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Dialogue with a Rastafarian by Jason Gatts |
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Glenn is a 12 year resident of Overlea, MD. Originally from Westmorelon, Jamaica, he has resided there for 12 years Rastafarianism is founded on the belief that Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, earlier known as Prince Ras Tafari, was the messiah prophesied by the Old Testament. He was more specifically considered the Second Coming of Christ by most Rastafarians. Glenn says, "Many people believed him [Haile Selassie] to be immortal, until he died." That was in 1975. He continues, "Some people now just consider him a great prophet, but often say when he died his atoms spread throughout the world becoming part of newborn babies…" thus, maintaining his immorality. Glenn tells me excitedly that, "Africa, specifically Ethiopia is Zion, the promised land, and someday Jah (God's name shortened from Jehovah) will send a signal to begin the black exodus back to the holy land where we will spend eternity in the heaven on earth." Glenn also tells me that symbolism is very important to the Rastafarians. Among the most important symbols of the faith is the lion wearing a crown and holding a scepter [which is the lion of Judah] representing the Rastafarian's patriotism and courage. "The colors red, black, and green are important, also. Red represents the blood of the martyrs, black the African people and green the beauty and bountiful vegetation of Ethiopia." One of the most commonly noticed symbol is the wearing of Dreadlocks. "The Dreads represent rebellion against Babylon [the white suppressors] and it represents our Ethiopian roots." Glenn also stresses that Dreads are prescribed by the scriptures, using Leviticus 21:5, "They shall not make baldness upon your heads, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard…" as an example. He adds, "The true messiah was supposed to have hair like wool [matted hair like dreads] and feet like brass [black skin]" Glenn stresses the point of a black messiah. The diet of most Rastafarians is practically vegetarian, following their belief in only eating "I-tal", food which is fairly equivalent to kosher. By far the most important plant to the Rastafarians is marijuana. Glenn explains, "On my thirteenth birthday my parents introduced me to the sacred plant and taught me how to pray." "It's like the way you might kick back and chat with your father, that's how we kick back and chat with our heavenly father," he adds laughing. Glenn declares himself a devout Rastafarian, praying four to five times a day. He says that practicing his religion is made difficult here in America because marijuana is illegal. He says, "I don't understand how the Indians [meaning Native Americans] here can smoke herb, but we can't practice our religion." Ironically Glenn has been a drug counselor for the City of Baltimore the last eight years. Rastafarians use many Old Testament verses to support their use of "ganja". Genesis3:18, Exodus 10:12, and Proverbs 15:17 to name a few. Glenn's favorite is "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man." (Psalm 104:14). Rastafarianism seems to me to be a blend of Christianity, with an emphasis on the original Jewish aspects, mixed with a modern day black equality political movement. In our modern day society it is a surprise that this religion hasn't grown faster. Rastafarianism does not appeal much to me. Although there are more non-African descended people becoming converts to this faith, I don't get the impression that it is very welcoming to most Caucasians. I also can't appreciate the use of marijuana for spiritual purposes. Having experimented with this drug in high school, I feel that it would be about as useful as drinking beer or smoking cigarettes during prayer. To each their own, but I feel that this is more of a political movement with deep religious roots than a pure religion (using the term religion to mean relationship with God). |
| Created by Laura Ellen Shulman |
Last updated: January 2003
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