Are you Rastafarian?

Why do you have to be born into being Rasta? Everybody just makes it sound like you can't choose to live their way of life just because you're not born into it. If you're born into a family of Christians, you can convert to being a Jew, aye? Rasta seems to me like any other religion. If it's truly what you want your way of life to be, then have it. What does skin color and blood have to do with it?

 

a lot of people think they're rastafarian because they smoke weed, listen to bob marley, and don't mess with their hair. it really is a lot deeper than that. i don't believe you have to be born into it, as i don't believe you have to be born into any religion, but i do believe you have to be knowledgeable and actually know what you profess to believe.

and no, i'm not rasta. i don't subscribe to any one religion. i believe religion is fiercely personal and each person has to come to terms with their own beliefs in their own way and on their own time.

 

Yeah Mon. JAH love is everywhere.........

 

I'm sayin'.

 

I don't know anything about their religion but I know the Rastas I met were really cool. They were originally from Jamaica and were descendants of a wrecked African slave ship. They have their own language and dance. I watched this one old guy carve a really ornate boat oar with just a machete! They actually spoke English Spanish French and a strange creole sounding language. I was so fascinated with their culture I didn't get ask about religious beliefs. I'll have to get into that next time.

 

Sounds wicked.

 

Rastafari is not a religion it is a way of life =D

 

very well said and couldnt agree more, couldnt take the polll either without choising multiple responces

 

I'm definitely not Rastafarian and don't want to be, yet it is amazing how almost everyone stereotypes me as a Rastafarian/wanting to be a Rastafarian purely because I have dreadlocks. It is one of the only things that can at times bother me about having dreads as I don't smoke any weed/do any drugs, I eat meat, drink alcohol, don't listen to much reggae (prefer my rock/metal etc) & I just don't practice the Rastafarian culture. Yet, "he must be Rasta! He has dreads! Hook us up with some weed bro!"

 

I have to admit I don't actually know much about RAstafari, but I am curious to find out more about it. I admire a lot of aspects of it. Lately though, I have been studying Buddhism a lot. I am against any religion, but Buddhism is more of a system of education, or way of life, and it seems like Rastafarianism is too.

Oh by the way. Majestical, Loki, and Kattoo....WASSUP!!!

 

Aahh...So are there any deadheads out there? If you answered "yes" I want to know how you feel about the name you've been called? It's simply a name, right? Well kinda. It's a label you've been given which you could have given yourself, or others might have bestowed upon you.

RASTA... is overrated! I've had dreads for about 10 yrs and seriously.. if I had a dollar for everytime I've been called rasta, I would have about $500.

The point is... it's a category. Yes it's also a spiritual path many have chosen to take...while some take it seriously, some do not. It's just like the many CATHOLICS who are "hard core" but can't seem to not eat meat on Friday during the lent season. Or who don't eat meat on Friday.. but never seem to make it to church!

We've evolved people. Things are not like they were. There are many shades of gray...Maybe these people calling themselves rastas aren't fully dedicated rastas, but pratice parts that they believe. I can bet you most of them haven't truly found themselves and are in the process of doing so. So what??? Many people could take a deep look inside themselves and find what they believe in/or practice doesn't follow the books as they are written. So why judge these "Rastas"?

Respect one another.. respect that these "rastas" have a good idea of the way things should be. take into consideration that you are passing judgement without looking within.
Just look at the WHOLE picture is all i'm trying to say.

 

Im rasta and im growing my dreads now. It was a long decision process about them but i figured i'd make a pact with jah to grow my locks and denounce vanity.

I believe and practice all aspects of rasta, call me rasta if you want, or dont. i dont really mind. i know i am rastaman and thats all that matters.

jah rastafari bless.

 

Don't you have to be black to be a rasta?

 

eating food that hasnt been chemically modified. no artificial additives (colour, flavour, preservatives) some avoiding adding salt in foods! no eating pork because its an animal thats considered a scavenger. not being able to eat red meat, they also dont eat fish or fish over a foot long. there basically vegetarians... which probably isnt hard for some but it wouldnt work for me.

also avoiding foods that are preserved. like canned foods or dried foods. no use of metal cooking utensils! so like u'd have to cook in something other than a metal pot or pan. and what no forks or spoons?

no consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, or even coffee! ahhhhhhhh!

 

I've studied Rastafari as well as most world religions. And I found it to be extremely close to the christian religion. Of course there are many serious differences, but definately similar in nature. I personally cannot find any reason to believe in any "god". Since I am buddhist,and of course there are many references to, gods, deva's, and such, I still just interprete it to fit my mind, which is what Shakymuni Buddha said to do. Cheers

 

I am not a rastaman.. or women rather... but I must admit learning about how they live their life was what inspired me to wanting to have dreadlocks. They way a rasta man lives his life is beautiful, although I dont agree with most aspects. From what I understand you have to be black, because they belive they are going to be saved. But the world is always changing so I guess you never know, anyone can belive what they want. I must also say I have excepted doctor treatments, as well as drink coffee and the occasional bottle of wine

I do respect anyone who is able to live the rasta way And am also super glad I found out about it, as it somewhat did shape the way my life seems to be going

Love Love Love!!

 

no you dont because rastafari himself said 'the color of a mans skin is no more significant then the color of his eye' then that was made into a song by bob marley. If god says it....it must be so haha. if you were blind we'd all be the same color anyway.

 

If I were blind there would be no colour...

Anyway, merely wondering as I thought it was a fairly anti-white anti-slavery movement.

 

It started out as a Black supremist movement, however Haile Selassie I made a speech denouncing racism, and therefore it has come to accept all races. As for all of the things prohibited, meh those things aren't strictly forbidden (the bulk of them). Some Rasta's (such as Iself) smoke cigarettes (however it is not encouraged, though it is not a strict rule). Also while I don't eat pork, or shellfish I do eat beef. The exclusion of everything listed would be moreso an orthodox Rasta, however those exclusions aren't requirements. As long as one reveres Haile Selassie I, king of kings, lord of lords, conquering lion of the tribe of Judah one can be considered Rasta. Many Rastas contradict themselves, however there is one thing they share in common and that is like I said praise for Jah Rastafari. The level of praise however is diverse, while some Rastas accept him as God, some accept him in ways similar to how Jews accept Jesus.

Rasta is however still anti slavery, and it still is black pride, however it is not anti white. It does however reject the white standard of beauty I guess. Of course other Rastas may contradict what I just said, therein lies the beauty of Rastafari, exploring ones self and making a stance of your opinions based on self discovery. Jah bless