Rastafari: Haile Selassie I as God?

[Hatikvah]

If you’ve heard of Rastafari, you probably associate the belief with Bob Marley, the spiritual use of cannabis, and/or Jamaica. Now, although those aren’t necessarily wrong (Bob Marley was a Rastafari for a long time, many do use cannabis, and Rastafari is primarily in Jamaica), that is not what I am trying to draw attention to in writing this; however, Rastafari does have some heterodox beliefs.

Haile Selassie, an Ethiopian emperor of the early 20th century, is a very important figure in Rastafari. He is thought to be the Second Coming of Christ, or sometimes God the Father incarnate (Rastafaris do believe in Trinity; God is called Jah). Marcus Garvey, seen as an apostle or prophet, prophesized that a black African king would arise – and so, to Rastafari, that was Haile Selassie.

But why would so many people accept Haile Selassie as God, when he himself was a devout Christian and denied being divine (video)?

Haile Selassie himself denied being divine in a 1967 interview, and during some informal junctions:

… I told them clearly that I am a man, that I am mortal, and that I will be replaced by the oncoming generation, and that they should never make a mistake in assuming or pretending that a human being is emanated from a deity.

So, again, even with the facts that Haile Selassie denied being God incarnate, the Messiah, and the Second Coming of Christ, why do Rastafaris still believe in him as God?

 

[Hatikvah]

LOL! :whacky:

 

[QuestLove]

So, again, even with the facts that Haile Selassie denied being God incarnate, the Messiah, and the Second Coming of Christ, why do Rastafaris still believe in him as God?

You can be Rastafari and not believe Selassie is God. You can for example think Selassie is a prophet and not be any less rastafari. Rastafari is also a political ideology and not only a religious one. In fact, many Rastafarians reject the idea of it being called a religion.

If you read the works of Leonard Howell, Marcus Garvey etc. you will find that Rastafari was also a response to political tensions of the day. It was not widespread or mainstream when it started but what it did was provide a home for the poor and disaffected who could not find a place in christianity.

 

[Micosil]

 

[GLam8833]

Marijuana damages the soul, while smoking
cigarettes only damages the body. Marijuana
must NOT replace the Holy Spirit in contempl-
ative enlightenment, it somehow brings about
a heightened state of mind that blinds one
to spiritual things.

 

[Hatikvah]

Marijuana damages the soul, while smoking
cigarettes only damages the body. Marijuana
must NOT replace the Holy Spirit in contempl-
ative enlightenment, it somehow brings about
a heightened state of mind that blinds one
to spiritual things.

Well said.

 

[twf]

For what it’s worth, Bob Marley was baptized Ethiopian Orthodox, the Emperor’s own faith, before he died.

 

[GLam8833]

In the Name of Charity, I ask those who
use Cannabis medicinally to kindly dis-
regard what I posted previously!!
As an aside, ALL sins of the flesh wage
war against the soul!! 1 Pet 2:11

 

[Dempsey1919]

GLam8833:

Marijuana damages the soul, while smoking
cigarettes only damages the body.

Would you elaborate on this statement?

I don’t know of any positive restriction against the use of Marijuana in the Bible or in Tradition. Although I must admit that the Bible does not recommend its use. That’s why I believe the Rastas are wrong to believe that it is a Sacrament just like they are wrong in believing Selassie is God.

Furthermore, all arguments against the use of Marijuana can be applied to alcohol. In addition, Marijuana is a medicinal herb that is used to treat many ailments.

I do not believe moderate consumption of Marijuana in places where it is legal is harmful to the soul or sinful. However, Marijuana consumption would be sinful if it caused the user to lose the use of reason. As with alcohol, it all depends on the dosage.

 

[adamhovey1988]

For what it’s worth, Bob Marley was baptized Ethiopian Orthodox, the Emperor’s own faith, before he died.

Which has valid apostolic succession, so that’s good:thumbsup:
But my understanding is that Marley was raised Catholic so that makes me sad. Either way, I get really frustrated people try to associate him with marijuana culture

 

[GLam8833]

Would you elaborate on this statement?

I don’t know of any positive restriction against the use of Marijuana in the Bible or in Tradition. Although I must admit that the Bible does not recommend its use. That’s why I believe the Rastas are wrong to believe that it is a Sacrament just like they are wrong in believing Selassie is God.

Furthermore, all arguments against the use of Marijuana can be applied to alcohol. In addition, Marijuana is a medicinal herb that is used to treat many ailments.

I do not believe moderate consumption of Marijuana in places where it is legal is harmful to the soul or sinful. However, Marijuana consumption would be sinful if it caused the user to lose the use of reason. As with alcohol, it all depends on the dosage.

Thank you for asking, I guess I worry that you
will be more and more accustomed to getting
a “spiritual high” thru the use of Cannabis which
has as one of it’s major compounds THC. One
cannot advance spiritually this way!!

Also it damages the soul in that it causes one to
go into an altered state of consciousness and
affects the ability of the soul to PRAY and get
in touch w/ God but it simulates a state of
enlightenment and contemplation by affecting
the MIND thru the chemical THC. We should
come to the throne of Grace Thru Jesus, our
High Priest, and not thru medicinal means!!

Finally, “keep your mind ready for action, be
of **sober **spirit, set your hope **fully **on the
grace to be brought to us at the revelation of
Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:13