The emergence and expansion of Rastafarianism has been a subject for some scholarly study in the Caribbean. The movement has flourished in due process as an outlet to a huge social and psychological confusions and decades-long conflicts inside the movement and society of the islands. To many sociologists, it is the inevitable consequence of Africans in Diaspora, people seeking to define their own identity and psychological needs. It is a movement created not by a revolution but out of confusions and in search of their roots with a Black God on the top.
Rastafarianism presents a mixture of politics and theology that has emerged out of its formative years, as they call it “in the Babylon”. In creating their own religion the Rastafarians depend not only on the historical, social or empirical experience of African descendants in the Diaspora but also for their own analysis to determine an active plan for liberation. Regardless of other social norms, they draw on the transcendental sources of human sensibility, theocracy and imagination.
For as persons who see themselves to be persecuted, wronged and deprived, to be all but trapped in a situation of persistent material poverty including cultural degradation, the only way they see to get out of this situation “Babylon” is through an apocalypse.
From the early Christian history we know that small groups who have worshipped false gods or established their own Temples never succeeded and their religions have corroded including their followers. However, it seems different with the Rastafarians; because their movement is growing stronger -speeding in almost all the continents.
This book is in part a revised version of both books “Babylon Muss Fallen, Germany 1989 and “The Rastafarians: In search of Their Identity, Puerto Rico 1985” and in part a contribution of Rastafarian elders, women, activists and musicians.
Dozens of authors wrote in this book and throughout the entire book, we have tried to reflect their ideas and philosophy by printing the interviews in their own words of Rastafarian Language (not in pure Creole English or Jamaican Patois = Patwa) to preserve the originality. Thus, we warn our readers that all words and phrases they find in this book is not written in a standard English but intentionally written (and we were kindly requested ) to reflect the importance of the words and how they use them to interpret their deep philosophical ideas.
G.Y. Iyassu Menelik.
April 2009, Miami Beach, FL
Table of Contents
- Chapter I: The Formative Years
- 1.1. Important Scriptures and Books in Rastafarian Theology
- 1.2. Key Figures in Rastafarians Movement
- 1.3. Organization and Structures
- 1.4. The Rise of Marcus Garvey
- 1.5. Leonard P. Howell's Contribution
- 1.6. Garvey in Harlem New York
- 1.6.1. Garvey Creates the UNIA
- 1.6.2. Garvey's Black Star Line
- 1.6.3. Garvey and Black Nationalism
- 1.6.4. Garvey: Man is a Part of Creation
- Chapter II: The Dynamics of the Movement
- 2.1. Garvey and the Movement
- 2.1.1. The Doctrine of Success
- 2.1.2. Dynamics of the New Thought
- 2.1.3. Victorian Historical Sensibility and Literary Taste
- 2.1.3.1. Vanity Fair
- 2.1.3.2. The Place Next to Hell
- 2.1.4. Poetry and Oral Tradition
- 2.1.5. Dialogues and Religious Influences
- 2.2. African Fundamentalism
- 2.3. Classical Influences and the Ideal State
- 2.3.1. Plato's Laws
- 2.3.2. The Ideal State and the UNIA
- 2.3.3. Political Corruption
- 2.3.4. Racial Education
- 2.3.5. Short-Lived Schools and Universities
- 2.3.6. Garvey's Course in African Philosophy
- Chapter III: Conflicting Ideologies
- 3.1. Ethiopianism
- 3.1.1. Jewish Patronage
- 3.1.2. Garvey Admired Fascism, Racism and Anti-Semitism
- 3.2. Self-Identification with Hitler
- 3.2.1. Garvey's Anti-Semitic Beliefs
- 3.2.2. Garvey's School of Racial Philosophy
- 3.3. Garvey Attacks Haile Selassie
- 3.3.1. Mussolini Hailed by Garvey
- 3.3.2. Haile Selassie Proved a Cringing Coward
- 3.3.3. Haile Selassie - Bad Taste to the Abyssinians
- 3.3.4. What Right Has He?
- 3.3.5. Italy's Conquest of Abyssinia
- 3.3.6. Lack of Education
- 3.3.7. The Inconsistency of the Emperor
- 3.3.8. Haile Selassie is Proud of Sheba but not of Solomon
- 3.3.9. Ethiopia Shall Stretch Forth Her Hands
- 3.3.10. The Emperor Rejected Black Delegation
- 3.3.11. Emperor Gave Poor Education
- 3.3.13. Garvey the Prophet and Ideologist
- Chapter IV: Spirituality, Meditation and Diet
- 4.1. Rastafarian Spirituality
- 4.2. The Utopian City - Bull Bay
- 4.3. Hinduism, Paganism or Back to Africa
- 4.4. Different Style
- 4.5. Purity Through Meditation and Ital Food
- 4.5.1. Thou Shall Not Kill to Eat
- 4.5.2. Jah Has Allowed Man to Eat Flesh
- 4.5.3. Spirituality and Ital Food
- 4.5.4. Strict Receipts for a Spiritual Ital
- Chapter V: Conflicting Theology
- 5.1. The Black Jesus - Isis Jah
- 5.2. Doctrine
- 5.2.1. Biblical Response
- 5.2.2. Roots Revolution
- 5.3. Haile Selassie - The Returned Messiah
- 5.3.1. Nobody Could Kill the Man Christ!
- 5.3.2. Jah! Man of God of Israel
- 5.3.3. Rasta and Traditional Christian Theory
- 5.3.4. The Last Part of the Bible
- 5.4. Searching for the Right Theology
- 5.4.1. The Bible Seminary
- 5.4.2. The Original Biblical Faith
- 5.5. Mansions of Rastafari Movement
- 5.5.1. Bobo Shanti
- 5.5.2. Nyahbingi Order
- 5.5.3. The Garveyite African Orientation
- 5.5.4. The Twelve Tribes of Israel
- 5.6. The Black Israelites
- 5.7. Dreadlocks Theology
- Chapter VI: The Psychological Distortion
- 6.1. Rasta Prayers
- 6.2. Stepping Out of Babylon
- 6.2.1. Rastafarian's Miracle Story
- 6.2.2. Visions of Life
- 6.3. Jah Revang
- 6.3.1. In the Armageddon Time
- 6.3.2. Rastafari is Mystical
- Chapter VII: The Psychology of Theocracy
- 7.1. Nyahbinghi and Prayer Rituals
- 7.1.1. House of the Order of Nyahbinghi
- 7.1.2. Nyahbinghi and Rastafarians
- 7.2. The Grounation Day
- 7.3. The Ecumenist Crisis
- 7.4. The Shearing of Locks
- 7.5. Elder Systems and Theocracy Power
- 7.5.1. Hymn: Jump Nyahbinghi
- 7.5.2. Hymn: Key Man Wins the Fight
- 7.5.3. Hymn: I. N. R. I.
- Chapter VIII: The Impact of Slavery
- 8.1. The Case of Bustamante
- 8.2. Blackman Deceived
- 8.3. Forgotten People and a Lost Culture
- 8.4. Repatriation is a Must
- 8.4.1. Back-to-Africa Mission
- 8.4.2. Repatriation Shall Be a Reality
- 8.4.3. African Redemption
- Chapter IX: Self-Marginalization and Confusion
- 9.1. The Coptic Deity
- 9.2. Mount Zion Church
- 9.3. The Zion Coptic Church
- 9.4. Rastafari's Holy Trinity
- 9.5. On the Coming of the Son
- 9.6. Church of the Foursquare Gospel Convention
- 9.7. Final Days of Tribulation
- 9.8. Coptic for Liberation
- Chapter X: Eucharist, Drug and Conflicts
- 10.1. The Use of Marijuana as an Incense
- 10.1.1. The Iranian Scythians and the Semitic Kanbos
- 10.1.2. The Use of Incense in Old Testament
- 10.2. The Symbolism of Fire in the Ancient World
- 10.3. Marijuana as the Christian Sacrament
- 10.3.1. Behold, I Have Given You Every Herb
- 10.3.2. In the Cloud of Smoking Incense
- 10.3.3. Enlargement of Consciousness
- 10.3.4. Eucharist is Associated with the Smoke
- 10.3.5. Spirit and Matter are Inseparable
- 10.4. Marijuana is the Weed of Wisdom
- 10.5. It Increases Self-Confidence
- 10.6. Marijuana in India
- 10.7. Marijuana Use in Iran, Egypt, China, Japan
- 10.8. In Europe, Africa and the New World
- Chapter XI: Marijuana and the Law
- 11.1. The Ganja Man in the U.S.
- 11.2. Legalize It
- 11.3. Ganja Man and the Politics
- 11.4. Rasta, Marijuana and Prison
- 11.5. Antigua Rastas Challenge Ganja Laws
- 11.6. Marijuana and the Jamaican Law
- 11.7. Ganja - Jamaica's Economic Hope?
- 11.8. Cognition and Long-Term Use of Ganja
- Chapter XII: Dreadlocks
- 12.1. Hair in Theory
- 12.2. How to Be a Dread Naturally
- 12.3. Wax and Dread
- 12.4. Thick and Thin Locks
- 12.5. Dread and the Community
- 12.6. Bobo-Gongo-Dread
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to explore the Rastafarian movement, examining its historical development, core beliefs, and the social and psychological conflicts inherent within it. It delves into the complexities of Rastafarian theology, the influence of key figures like Marcus Garvey, and the movement's evolving relationship with various ideologies and societal pressures.
- The historical formation and evolution of the Rastafarian movement.
- The complex interplay between Rastafarian spirituality and social/political realities.
- The role of key figures and ideologies in shaping Rastafarian thought.
- Internal conflicts and differing theological interpretations within the movement.
- The impact of social and legal pressures on Rastafarian practices and beliefs.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter I: The Formative Years: This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the Rastafarian movement by exploring its origins. It examines the emergence of Rastafarianism, highlighting important scriptures and key figures, and detailing the organizational structures that formed. Crucially, it focuses on the significant role of Marcus Garvey and his influence on the movement's early development, emphasizing his impact through the UNIA and his promotion of Black nationalism. The contribution of Leonard P. Howell is also explored as a significant precursor to later Rastafarian development.
Chapter II: The Dynamics of the Movement: This chapter delves into the ideological underpinnings of the Rastafarian movement, particularly Garveyism. It examines Garvey's doctrine of success, his engagement with New Thought philosophies, and the unexpected influence of Victorian literature and sensibilities. The chapter also explores the themes of African fundamentalism and the yearning for an ideal state, drawing parallels with classical thinkers like Plato, while simultaneously exploring the impacts of political corruption and the attempts at racial education within the movement.
Chapter III: Conflicting Ideologies: This chapter analyzes the conflicting ideologies that intersected with and impacted the Rastafarian movement. It addresses the complex and at times controversial relationship between Garveyism and Zionism, highlighting Garvey's admiration for certain aspects of fascism. The chapter critically examines Garvey's anti-Semitic beliefs and his changing relationships with Haile Selassie, revealing internal tensions and contradictions within the movement’s early development and its ideological foundations.
Chapter IV: Spirituality, Meditation and Diet: This chapter explores the spiritual practices and lifestyle choices central to Rastafarianism. It examines the importance of mysticism, the concept of the utopian city, and the diverse influences from Hinduism and other traditions. A major focus is the significance of "Ital" food and its connection to spirituality, reflecting a lifestyle emphasizing purity, meditation, and a deep connection with nature and Jah.
Chapter V: Conflicting Theology: This chapter delves into the diverse and sometimes conflicting theological interpretations within the Rastafarian movement. It explores the concept of the Black Jesus and the different doctrines that emerged, examining how these ideas relate to and sometimes contradict traditional Christian theology. The chapter details the varying interpretations surrounding Haile Selassie’s role as the returned Messiah and the search for a unifying Rastafarian theology, discussing various factions and their unique interpretations.
Chapter VI: The Psychological Distortion: This chapter shifts to examine the psychological aspects of Rastafarianism, focusing on mysticism, prayer, and the experience of "stepping out of Babylon." It explores the role of miracle stories, visions, and the belief in Jah's eventual intervention (Jah Revang) as key elements in the psychology of the believers.
Chapter VII: The Psychology of Theocracy: This chapter continues the examination of the psychological aspects of Rastafarianism, focusing on the concept of divine government and faith. It investigates the rituals and practices of the Nyahbinghi order and the importance of the "Grounation Day." The chapter analyzes the dynamics of elder systems and theocracy within the movement, illustrating the power structures that shape the community.
Chapter VIII: The Impact of Slavery: This chapter investigates the lasting effects of slavery on Rastafarian identity and aspirations. It explores the early struggles faced by Rastafarians, examines the perceived deception of Black people, and highlights the significance of the desire for repatriation to Africa and the ongoing yearning for African redemption.
Chapter IX: Self-Marginalization and Confusion: This chapter delves into the internal complexities and challenges within the Rastafarian community. It explores various branches and their different theological interpretations, illustrating the confusion and self-marginalization resulting from internal divisions and struggles for ideological supremacy.
Chapter X: Eucharist, Drug and Conflicts: This chapter examines the role of marijuana within Rastafarian religious practices, exploring its symbolism, historical usage, and perceived spiritual significance. It connects the use of marijuana to ancient religious rituals and explores its association with the Eucharist, considering both its spiritual implications and potential societal conflicts stemming from its use.
Chapter XI: Marijuana and the Law: This chapter analyzes the legal battles and conflicts surrounding the use of marijuana by Rastafarians. It examines the varying legal stances in different countries and the political implications of the ganja laws, exploring the arguments for legalization and the impact of these laws on the Rastafarian community.
Chapter XII: Dreadlocks: This chapter focuses on the significance of dreadlocks within Rastafarian culture, exploring their symbolic meaning and practical aspects. It details the different styles, techniques, and the community aspects related to wearing dreadlocks. It shows how dreadlocks symbolize identity and connection within the Rastafarian community.
Keywords
Rastafarianism, Marcus Garvey, Haile Selassie, Pan-Africanism, Black Nationalism, Spirituality, Theology, Ital, Marijuana, Dreadlocks, Repatriation, Mysticism, Theocracy, Social Conflict, Psychological Impact, Conflicting Ideologies.
Rastafarian Movement: A Comprehensive Overview - FAQ
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a text exploring the Rastafarian movement. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, offering a structured overview of the subject matter for academic analysis.
What topics are covered in the "Formative Years" chapter?
Chapter I covers the origins of the Rastafarian movement, focusing on important scriptures and books, key figures, organizational structures, the rise of Marcus Garvey, and Leonard P. Howell's contribution. It also details Garvey's activities in Harlem, including the creation of the UNIA and the Black Star Line, and his promotion of Black Nationalism.
What does Chapter II discuss regarding the movement's dynamics?
Chapter II delves into the ideological foundations, exploring Garvey's doctrine of success, New Thought influences, and the surprising impact of Victorian literature. It further examines African fundamentalism, the ideal state concept (comparing it to Plato's ideas), political corruption, racial education attempts within the movement, and Garvey's course in African philosophy.
What conflicting ideologies are examined in Chapter III?
Chapter III analyzes conflicting ideologies within the Rastafarian movement, focusing on the relationship between Garveyism and Zionism, Garvey's admiration for aspects of Fascism, his anti-Semitic beliefs, and his evolving relationship with Haile Selassie, revealing internal tensions and contradictions.
What aspects of Rastafarian spirituality and lifestyle are addressed in Chapter IV?
Chapter IV explores Rastafarian spirituality, including mysticism, the utopian city concept ("Bull Bay"), influences from Hinduism and other traditions, and the significance of "Ital" food (vegetarian diet) and its connection to spiritual purity and meditation.
How does Chapter V address conflicting theological interpretations?
Chapter V examines diverse theological interpretations within Rastafarianism, including the concept of the Black Jesus, varying doctrines (and their relation to traditional Christian theology), different perspectives on Haile Selassie's role as the returned Messiah, and the search for a unified Rastafarian theology, including discussions of various factions and their unique beliefs.
What psychological aspects are explored in Chapters VI and VII?
Chapters VI and VII analyze the psychological aspects of Rastafarianism. Chapter VI focuses on mysticism, prayer, miracle stories, visions, and the belief in Jah's intervention ("Jah Revang"). Chapter VII examines the psychology of theocracy, focusing on Nyahbinghi rituals, "Grounation Day," the dynamics of elder systems, and the power structures within the movement.
What is the focus of Chapter VIII?
Chapter VIII investigates the lasting impact of slavery on Rastafarian identity and aspirations, including early struggles, perceived deceptions, the desire for repatriation to Africa, and the yearning for African redemption.
What internal complexities are discussed in Chapter IX?
Chapter IX explores internal divisions and challenges within the Rastafarian community, highlighting the confusion and self-marginalization resulting from differing theological interpretations and struggles for ideological dominance among various branches.
How does Chapter X address the role of marijuana?
Chapter X examines the use of marijuana in Rastafarian religious practices, exploring its symbolism, historical use, spiritual significance, connection to ancient rituals, its association with the Eucharist, and potential societal conflicts.
What legal issues are examined in Chapter XI?
Chapter XI analyzes legal battles and conflicts surrounding marijuana use among Rastafarians, comparing different legal stances across various countries, discussing the political implications of ganja laws, and exploring arguments for legalization and its impact on the Rastafarian community.
What is the subject of Chapter XII?
Chapter XII focuses on the significance of dreadlocks in Rastafarian culture, exploring their symbolic meaning, different styles and techniques, and their role in community identity.
What are the key themes of the entire text?
Key themes include the historical development and evolution of Rastafarianism, the interplay between Rastafarian spirituality and socio-political realities, the influence of key figures and ideologies, internal conflicts and theological interpretations, and the impact of social and legal pressures on Rastafarian practices and beliefs.
What keywords best describe the text's content?
Keywords include Rastafarianism, Marcus Garvey, Haile Selassie, Pan-Africanism, Black Nationalism, Spirituality, Theology, Ital, Marijuana, Dreadlocks, Repatriation, Mysticism, Theocracy, Social Conflict, Psychological Impact, and Conflicting Ideologies.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Professor. Dr. Girma Yohannes Iyassu Menelik (Autor:in), 2009, Rastafarians. A Movement Tied with a Social and Psychological Conflict, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/135970
