"Yeh, Holy Mount Zion"

Related to Ethiopian Christianity (Some Ethiopian Christians consider themselves Rastafarian in ideology), Rastafarians also used the Kebra Negast to glorify Ethiopia and its head of state, Haile Selassie (whom they call Jah- God incarnate). It was interesting to read how, initially, Rastafari promoted African supremacy (some still do) rather than equality. However, Selassie explicitly condemned racism in a speech that turned around that movement into more of one of equality.

The lack of structure in the “religion” made it quite interesting to read about. I don’t know if it can be called a religion, as there is no strict doctrine or worldview pressed upon its believers. There is a huge focus on the self, finding inner spirituality through various channels. The use of marijuana as a central aspect for “seeing the light”, and the abstinence from alcohol and meats were also pretty unique aspects of this movement.

I’ve visited the Caribbean a couple times and have been surprised by the huge glorification of Bob Marley (apparent everywhere) both times. My sister had completed a school project on Bob Marley and Rastafarianism shortly before (and she has been obsessed ever since), so she purchased a Bob Marley necklace in a small store (in St. John, V.I.) and the woman shopkeeper spent about 5 minutes discussing the greatness of Bob Marley. It was a lot of fun, my sister was thrilled, and it really stuck out to me as a unique experience to that part of the world. After reading more about Rastafarianism, and listening more closely to Bob Marley’s actual lyrics, I can see why he would be an emblem for the movement.

I can accept the general peace-loving, equality-promoting ideologies as such, but the religious aspects of Rastafarianism (I word I shouldn’t be using) are trickier to codify and declare a “religion”. Though, if considering the overlying frame definition of religion, this definitely qualifies as a frame for ones life, a way to live.