I remember being a 13-year old acolyte. Only a few weeks earlier I was confirmed and was now being asked to teach catechism. I refused because within my soul things were not at peace and it appeared that everyone around me was being blindly led. I had questions that no one would answer, and through my 13-year-old eyes, it seemed like no one was interested in helping me discover the answers.
Who am I? What does it mean to be Black, and poor? And why are all the priests White, and Jesus and the Saints and everything associated with goodness? Where were the successful Blacks in history?
As a young teenager, I felt confused and frustrated. This curiosity led me to discover Rastafari and the Rastafarian Movement. I spent hours reading and speaking with elders like the late Mr. Blow and bredren Ras Julie. During this formative period of my life, I am very fortunate to have been nurtured by Rastafari. I learned about my Blackness, to truly love myself for who I am. Instead of European history, I learned about our Black history and about successful Black leaders. I learned to value myself as a woman. I learned to value the earth, to value health through how I eat. I learned to value community, especially those who were less fortunate than me.
Too often, this subset of our population is under appreciated and under recognized. Or simply, just misunderstood. When I refer to Rastafarianism, I am not referring to young idle men with dreads smoking marijuana or involved in drug trafficking that is often the image of this Movement because there is indeed a difference.
The Movement, born in Jamaica in the 1930s is built on love, on the reverence of God, on humility, on the importance of knowing our identity as the Black race and on community. There is a strong emphasis on a simple holistic approach to life especially with regards to the way we eat to prevent illness thereby promoting longevity. Additionally, there is great respect for the earth, with a goal to protect our natural habitat.
Now, almost 20 years later, I am an emergency medicine physician who has committed my career to serving the poor. I travel the world and meet with people from different cultures, races, religions, socioeconomic statuses. Sitting and reflecting on where I came from and where I am today I realize that some of the most powerful influences in my life were the values I learnt as a Rastafarian youth.
Influences that continue to shape me and the work that I do. At a time when it seems like many of our young people are wandering without direction, I am writing to say let us not underestimate the teaching of Rastafari. The teachings of deep values on which this community is built and the far-reaching impact it may have on the youth.
Blessed Rastafari Love…..Peace be in the Hearts of I and I,so that Prosperity Bless All of I and I endeavours….A People without a knowledge of their Roots can be easily misled…Quedamawi Girmawi Haile I Selassie I is the Living Incarnation of a Wise Mind…the whole Foundation of Christianity is Rooted in the Solomonic Dynasty….Emperor Haile I Selassie I is the Living Testimony of the Christ Consciousness and I bear Witness to H.I.M. DIVINITY….Give thanks that there are still Ones and Ones who have kept the Fire Burning…it is therefore incumbent upon I and I to conceptualise a Curriculum of Rastafari Studies,which would incorporate African History, Herbal Medecine, Organic Farming, Agro-Processing and Ital Livity…once this is set,it is just a matter of implementation…it is I and I who must fullfill the prophecy and become the head cornerstone…Love foriver in I and I Hearts
Life is a growing and learning process. We are born as babies, grow up to be older children and then adulthood.
There is only so much we can grasp at a young age. You wanted to know too much, too soon and grow up before your time. You did not settle for being a patient thirteen year-old and bide your time that as you grow older you will learn more. Therefore, at thirteen you sought out a group to ask questions, believed them and joined them.
I am not impressed one bit by your charade of exaltation for Rastafarian. Exalting it? So what? What is there to be derived from it? Just whom are you trying to impress? Do you think by that you will impress some people/children and cause them to join this movement, which is what it is?
What do you mean no one was interested in discovering the answers? Who did you ask?
Were you willing to listen and heed? You were too busy with your confused thoughts which Satan placed in your head and blocked you from listening.
Or are you the one too busy with your confused imported thoughts and beliefs.
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
At thirteen years you had not yet grown up as an adult. You thought you were correct in wanting all the answers. You had already become disobedient and stubborn to the teachings of The One and Only True God, through his Catholic Church; including your parents.
Your little brains did not know there are some things which cannot be explained, are a mystery and in time they will be revealed to you. You could not wait but took the easy path of life, a short-cut and to follow it which you did. The easy path is not always the best path. This is the problem with some people.
In the meantime some people of the world have become worst. Note the crimes and murders and legislated immoralities which some practice.
What has the Rastafarian teaching done for the world, plans to do and to make the world a better place to live?
It surely is not comprised of smoking ganja and saying it is their religion. Due to that the world will go to pot. It is bad enough already.
Rastafarian born in Jamaica in 1930.
Our Lord Jesus Christ born over 2,000 years ago. He came to teach peace on earth and to build His Church that all people might worship in it, as one, obey The Ten Commandments of God the Father as given to Moses and obey His teachings as contained in the Holy Bible. A few of his teachings are, The Beatitudes, love for God and love for one another. The Beatitudes is broken down into the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
The Rastafarian views suit them, those who will seek them out, listen to them, adopt their teachings, their so-called values and join their movement which is what the latter is but it is only temporary, not lasting forever and ever.
It will give them permission to smoke ganja as they claim it is their religion and customs.
Where you came from? Where you are today. What about where you are going and will be for all eternity?
At this point in your life, I feel sorry for people as you.
What future is there for those who are Rastafarians, on earth and hereafter? There is nothing in they teaching you who you are and about your blackness. Some of us comprehend why people are of different color and did not question it, not as a thirteen year old. As adults Christians should comprehend the reason.
Rastafarian is based on Haille Selassie who made himself a self-proclaimed god and placed himself on a pedestal, greater than thou attitude. The Ethiopians were subject to him and revered him.
Reject Jesus Christ and his teachings, you reject eternal life and to be happy with Him, who is God, for all eternity.
Being a Rastafarian will not get you to Heaven. You should ask yourself where is the soul of Haile Selassie of all?
You have already taken your pick and from a young age. You made up your mind and exalt Rastafarian rather than God who created human beings. It will not accord you peace of heart and mind on earth. It will not get you to Heaven.
Only faith in Jesus Christ will get you into heaven.
Only believing , trusting, and depending on HIS shed BLOOD (alone) to put your sins away will take you into HIS presence when life on earth is over.
The Word of God (the Bible) clearly says “… … Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, …” (Acts 16:31)
GOD SAID IT
I BELIEVE IT
THAT SETTLES IT
It is written “… the blood of Jesus Christ (God’s) Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
“For neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
@ Chakademus
EmperorSelassie I himself stated that he was not God nor Jesus Christ….however he sat on the Throne of King David…the ONLY MAN within the age of televisions, radios, telephones, planes, atomic/nuclear/biological weapons of mass destruction to be able to wear that biblical title !!!
It is written in the book of Solomon that he had a dream where the sun NO LONGER rose from Israel but instead over the land of the Cushites {Ethiopia WHICH WAS Africa} where Queen Sheba ruled because why??? he new he had impregnated her with his son……{Menelik} who brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia and is the MAIN REASON why Ethiopia was never conquered by foreign powers just as the Israelites were never defeated in war as long as the ark of the covenant was with them.
We have a GREAT and INCREDIBLE history…..we BLACKS
@ Aziza-Tamara…..i remember you when i first discovered Black empowerment…..it’s a blessing to see this tonight lil’ sister…….More LOVE…
@ Chakademus
EmperorSelassie I himself stated that he was not God nor Jesus Christ….however he sat on the Throne of King David…the ONLY MAN within the age of televisions, radios, telephones, planes, atomic/nuclear/biological weapons of mass destruction to be able to wear that biblical title !!!
It is written in the book of Solomon that he had a dream where the sun NO LONGER rose from Israel but instead over the land of the Cushites {Ethiopia WHICH WAS Africa} where Queen Sheba ruled because why??? he new he had impregnated her with his son……{Menelik} who brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia and is the MAIN REASON why Ethiopia was never conquered by foreign powers just as the Israelites were never defeated in war as long as the ark of the covenant was with them.
We have a GREAT and INCREDIBLE history…..we BLACKS
@ Aziza…..i remember you when i first discovered Black empowerment…..it’s a blessing to see this tonight lil’ sister…….More LOVE ‘n LIGHT!
The RasrFari movement is a brilliant religion, though like all of the westernized and Arabic religions seriously flawed for different reasons. Being based on a person lineage(King) and not on deeds or teachings is the serious flaw for the RastaFari.
The Religions based on the Prophets (Moses, Jesus & Mohamed: who were working/middle class people) are serious flawed on many levels. They promise an Afterlife for followers which has been used primarily to subjugate people or encourage terrorism in many forms (Soft and Hard) when in fact such a device/trick/greed is not required as the Afterlife (human reincarnation) is all around us through your children and family.
Religions are required, and provide teachings/solutions on how societies/groups should behave. People have the options to chose what best suit them and RastaFari is one of those options. No religion is correct if the basis is on a false promise against the evidence (photographic & human testament). I am my…
The Apostle Paul made one of the most profound statements ever made in the first century A.D.
“…henceforth know we no man after the flesh: …” ( 2 Corinthians 5: 16)
He was speaking to people who had converted to Christ. They had been born again by the Holy Spirit into the family of God as Jesus said we must be in John 3:3 which says “…Truly, truly, I say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
This is true of “born again Christians. “We know no man after the flesh.” This means we no longer relate to people “after the flesh”. Why do you fret an fuss about the color of your skin? Who your ancestors are?
Where your roots are? What your history is? Do you not realize it is this kind of mentality that produces
racism?
When you acknowledge that you are a lost sinner and you receive Christ as your Savior you are “born again” and become a new person! Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. You are now equal to all and inferior to none!
I refuse to know (relate to) anybody “after the flesh”. All that matters is are you still in your sins LOST on your way to hell OR are you saved on your way to heaven
Apart from this the color of your skin means nothing. Nor does your ancestry or your roots. I care not about your education or how much money you have.
The question is “Have you been born again?”
I don’t care what church you belong to,
If for CALARY you stand.
Then you’re my brother, you’re my sister,
Come give to me your hand!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
There is only one true and living God. He has said through His prophet Isaiah:
“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his Redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. (Isaiah 44:6)
There is only one Savior and that is Jesus Christ.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
“Jesus said … I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Christ can only save us by the merits of His shed blood and death on our behalf. That was the final, complete, and perfect sacrifice for our sins.
“… … without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22)
“… this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:12)
No amount of kind deeds and good works will save us. We must trust Christ and Him alone.
Continuation:
We cannot save ourselves by our own good works regardless of how kind and charitable they are.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9)
The Bible says “… Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, …” (Acts 16:31)
We must trust Christ – and Christ alone – and what He did for us on the cross to put our sins away.
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist. (Just a teller of good news.)
in continuation,,,” thus fulfilling a prophecy that Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hand unto god”and so we have Selassie I HIM elect of god”i highly favored blessing which Yahweh gave to our people,be blessed black people,,,as for the whiteness and whitewashed which you described are evidents of mockery,they are using our culture and our god to make fun of us,,used it to keep our people enslaved,because our people fell from grace,the elect of the almighty Yahweh established the OAS but still our leaders fell for the deculturalization, money, and absolute corrupted power, on to this day,africa still has not found who she really is,even with the knowledge that the garden of eden is in Africa the birth place of mankind and the black race,,there are those among our people that will denounce ras teferi because they think iyesus christos is of the super natural and not a demi god,half man,half god,but read in revelations,in his own words,i am the root of david,the bright and morning…
i wrote this to follow my first writing,but some how the posting got mixed up
Our Lord Jesus Christ was, is, and will always be God the Son.
Without ceasing to be God He became man and may rightly be called the God-Man.
He accepted upon Himself the guilt for all our sins. He suffered, bled, and died for our sins so we can be forgiven and receive eternal life.
God the Father raised Christ from the dead to show He had accepted the sacrifice of His Son’s death as the payment in full for our sins.
We cannot do one thing to save ourselves. Read Ephesians 2:8,9
We only need to BELIEVE in Christ – believe this gospel that is defined for us in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, and Romans 1:16, and RECEIVE Christ as our Personal Savior! Read John 1:10-12, and Revelation 3:20, with 1 John 5:11,12.
Christ prophesied His own death by crucifixion and said He would rise again on the third day. When He stepped out of that tomb He validated all His claimed. No other great world religion has such a founder
or leader.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
i have read and noted that you had not gone to depth on the explanation of the concept,which is rastafari or should I say(ras teferi) the wording,but it’s all good,it’s only an innocent misconception, we are all truth seekers, based on what I have learnt, fas teferi or duke or Selassie I is a direct descendent of menelech, iyesus christos,solomon and david,gods elects to sit on his earthly throne,which as it is said in his prayer,(as it is in heaven”so shall it be in the earth) but as we all know with the exception of iyesus the devils soldiers,the romans that is”and the power hungry Pharisees chose to hang him instead,thus making that period in the worlds ancient history”void of gods earthly kingdom,iyesus was killed trying to reestablish the throne of david,which was suppose to be an everlasting covenant with david and humankind,but the blessings Yahweh could not be suppressed,”blessed be his holy works”he caused bloodline to stretch from yishrael to Ethiopia,,,,,
Rastas never hurt anyone. Their drug habit was annoying, but apart from that, pretty harmless folk!
Why cant u remember all the wicked acts they committed in the 70’s to the 90’s, they were so wicked that they made so many people leave their gardens, telling the farmers that they can take and do not come back. What u call this?
Within every group, you can find “wicked acts”. Just think about all the violence that Christians have engaged in in the name of the Lord.
Hi, I respect your views but just want to add some better information to keep you more informed.
The only one who can save you is The Almighty Yahweh . You can Gain the Whole World , meet many men of valour but that is nothing compared to eterna Salvation through the Shed blood of Messiah yahshua.
We are not Discriminating but we MUST declare the truth that was hidden from us too long ago.
The savior of the world Yahshua was never a European. He is from the tribe of Judah. that white Jesus were given to our Ancestors to worship when they were sold to the Europeans from Africa to forget Yahweh and our identity.
Deuteronomy Chapter 28 tells us all about it. This is what the pastors of the churches Don,t Teach. WE are the part of the 10 lost Tribes and the the tribe of juda.
Upon reading this chapter , ask yourself this question, who are these people that this has ever happened too?in verse 48, the yoke of iron was placed on the neck of whom?the Israelite s from Africa.
Shalom
Some of the most sincere, thoughtful people I’ve ever met are Rastas. I may not agree with them on everything, but I respect them.
I agree with you Steve but what real, contribution do they make to our economy. Every year they accept a handout from Roosevelt Skerrit, why if they are supposed to be self sufficient?
Are their votes for sale too? That would be a big shame and a blot on the movement.
Real Positive Vibes
RastaFari Sufficient…..
Interesting. Now would you address the deification of the late emperor Selassie, who by the way was a follower of Jesus? I notice this was completely left out. Holistic living and culture are wonderful things that we should all cherish, but the theology of Rasta is one aspect that sadly casts a huge negative light on it, and makes it impossible for a right thinking, conscientious person to follow.
The problem with some people of the world, there are too many different religious beliefs which they have formed throughout the ages. This will continue until the end of time or, if sooner, until God puts an end to them.
Selassie as some others who turned non-Christians, was once a follower of Jesus Christ until he took control of the Ethiopians as a dictator and oppressor, no different from a non-democratic and communist country. Once they succeeded, they let it go to their heads that they are gods. None can save their people.
I have considered countries which are non-Christians are not peaceful ones. Think of those in the Middle East and Asian countries.
If you know Ethiopians or are familiar with them, you will note their features that, they all resemble each other. This is the only country that its people look alike, as if they are related to each other. Why? Because it is said Selassie allowed them to have relations with one another.
Basically everything you wrote here was factually wrong. Selassie introduced democratic and educational reforms. Not only was he not a communist but he was actually killed by communists. He didn’t claim to be a god, others said that about him. You think non-Christian countries aren’t peaceful while the supposedly Christian U.S. rampages all over the globe. And you think all Ethiopians look more alike than people in any other society? Wow.