Rastafarianism

Description

Rastafarianism is a personal religion that places emphasis on individual dignity and a deep love of God. Rastafarianism began in Jamaica in the populist politics of Marcus Garvey’s 1920–1930s Back to Africa movement. Rastafarians worship the late Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, the “Lion of Judah,” under his pre-coronation name Ras (Prince) Tafari, considering him divine, the Messiah and the champion of the black race. Selassie’s claim of descendancy from King David and his coronation as emperor in 1930 gave the signal that Garvey’s prophecy that a black king would bring the day of deliverance had come true.

Members of the faith believe that black people will eventually be repatriated to their true home in Africa, which will be a heaven on Earth. They believe that the white race, or “Babylon,” is inferior and that its members will eventually become the slaves of Rastafarians. Today, the theme of repatriation to Africa is less emphasized. Political militancy, in Jamaica particularly, is a more common aspect of the Rastafarian lifestyle.

Now Am I the only one who is offended by this definition? I have no belief that whites or anyone else will become our slaves. I also have no belief that any race is inferior to any other.