The Rastafari movement’s mission is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual, social, political, and cultural goals. At its core, the mission is about liberation, repatriation, and the establishment of an African-centered spiritual and political consciousness.
Here are the key components of the Rastafari mission:
1. Spiritual and Theological Mission
The primary spiritual mission is the recognition of Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, as the living God, or Jah (a shortened form of Jehovah) in his kingly character.
Divine Revelation: To bear witness to the divinity of Haile Selassie I, viewing him as the returned Messiah in the lineage of King David, and the manifestation of divine justice and redemption.
Worship and Livity (Lifestyle): To live a life guided by spiritual principles, often expressed through the Ital (natural) diet, the cultivation of inner peace and righteousness, and the meditative use of cannabis (”ganja” or “the holy herb”) as a sacrament.
Prophetic Fulfillment: To recognize the prophecies laid out in the Bible (particularly the Book of Revelation) and the teachings of figures like Marcus Garvey as being fulfilled through the rise of Haile Selassie I and the movement itself.
2. Physical and Political Mission: Repatriation
A central and foundational goal of Rastafari is the repatriation of the African diaspora back to Africa, specifically to Ethiopia, which is considered the promised land or Zion.
Escape from Babylon: To reject “Babylon”—the corrupt Western sociopolitical system of oppression, capitalism, and colonialism—and its continuing effects (mental and physical slavery).
Return to Zion: To facilitate a physical and spiritual return to the homeland, viewing Africa not just as a geographical location, but as a site of divine freedom and black self-determination.
African Redemption: To aid in the redemption and eventual unity of all African peoples globally.
3. Social and Cultural Mission
Rastafari seeks to overturn the mental and cultural damage inflicted by centuries of slavery and colonialism, establishing a proud and assertive African identity.
Afrocentric Identity: To reclaim a distinct, proud, and royal African heritage, rejecting the Eurocentric standards of beauty, history, and theology that denigrated black people.
Linguistic Reclamation (I-and-I): To reconstruct language to reflect a divine and unified consciousness, notably through the use of I-and-I (emphasizing the equality, unity, and divinity of the individual with Jah) and other “dread talk” linguistic innovations.
Cultural Expression: To use music (especially Reggae and Nyabinghi drumming), art, and style (such as dreadlocks, which are viewed as a Nazirite vow and a lion’s mane) as tools for teaching, resistance, and revolutionary communication.
4. Justice and Righteousness
The Rastafari mission is fundamentally a quest for social justice and the dismantling of systemic oppression.
Equality and Truth: To promote truth, justice, and righteousness in all dealings, standing against poverty, classism, racism, and political corruption.
Universal Love: While focusing on the liberation of African people, the mission ultimately embraces a concept of universal love and acceptance for all who live righteously, viewing Rastafari as a way of life applicable to all humankind.
Peace and Non-Violence: The movement is generally characterized by a desire for peace and non-violent resistance, though it maintains a militant refusal to submit to oppression.
In summary, the Rastafari mission is the liberation of the African diaspora (mental and physical), the recognition of Haile Selassie I as Jah, the establishment of truth and justice in the world, and the eventual return to Africa (Zion).
That’s a great question. Rastafari, often called Rastafarianism, is a fascinating and unique religion and cultural movement that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s.
Here is a breakdown of its core beliefs, history, and defining cultural elements:
1. Core Beliefs and Theology
Rastafari is an Abrahamic new religious movement, but it has significant differences from traditional Christianity. Its theology centers on several key concepts:
A. Haile Selassie I: The Living God (Jah)
The central belief is that Haile Selassie I (born Tafari Makonnen), the former Emperor of Ethiopia, is the returned Messiah and the living manifestation of God on Earth, whom Rastas call “Jah” (a shortened form of Jehovah).
Rastas point to biblical prophecies (from the Book of Revelation) that speak of a conquering lion from the Tribe of Judah, whose lineage traces back to King David and Solomon. Haile Selassie I held the title “King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.”
He is viewed as the God who will lead the faithful (the Rastas) in the redemption of the Black race.
B. Zion and Babylon
Zion: This represents Ethiopia or Africa, the spiritual homeland, and the idealized state of peace, freedom, and divine rule.
Babylon: This refers to the corrupt, oppressive, and racist Western society (especially institutions that historically enslaved Black people, like colonialism and capitalism). Rastas see the modern world as “Babylon,” which must be resisted and eventually destroyed.
C. Black Repatriation and Identity
A major tenet is the belief that displaced Black people (descendants of slaves in the Caribbean and Americas) are the exiled Israelites and that they will eventually return to Africa (Zion).
The movement promotes Black pride and challenges the Eurocentric view of history and beauty, asserting that racial equality and divine recognition must be restored.
D. The Concept of “I and I”
Rastas often use the phrase “I and I” instead of “we.” This is a theological term meaning that God (Jah) is within every individual, emphasizing the unity and equality of all people, and rejecting the separation often implied by using “you and me.”
2. Historical Roots and Prophetic Figures
The movement developed from the socio-economic despair of poor Jamaican communities in the 1930s. It was heavily influenced by one key political figure:
Marcus Garvey (1887–1940): A Jamaican political activist and proponent of Pan-Africanism, Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).
Garvey famously exhorted his followers to “Look to Africa, when a Black King shall be crowned, for the day of deliverance is at hand!”
When Haile Selassie I was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930, many saw this as the fulfillment of Garvey’s prophecy, thereby confirming Selassie as the Messiah. Although Garvey himself never converted to Rastafari, he is considered a prophet by the movement.
3. Cultural Elements and Practices
Rastafari is easily recognizable by several distinct cultural practices:
A. Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are perhaps the most iconic symbol. They are grown naturally as a sign of spiritual commitment and a rejection of “Babylonian” vanity.
They are often associated with the Nazarite Vow (Numbers 6:5) in the Bible, which commands that a person’s hair should not be cut.
The locks are seen as the mane of the “Lion of Judah” and a symbol of African identity.
B. The Reasoning Session and Ganja (Marijuana)
Rastas engage in communal spiritual gatherings known as “Reasoning Sessions” where they discuss religion, life, and the state of the world.
Ganja (Marijuana/Cannabis) is considered a sacred herb (known as the “holy herb,” “wisdom weed,” or “Kush”) used sacramentally to aid meditation, deepen spiritual understanding, and purify the body and mind. It is strictly used for religious purposes and not recreation.
C. The Ital Diet
Many Rastas adhere to a strict dietary regimen called “Ital” (from “vital”). This diet is designed to keep the body pure and vital energy flowing.
It is generally vegetarian or vegan, emphasizes natural food grown locally, restricts the use of salt, chemicals, and preservatives, and forbids alcohol.
D. Reggae Music
Rastafari is inextricably linked to Reggae music. Reggae emerged as the primary vehicle for spreading Rasta messages globally, speaking out against poverty, racism, and injustice (”Babylon”).
The most famous exponent of Rastafari and Reggae was Bob Marley (1945–1981), whose music brought the faith into the international spotlight.
E. Colors
The colors of the Ethiopian flag and the Rastafari movement hold deep symbolic meaning:
Red: The blood of martyrs (those who suffered during slavery and oppression).
Gold/Yellow: The wealth and prosperity of the African homeland.
Green: The lush vegetation, nature, and promised land (Zion).
Black: The color of the African people.
When you hear “Rastafari,” images of dreadlocks, reggae music, and a strong sense of identity often come to mind. But beneath these iconic symbols lies a profound and multifaceted mission – a spiritual, social, and cultural journey that aims to liberate the mind, body, and soul.
Far more than just a spiritual movement, Rastafari is a complete way of life, born out of the struggles of a people, and guided by a deep connection to the divine. So, what exactly is the Rastafarian mission? Let’s dive in.
1. The Quest for Spiritual Liberation and Divine Connection
At the very core of the Rastafarian mission is a deep spiritual awakening and a direct connection with the Almighty, known as Jah. For Rastafari, Jah is not an abstract concept but a living, omnipresent force, manifested in all creation and, significantly, in His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia.
Recognition of Haile Selassie I: Rastafarians believe Haile Selassie I is the living God, the returned Messiah, fulfilling biblical prophecies. His enthronement as “King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of Judah” cemented his divine status in their eyes. The mission here is to acknowledge and worship Jah through Selassie I, embracing the divinity within oneself (”I and I”).
Inner Divinity: The concept of “I and I” emphasizes that Jah resides within every individual. The mission is to recognize this inner divinity, fostering self-respect, love, and unity with all sentient beings.
2. Repatriation and the Overthrow of “Babylon”
Rastafari emerged from the context of slavery and colonialism, giving its mission a strong socio-political thrust.
Liberation from “Babylon”: “Babylon” is the Rastafarian term for the oppressive, corrupt, and materialistic Western system that perpetuates injustice, exploitation, and spiritual degradation. The mission is to resist and eventually overthrow Babylon – not necessarily through physical warfare, but by rejecting its values, systems, and mental enslavement.
Repatriation to Africa (Zion): For many Rastas, the mission includes a literal and spiritual return to Africa, particularly Ethiopia, which they see as the promised land, Zion. This desire for repatriation symbolizes a yearning for ancestral roots, cultural identity, and freedom from the psychological and physical chains of the diaspora. It’s a rejection of the idea that their true home is in the lands of their former oppressors.
3. Living an “Ital” Life: Natural Purity and Wholeness
The Rastafarian mission extends to daily living, emphasizing a natural, pure, and wholesome lifestyle.
Ital Living: “Ital” (derived from “vital”) refers to a way of eating and living that respects the natural order of creation. This often involves a vegetarian or vegan diet, avoiding processed foods, artificial additives, alcohol, and tobacco. The mission is to maintain the body as a temple of Jah, promoting health, vitality, and a deep connection to the earth’s bounty.
Dreadlocks: The growing of dreadlocks is a physical manifestation of this natural living and a covenant with Jah, often see
n as a symbol of strength, rebellion against Babylon, and a commitment to a spiritual path.
4. Spreading Truth, Justice, and “One Love”
The Rastafarian mission is not insular; it carries a universal message.
Advocacy for Justice: Rastafari champions the cause of the oppressed, the poor, and the marginalized. The mission involves speaking truth to power, challenging inequality, and advocating for human rights and social justice globally.
Unity and “One Love”: The iconic phrase “One Love” encapsulates a core aspect of the mission: promoting unity, peace, and brotherhood among all people, regardless of race, creed, or nationality. It’s about overcoming divisions and recognizing the shared humanity and divine spark within everyone.
Reasoning and Education: Through “reasoning” sessions (communal discussions and spiritual reflection), Rastas aim to educate, uplift, and share their understanding of life, history, and prophecy, inspiring others on their spiritual journey.
5. Cultivating Inner Peace and Positive Vibrations
Ultimately, the Rastafarian mission is also a deeply personal one:
Self-Discovery: It’s a journey of continuous self-discovery, learning, and growth, striving to live righteously and in harmony with Jah’s will.
Positive Vibrations: Rastafari encourages the cultivation of positive thoughts, actions, and energy (”positive vibrations”), contributing to personal well-being and radiating love and peace into the world.
A Mission That Continues to Resonate
The Rastafarian mission is a complex, living tapestry woven with threads of deep faith, historical struggle, cultural pride, and universal human aspirations. It’s a call to freedom – from mental chains, physical oppression, and spiritual disconnectedness. It reminds us that seeking truth, living naturally, fighting for justice, and embracing love are not just ideals, but a vital path to liberation for “I and I” and for all humanity.
What aspects of the Rastafarian mission resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!