The roots of Rastafarianism can be traced back as far as the 1780s when a few slave preachers adopted "Ethiopianism," or the Ethiopian Baptist church. The more true roots of Rastafarianism, however, came much more recently with Marcus Garvey’s Black Africa Movement. On the eve of Garvey’s departure from Jamaica for the US, he said "look to Africa for the crowning of a Black King; he shall be the Redeemer" (Cutri). Therefore, those who followed Garvey’s teachings took it as a revelation from God when Ras Tafari was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930 (Life and Times). These followers viewed Ras Tafari, later know as Haile Selassie, as the living God for the black race and are therefore known as Rastafarians. Although many classify certain facets of this religion unethical, the principles of Rastafarianism embed a glimmer of positivity in an increasingly negative society.

Although people often latch on to their hatred towards Babylon, the Rasta’s hope for Zion follows the Rastafarian guidelines more closely. Many of those opposed to the religion feel threatened by the Rastafarian’s strong opposition to Babylon. The mere fact that Rastafarian’s created the term "Babylon," t

Allowing each person to achieve their full potential, becoming a Rastafarian increases one’s sense of individualism. Rastafarianism appears to each person as a new individual revelation. One discovers Rastafarianism slowly, disclosing each aspect of the ideology one by one (Naphtali). With each person from his entry into the world, one only receives the spirit of Rasta when the soul is willing to recognize the truths of Rastafari (Naphtali). Just as with the very spirit itself, Rastas learn about the secrets of life as Jah uncovers them (Naphtali). Focusing more on the person than the whole, Rastafarianism improves upon several Christian and Jewish principles. Abandoning the rigidity of standard churches, Rastas often merely meet in a fellow Rasta’s house

Living according to Jah’s rules , Rastas follow a way of living called livity. In following this lifestyle, most Rastafarians adhere to a diet composed of Ital foods. These foods are called Ital because they are considered vital to life (Ital). Most Rastas who live Ital do not eat salt or meat, nor do they drink milk (Rasta Food). The more extreme Rastas will not eat anything that was ever treated with chemicals, such as pesticides or preservatives (Ital). Rasta livity also encourages overall unity with nature. The Rastafarian vegetarian principle comes from the Bible in which one of the Ten commandments states "thou shall not kill" (Rasta Food). Also, since they contain manmade products, alcohol and cigarettes are both refused by true Rastafarians (Lieblich). Finally, all Rastas stay very healthy most of the time, since their blood streams remain free from all impurities (Rasta Food).

Biblical story of Adam and Eve, look upon Ethiopia as the Garden of Eden mentioned in the Bible, a theory supported often by archaeologists who view Africa, "particularly in the Horn, [as] the cradle of civilization" (Zion). Many of these Rastafarians also pray for and await the day that they all will return to Ethiopia, and it will once again become the "promised land" mentioned in the Bible (Lieblich).

Although some believe that dreadlocks attack our moral standards, dreadlocks heighten the Rasta’s relationship with

Some topics in this essay:
Babylon Rasta’s, Times Selassie, Bible Allowing, Cutri Despite, Christian Jewish, Bible Lieblich, Haile Selassie, Lieblich Living, Rasta’s Edwards, Cutri Setting, life times, rasta food, opposed religion, nation selassie, black race, ras tafari, mentioned bible, negative connotations, marijuana ganja, haile selassie,