Originally posted by Decebal Recognized by whom?

 

By different countries and/or international bodies, if applicable.

 

 

Originally posted by Decebal I'd say that it has all the markings of a religion.

 

I agree.

 

 

Originally posted by Decebal 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.

 

Yeah, really interesting.

 

Learned below today (lemme know if wrong):

 

The name Rastafari comes from Ras (Duke or Chief) Tafari Makonnen, the pre-coronation name of Haile Selassie I.

 

Based on an interpretation of Biblical prophecy of Selassie's status as "the only African monarch of a fully independent nation", and his titles of "Conquering Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5)".

 

Rastas follow the "ital" diet, essentially the dietary Laws of Leviticus and Deuteronomy in the Old Testament.

 

They regard themselves as in conformance of how Africans should live, reclaiming what they see as a culture stolen from them when their ancestors were exported on slave ships.

 

Rastas stress loyalty to their concept of "Zion", and rejection of modern society (called Babylon).  "Babylon" in this case is considered to be rebelling against "Earth's Rightful Ruler" (Jah) ever since the days of King Nimrod.

 

Many Rastas learn to speak Amharic, which they consider to be the original language.

 

In the 10th c. BC, the Solomonic Dynasty of Ethiopia was founded by Menelik I, son of Solomon and Queen Sheba, who had visited Solomon in Israel.  According to the Kebra Nagast, she conceived his child, and from this, conclude that African people are among the true children of Israel, or Jews.

 

Rastas believe that the Bible was changed by the white power structure.

 

They believe they're descendants of the ancient 12 tribes of Israel.

 

Rastas say that there will be a Day of Judgment, when the righteous shall return home to Mount Zion, identified with Africa, to live forever in peace, love, and harmony.  In the meantime the Rastas call to be repatriated to Africa.  Repatriation, the desire to return to Africa after 400 years of slavery, is central to Rastafari doctrine.

 

Rastas believe that their own body is the true church or temple of God, and so see no need to make temples or churches out of physical buildings.

 

In 1996, the Rastafari religion was given consultative status by the UN.

 

 

Some people put their religion in the same 'category' as the Afro-Cuban Santeria, Haitian Voodoo, Brazilian Macumba, etc.

 

 

Well, historically, consumption of drugs has always been close to shamanism and  religion feelings. That's because drugs are used to get in touch with the "other world".

 

Remember that the Catholic priest still drink wine in the Catholic mass .

Did a casual search on "Rasta" & saw this image titled "Rasta Christ".

Some people might not like it.  I find it nice.

 

 

 

"Logic is Eurocentric. A creation of the White man to steal the history of the Black man"

 

So, if something is logical, for certain it must be a complot of the Eurocentrists.

 

Pinguin

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?

 

Originally posted by Cywr True. Plus Jesus was oppressed by The Man™, so its appropiate.

 

Yep.