Rastafari is the most famous religious movement of the Caribbean. It has affected the culture and society
of the Caribbean. Our goal is to provide information on Rastafari in Jamaica and to assist in understanding Rastafari. After reading these series of articles, one should be able to differentiate between
the many individuals who are dreadlocked but not a Rastafarian and Rastafari. You should also gain a broader understanding
of the beliefs of Rastafari, its origins and its effects on Jamaica society.
Rastafari, with its mixture of Christianity and Black Messianic Judaism, has been called by many things; a religious cult, a religion, a sect. Please note that Rastafarians do not consider themselves
to be a religion or social/political group and many despise any type of classification. This is one of the reasons why cult
or religious sect is the terminology most use when referring to Rastafarians. After reading these articles and references
to the many resources we have provided, one should be closer to answering the question "What is Rastafari?"
Rastafarians believe that God is a spirit and that this spirit was manifested in King H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I.
Rastafarians believe that Jesus was a direct descendant of King David and was black.
Rastafarians believe that the Ethiopian Solomonic Dynasty is a direct representation of King David.
Rastafarians believe that they are the original Lost Tribes of Israel that were once scattered by Babylon until the appearance
of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I.
Rastafarians believe that God will return them to Zion (Rastafarians refer to Ethiopia as Zion).
Rastafarians believe that Ethiopia is the Promised Land and that it is Heaven on Earth.
The White Man took them away from the Promised Land (Ethiopia/Zion) as slaves to Babylon and a Babylonian system. (Please
note that some Rastafarians will say Pink people vs. White people
