I had to write a very brief summary of Rastafarianism way back and I recently discovered it is still on this computer. Anyways here it is: Rastafarianism arose in the early 1930s and was popular amongst the working-class and black peasants in Jamaica. It came about as an interpretation of the Biblical prophecy partly based on the status of Haile Selassie being the only African monarch of a fully independent state, and his titles of King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Conquering Lion of Judah. Other reasons for its rise are most likely because of the sacred use of marijuana and Jamaican publicist and organizer Marcus Garvey, whose view on politics helped to inspire a new way to view the world. Unlike most modern western religions, Rastafarianism does not stress the need to conform to the “powers-that-be,” instead it stresses loyalty to their concept of Zion and the rejection of modern society (also known as Babylon or materialism). The religion itself is hard to categorize, because most Rastafari make their own choices as to what they believe and don’t believe. This is why there are so many different beliefs under the general ones that make up Rastafarianism. Rastas believe that their body is the true church/temple of God, so therefore they have no need to build temples or churches. There are however two types of religious ceremonies that they practice. The first ceremony is known as a reasoning, in which Rastas gather, smoke ganja (marijuana) and discuss ethical, social and religious issues. There is also a bynghi or grounation holy day every so often. These are marked by dancing, singing, feasting and the smoking of sacramental ganja. Many Rastas believe in a sort of physical immortality, in which a chosen few will live forever in their current bodies. Unlike the Catholic view of everlasting life, they have taken a belief in everliving life. Rastas also believe that Haile Selassie is both God the Father and God the Son of the Holy Trinity, while it is essentially all of humanity who embodies the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ tends to be a bit contradictory in the belief that Salassie is both God the Father and God the son, however most rastas believe in a doctrine of avatar. This doctrine basically includes the belief that Moses was the first avatar, Elijah was the second and Jesus was the third, who even predicted the coming of Selassie. In Rastafarianism, both the Christian and Hebrew bible play a role in their beliefs. They use an edited bible known as the “Holy Piby” and the Kebra Negast, a book outlining the lineage of kings from Solomon which helps to establish the lineage of Emperor Selassie. Along with all the beliefs, Rastas are prohibited from cutting or interfering with the natural growth of their hair. They also only eat “I-tal” foods, or foods that are as pure as possible, unpreserved and often raw.
