Is Rasta a recognized religion?

Recognized by whom? I'd say that it has all the markings of a religion. Haile Selassie, also known by the title of "Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah", was revered as more than a hero, but as the representative of God on Earth.

I've heard some people say Rasta is just Afrocentrism.

It traces some of its roots to Afro-centrist movements (namely, free you from the Whiteman�), but in Ethiopia it found a Christianity free from the history of European oppression, and in Selassie a sort of spiritual guide role model.
Its recognised in some countries, but not in others. In the UK many Rastafarians tick 'orthradox' on forms, though i gather Orthradox christan bodies in the UK don't regonise Rastafainism as an Orthradox sect.
The idea of a religion being 'officialy recognised' is absurd, in my eyes it runs contrary to the the notion of religious freedom.

A lot of my buddies from High School considered themselves 'Rastafarians.' As far as I could discern, they were just whiteboys who liked to smoke pot and listen to reggae. 

Originally posted by Brian J Checco A lot of my buddies from High School considered themselves 'Rastafarians.' As far as I could discern, they were just whiteboys who liked to smoke pot and listen to reggae.

LMAO thats priceless man....

I am sure it could be considered as a religion as long as you have enough followers. I mean, even the belief of Jedi is considered religion in some places because there are so many people believing in it. I think they are just doing it to make fun of other religions... but I am unsure...

Isn't the only thing they do Smoke marihuana

Originally posted by xi_tujue Isn't the only thing they do Smoke marihuana

It's interesting to note that this sort of thing is not at all logically sound. Jesus was a Semite, which were group of people living in the middle east. Middle Easterners tend not to be African. It's more likely Jesus looked like a Palestinian, not an African.

Originally posted by Hellios Originally posted by Brian J Checco It's interesting to note that this sort of thing is not at all logically sound. Jesus was a Semite, which were group of people living in the middle east. Middle Easterners tend not to be African. It's more likely Jesus looked like a Palestinian, not an African.   I agree with you but find the image pleasant (in a sense) only because religious fusions are interesting.   Depends on the perspective; do you see it as an attempt by blacks to "rob" a "white" religious figure or an attempt to fuse Jesus into their lives in a way that's easier for them?

I don't see the correlation. Since Jesus was a Semite, not a White or a Black man, I don't see how I could be angry about 'blacks "robbing" a "white" religious figure.'

Interesting ideas, though.