A Journey To The Roots Of Rastafari

Ethiopia accepted Christianity as her sovereign faith after being a Judaic nation for centuries before Christ. Her political seat being the Throne of David makes this event uniquely significant in that Judaism as a religion or as a nation had no existing empire. By this, we mean that after the destruction of Jerusalem in 588 BC and the dispersion of the Israelites, the Jews, as a nation, were unable to reconstruct an independent state anywhere in the world except for the empire established in Ethiopia. Therefore, Ethiopia represented the only nation to have made such a transition from Judaism to Christianity. When one makes a thorough study of the traditions of the biblical Jewish nation, one will understand that a Jewish nation could not be reestablished without the Throne and seed of King David. Therefore, Israel as a place remains to be the fragmented ruins of a past flourishing Jewish state. The Roman invasion and occupation of Jerusalem created an atmosphere of tension and political unrest that continued and subsequently led to the destruction of this once glorious city, which used to house the Ark of the Covenant. All this occurred before the birth of Christ, who was to be the major element in the events that were to lead to a New Way.

Ethiopia accepted Christianity as Her sovereign faith after being a Judaic nation for centuries before Christ. Her political seat being the Throne of David makes this event uniquely significant, in that Judaism, as a religion or as a nation had no existing empire. By this, we mean that: after the destruction of Jerusalem in 588BC and the dispersion of the Israelites, the Jews, as a nation, were unable to reconstruct an independent state anywhere in the world except for the empire established in Ethiopia. Therefore, Ethiopia represented the only nation to have made such a transition from Judaism to Christianity. When one makes a thorough study of the traditions of the Biblical Jewish nation one will understand that a Jewish nation could not be reestablished without the Throne and seed of King David. Therefore, Israel, as a place, remains to be the fragmented ruins of a past flourishing Jewish state. The Roman invasion and occupation of Jerusalem created an atmosphere of tension and political unrest that continued, and subsequently led to the destruction of this once glorious city, which used to house the Ark of the Covenant. All this occurred before the birth of Christ who was to be the major element in the events that were to lead to a New Way.

Going far beyond the standard imagery of Rasta—ganja, reggae, and dreadlocks—this cultural history offers an uncensored vision of a movement with complex roots and the exceptional journey of a man who taught an enslaved people how to be proud and impose their culture on the world. In the 1920s Leonard Percival Howell and the First Rastas had a revelation concerning the divinity of Haile Selassie, king of Ethiopia, that established the vision for the most popular mystical movement of the 20th century, Rastafarianism. Although jailed, ridiculed, and treated as insane, Howell, also known as the Gong, established a Rasta community of 4,500 members, the first agro-industrial enterprise devoted to producing marijuana. In the late 1950s the community was dispersed, disseminating Rasta teachings throughout the ghettos of the island. A young singer named Bob Marley adopted Howell's message, and through Marley's visions, reggae made its explosion in the music world.

This anthology explores Rastafari religion, culture, and politics in Jamaica and other parts of the African diaspora. An Afro-Caribbean religious and cultural movement that sprang from the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, in the 1930s, today Rastafari has close to one million adherents. The basic message of Rastafari—the dismantling of all oppressive institutions and the liberation of humankind—even has strong appeal to non-believers who are captivated by reggae music, the lyrics, and the "immortal spirit" of its enormously popular practitioner, Bob Marley. Probing into Rastafari's still evolving belief system, political goals, and cultural expression, the contributors to this volume emphasize the importance of Africana history and the Caribbean context. Author note:Nathaniel Samuel Murrellis Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, and Visiting Professor at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology in Kingston, Jamaica.William David Spencerserves as Pastor of Encouragement at Pilgrim Church in Beverly, MA, and was an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary's Center for Urban Ministerial Education in Boston. He has authored, co-authored, or editedThe Prayer of Life of Jesus, Mysterium and Mystery: The Clerical Crime Novel, God through the Looking Glass, Joy through the Night, 2 Corinthians: Bible Study CommentaryandThe Global God.Adrian Anthony McFarlaneis Associate Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. He is author ofA Grammar of FearandEvil–A Husserlian-Wittgensteinian Hermeneutic.

The first comprehensive work on the origins of the Jamaica-based Rastafaris, including interviews with some of the earliest members of the movement. Rastafari is a valuable work with a rich historical and ethnographic approach that seeks to correct several misconceptions in existing literature—the true origin of dreadlocks for instance. It will interest religion scholars, historians, scholars of Black studies, and a general audience interested in the movement and how Rastafarians settled in other countries.

The classic work on the history and beliefs of the Rastafarians, whose roots of protest go back to the seventeenth-century maroon societies of escaped slaves in Jamaica. Based on an extensive study of the Rastafarians, their history, their ideology, and their influence in Jamaica, The Rastafarians is an important contribution to the sociology of religion and to our knowledge of the variety of religious expressions that have grown up during the West African Diaspora in the Western Hemisphere.

Embracing Rastafarianism: A Guide To The Spirituality, Roots, Revelations, and Global Influence Of Rastafari From Jamaica To The World Discover the profound world of Rastafari in "Embracing Rastafarianism," a comprehensive and immersive exploration of a movement that has captivated hearts and minds around the globe. From its roots in colonial Jamaica to its spread across continents, this book delves deep into the spiritual, cultural, and social dimensions of a movement defined by resistance, unity, and the quest for spiritual liberation. Why You Should Buy This Book: ✅ Deep Understanding: Gain a thorough insight into the history, beliefs, and practices of the Rastafari movement, enriched by personal stories, theological discussions, and the cultural significance of icons like Haile Selassie and Bob Marley. ✅ Cultural Richness: Explore the global impact of Rastafari through its contributions to music, fashion, and lifestyle, showcasing how this spiritual path has influenced and been embraced by communities worldwide. ✅ Practical Guidance: Receive step-by-step guidance on embracing the Rastafarian way of life, from adopting Ital living to understanding the spiritual use of ganja, and finding community in the digital age. ✅ Challenges and Advocacy: Learn about the legal and social challenges faced by Rastafarians and the movement's role in global activism and social justice causes. ✅ Resource-Rich Appendices: Benefit from a carefully curated selection of resources, including a glossary of Rastafarian terms, a directory of communities, and recommended readings and music to deepen your understanding and connection. "Embracing Rastafarianism: A Guide To The Spirituality, Roots, Revelations, and Global Influence Of Rastafari From Jamaica To The World" is more than just a book; it's an invitation to journey into the heart of Rastafari, offering a profound understanding of its spiritual depth and cultural resonance. Whether you're a long-time follower or new to the teachings of Rastafari, this book promises a transformative experience, illuminating the path to spiritual awakening, social consciousness, and a life lived in harmony with the divine and nature. Unlock the secrets of Rastafari and let this book guide you through the rich tapestry of this unique and inspiring spiritual journey.

From its obscure beginnings in Jamaica in the early 1930s, Rastafari has grown into an international socio-religious movement. It is estimated that 700,000 to 1 million people worldwide have embraced Rastafari, and adherents of the movement can be found in most of the major population centres and many outposts of the world. Rastafari: A Very Short Introduction provides an account of this widespread but often poorly understood movement. Ennis B. Edmonds looks at the essential history of Rastafari, including its principles and practices and its internal character and configuration. He examines its global spread, and its far-reaching influence on cultural and artistic production in the Caribbean and beyond. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.