Ethiopian national epic used by the Rastas is known as the Kebra Negast, though it is less used then the Bible. (Stephenson, 67)
Sects and Subdivisions
There exist three orders or sects of Rastafari today. The three orders agree on the basic concepts and principles of the divine importance of Black image divinity and the status of Haile Selassie. In essence many Rastafari do not belong to sects, instead they are loosely defined as loose and organized movements. These three orders entail the Nyahbinghi Order, the Bobo Shanti and the Twelve Tribes of Israel. (Thompson, 337)
The Nyahbinghi Sect
The order which is also known as the Theocratic Priesthood and Levity Order of Nyahbinghi is name named after the Queen of Uganda, Nyahbinghi who is said to have fought against the colonial influence during the nineteenth century. The sect, which is the oldest, entails and focuses on Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, and the eventual return to Africa. This Order is overseen by an assembly of Elders.
The Bobo Shanti Order
The sect was founded in the 1950s by Prince Emanuel Charles Edward of Jamaica. The word "Bobo" refers to black whereas "Shanti" refers to the Ashanti tribe located in Ghana, from whence the order believes Jamaican slaves are descended. The members of this order are also known as Bobo dreads.