FUNDAMENTALS: THE RASTAFARIAN LIFESTYLE Essay -- essays papers

FUNDAMENTALS THE RASTAFARIAN LIFESTYLEThe Rastafarian religion is unique in having few set beliefs to follow or doctrines to live by. Its African origins teach unity and love among all. There is no unified Rasta church, but it does however clutches certain philosophies sacred and a number of principles true. People who believe that Selassie is divine or of divine nature are called Rastafarians. The religion is about justice and liberty of the Black race. It was born from the pains of oppression (Erskine, pg 161, 1998). The messages speaks of freedom from physical and mental slaveries of all kinds. The Rasta philosophy opposes violence, and practices a more peaceful means of resistance. The first licence of Rastafarians in Jamaica date back to 1930 (Nicholas, pg 25, 1996). The community generally holds some truths evident, but beliefs may vary. But all are united that Haile Selassie was divine. They believe that he was the animation God, returned. He was Ethiopias emperor, but was considered a holy prophet by many more (Baptist, 1997). There was also a strong movement to renew African culture in ones everyday life. Fundamental Ideas Rastafarians must explore the different ideals presented to them by communicating with Jah, their God, and through careful examination of the Bible. By living a natural life and giving praise to Jah through every deed are key methods to living an eternal life (Nicholas, pg 31, 1996). Through meditation the pursuit arrive at the truths, and begin to come to understanding what has been left out of the Christian Bible. The Bible gives a representation of the past and future, but can rightfully only be understood within oneself. The idea of personal experience and being guided by Jah shows the Rastafa... ...1998.Garvey, Marcus. African Fundamentalism. Jamaica1966. Mighty_dreadlineone.net, Beginners Rastafari Page, universal resource locator http//website.lineone.net/mighty_dread/ 4/13/00.Napti, Jamaicans of Ethiopian Origin and th e Rastafarian Faith, 2/95, URL http//www.zhurnal.ru/music/rasta/napti.htm, 4/13/00.Nicholas, Tracy. Rastafari A way of life. Chicago Research Associates School Times Publications, 1996.Nolan, P. Rastafarians and Ganga, 2/98, URLhttp//www.uclan.ac.uk/facs/health/socwork/swonweb/journal/issue1/nolan.htm, 4/13/00.Rasjoshiaol.com, Dreadlocks, URL http//members.xoom.com/_XMCM/MindfulJD,K/index.htm, 4/13/00.Rastafari Selassie Center Homepage, URL http//nettilinja.saunalahti.fi/hsaarist/, 4/13/00.Simpson, George. (1985) Religion and Justice Some Reflections on the Rastafari Movement. (Vol. 46) New York Phylon.