Who wrote the Rastafarian Bible?

There isn't one single "Rastafarian Bible," but key texts include The Holy Piby (the "Black Man's Bible") by Robert Athlyi Rogers and the Ethiopian Christian text, the Kebra Nagast, both foundational to Rastafari beliefs alongside the traditional King James Bible, often with additions or interpretations referencing Emperor Haile Selassie I.

Which Bible does Rastafarian use?

Rastafarians primarily use the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, viewing it as foundational but corrupted, and often use special editions like the Rastafari Holy Bible (King Selassie Version) which restores the name "Jah" and adds Ethiopian texts like the Kebra Nagast, Books of Enoch, and Jubilees, interpreting it cryptically to reveal Black history and destiny. They believe the Bible was mistranslated to hide its true meaning, focusing on Old Testament prophecies about Ethiopia (Africa) and Haile Selassie I as the Messiah. 

Do Rastafari believe Jesus is God?

Yes, Rastafarians believe Jesus is God incarnate, part of the triune God "Jah," but they emphasize his Black identity and see his teachings as corrupted by "Babylon" (Western society). They also believe Haile Selassie I, the Ethiopian Emperor, is the second coming of Christ, a manifestation of Jah in human form, fulfilling biblical prophecy.
 

Why do Rastafari call God Jah?

Rastafarians call God "Jah" because it's a shortened, poetic form of Jehovah/Yahweh, the sacred covenant name for God in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), famously appearing in Psalm 68:4 ("Extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH"). Rastas see Jah as the singular, immanent God, often linked to Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, who they may view as God incarnate or a powerful prophet, emphasizing Jah's presence within everyone, and using "Jah" as a powerful expression of praise and connection to the divine. 

Why do Rastafarians believe Haile Selassie is Jesus?

Haile Selassie and the Rastafarians

Their faith, rooted in Christianity, with Old Testament and apocalyptic references and permeated by a 'black messianic mysticism', teaches the divinity of Haile Selassie, whose coronation is considered to be the promised return of Jesus Christ as announced in the Bible.

What is the Rastafarian Religion?

What do Rastas call their wives?

The husband was called 'king-man'. Women were called 'daughters' or 'sistren' or 'queens'. There has, however, been historical variation in the roles of women in Rastafari. At first, women were active in the early groups as they were in contemporaneous Revival movements.

What do Rastas say before smoking?

The use of marijuana is a highly ritualised act, and before it is used a prayer is uttered by all: Glory be to the father and to the maker of creation. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be World without end: Jah Rastafari: Eternal God Selassie I.

Can you be a white rastafarian?

Since the days of Marcus Garvey's “Back to Africa” movement, Rastafari has grown, changed and spread. 50 years ago, the notion of white Rastafarians may have seemed far-fetched, but now it is commonplace.

What are three beliefs of the Rastafari?

Rastafarian beliefs

• Haile Selassie I is the Living God.
• The Black person is the reincarnation of ancient Israel, who, at the hand of the White person, has been in exile in Jamaica.
• The White person is inferior to the Black person.
• Jamaica is hell; Ethiopia is heaven.

What religion is closest to Rastafarian?

The group was formed in 1968 by Vernon Carrington, who was known to the organisation as "Prophet Gad". The twelve tribes have been described as the Rastafari mansion closest in beliefs to Christianity or Messianic Judaism.

Do Rasta celebrate Christmas?

Yes, many Rastafarians celebrate Christmas, but on January 7th (Ethiopian Christmas), focusing on the divinity of Haile Selassie I and Black liberation rather than Western consumerism, often with drumming, chanting, vegetarian feasts, and reasoning sessions. Some Rastas reject the commercialized Western holiday, viewing it as pagan, while others honor the spiritual significance of divine kingship and unity.
 

What is Zion in Rastafarianism?

In Rastafarianism, Zion symbolizes a utopian homeland, primarily Africa (specifically Ethiopia), representing spiritual and physical liberation, unity, and a return to ancestral roots, contrasting with "Babylon" (the oppressive, materialistic Western world). It's both a spiritual state of divine connection and a literal, promised land for Black people to reclaim their identity and destiny, manifesting as peace, freedom, and the unity of man and God. 

Is Rastafari a true religion?

Yes, Rastafarianism is a real and legitimate religion, a modern spiritual movement that began in Jamaica in the 1930s, combining elements of Christianity with Pan-Africanism, focusing on the divinity of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I (whom they see as Christ) and emphasizing natural living, unity, and Black empowerment, though some adherents prefer to see it as a "way of life" rather than a traditional organized religion. 

What does the Bible say about Rasta hair?

The bible talks about dreadlocks too: Numbers 6:5 “All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long.

Do Jews take Genesis literally?

But, as Steven Katz notes…, "In Jewish religious thought Genesis is not regarded as meant for a literal reading, and Jewish tradition has not usually read it so." In fact, as we shall argue below, even the compilers of the Bible do not seem to have been concerned with a literal reading of the text.

What is pum pum in Jamaican?

In Jamaican Patois, "pum pum" (or "pum-pum") is a slang term referring to the female genitalia (vulva), used playfully, in dancehall music, and as a common part of Caribbean vocabulary for anatomy. It can also sometimes relate to something round or swollen, but its primary slang meaning is anatomical.
 

What language do Rastas speak?

Iyaric is the self-applied term for Rastafari language. It is formed by a combination of Iya (higher) and Amharic, the language spoken by Haile Selassie I. Other terms for Iyaric include I-talk, Livalect, and Wordsound.

What does deh yah mean?

"Deh yah" (or "mi deh yah") is a common Jamaican Patois phrase meaning "I am here," used literally for presence, but also as a friendly response to "How are you?" meaning "I'm good," "Everything's okay," or "Not much happening". It's a versatile expression of being present, available, and generally doing fine.
 

Can Rastas have multiple wives?

As it existed in Jamaica, Rastafari did not promote monogamy. Though it is not especially common, Rasta men are permitted to engage in polygamy, while women are expected to reserve their sexual activity for one male partner. Common-law marriage is the norm, although many Rastas are legally married.

Can Rastas get tattoos?

No, strictly speaking, traditional Rastafari beliefs discourage tattoos as the body is considered a sacred temple, but many modern adherents and cultural followers get them, often incorporating Rasta symbols like the Lion of Judah, colors, or Bob Marley to express identity or appreciation, even while some elders might view them as "Mark of the Beast" or against natural living principles.
 

What are Rastafarians not allowed to do?

Rastafari are not allowed to consume alcohol, milk, coffee, salt, animal oil, cigarettes, heroin, or cocaine.

Why don't Rastas go to funerals?

Rastafarians believe that reincarnation follows death, and that life is eternal. Rastas have traditionally avoided death and funerals as part of the Ital lifestyle, meaning that many were given Christian funerals by their relatives.

What is livity in Rastafarianism?

Rastafari livity means to tolerate and to live side by side with those of other faiths no matter which race, no matter which class. The purpose of Haile Selassie is to see that we become one in unity and love …

What is the Rastafarian hand signal?

The main Rasta hand sign is the diamond shape, formed by pointing index fingers and thumbs to create two triangles (up and down), representing the divine on Earth and unity with Jah (God), often linked to Emperor Haile Selassie I and the Seal of Solomon, symbolizing oneness with the divine and spiritual aspiration. It's used in prayer, meditation, and to show peace, love, and respect.