History Of Rastafarianism

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In the 1920’s and 30’s the Rastafari religion formed in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica. At the time, this area had an environment of great poverty, class discrimination, depression, and racism. The message they wanted to get across was freedom from oppression and it was influenced by African religious traditions. The Bible and the biblical themes have also helped shape the Rastafarian belief system.
The Rastafarian religion has a wide variety of moral and spiritual variation because there isn’t a formal, leadership organization. Some people see Rastafarianism as a way of life, while some just see it as a religion. The Rastafari movement can be known as Ras Tafarians, Rastafarians, Rastas, or Rastafaris. Some followers dislike the term “Rastafarianism” because they deny the “isms and schisms” that represent oppressive and unethical white society. Because of this, the movement is referred to as, “The Rastafari Movement.”
This movement began when Marcus Garvey taught that Africans are the real Israelites, but have been banished to Jamaica as well as other parts of the world as an eternal punishment. Marcus Garvey also led a “Back to Africa” movement and supported black pride. Garvey is said to be a second John the Baptist and prophesied, “Look to Africa, for there a King shall be crowned,” in 1927.
On November 2, 1930 Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned the emperor of Ethiopia. He changed his name at the coronation to Haile Selassie, which means “Might of the Trinity.” Other titles he went by were, “conquering the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, King of the Kings of Ethiopia, and Elect of God.” Distinctive texts for Selassie were Revelation 5:5, Ezekiel 28:25, and Garvey’s prophecy. It was believed by Garvey’s followers that Selassie was...

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...s of Rastafarianism.
There are three main sects of orders of Rastafari religion. They all agree on the principle of the divine status of Haile Selassie with the importance of black images of divinity. Most believers don’t think of this religion in sects, and just believe as the movement as a whole. The three orders are The Nyahbinghi, Bobo Shanti, and The Twelve Tribes of Israel. The Nyahbinghi order was named for the Queen of Uganda. It is the oldest sect and focuses on Selassie and the eventual return to Africa. Bobo Shanti was founded in the 1950’s by Prince Emanuel Charles Edwards. “bobo” means black and “shanti” refers to the Ashanti tribe in Ghana. Bobo Dreads is another name for this order. The Twelve Tribes of Israel was founded by Dr. Bernon Carrington in 1968. It is the most liberal sect and their members are free to worship in a church they they choose.

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