Do rastas get offended by people treating it as not a religion?

I have to say, I know next to nothing about the religion. But this kid I know invited me to a "rasta" party which meant wearing dreadlocks and smoking "ganja". That seemed really insulting to me. I know if I threw a "Christian" party that just meant chugging wine while wearing robes that it would offend a lot of people. But I'm not really sure how your religion treats it, I've only met one real (Sorry if that term is offensive, but I only count something someone's religion if they have stuck with it at least 5 years, exspecially when it comes to less mainstream ones) rastafarian, and that was very brief.

 

a real rastafarIan won't invite you to a rasta party to smoke weed and wear dreadlocks. smoking ganga isn't a 'party' to a rasta, it's an entheogenic ceremony, a religious rite that is to be taken seriously and with respect. and dreadlocks and ganga have nothing to do with being rasta, like wearing a cross necklace has nothing to do with xtianity. it's optional.

if this is something you are interested in, research rastafarIan 'reasoning' and other ceremonies.

 

Yeah, I am a Rasta and I won't even smoke with people who don't respect the herb, also natural philosophy is right, herb and locks are things to help strengthen your connection with Jah but they aren't required.

 

I see where you're coming from, and one could interpret the mainstream's shallow concept of Rasta as just another illusion created by Babylon to lessen the message and spirit of the movement. As for Rastas being offended that people don't know much about the religion, I think most would say it's not a religion but a way of life and that those people are nothing but "educated fools" furthering the corrupt Babylon system and all it entails. The mass ignorance of the mainstream is just another justification for rebelling spiritually and physically and helps separate the spiritually advanced from the simpletons of the world.

 

Ive thought about this fact alot, ive noticed that although Rastafarians dont WANT it to be classed as a religion, its causing us more harm then good.

I live in england and we have all sorts of 'equality' laws and racial discrimination law's when it comes to getting a job, but if a Rasta went into a job interview with dreads and a beard they would immediatly dismiss him or ask him to cut them, however you wouldnt ask a jewish man to cut his curls, or you wouldnt ask a muslim man to remove his turban.

It is a huge shame that Rasta arent given the same rights as other people, especially since we fight for equality. I am currently growing dreadlocks and i also have a beard and i also smoke ganja, ive been a Rasta for close to 3 years now but i didnt always let my hair or beard grow, and i didnt always smoke ganja but the more i learn about Rasta the more i feel it is a neccessity to abide by the three guidelines of levictus.

1. do not cut the corners of your beard
2. do not make baldness upon your head
3. do not make cuttings in the flesh

As these are the main Rasta guidelines or commandments if you will. I agree with the points that for a Rasta, smoking ganja isnt a task associated with fun but rather a solemn task to connect oneself with jah.