What Must Believers Say About the Rasta-mans?
The term "Rasta" comes from a man called Ras Tafari Makonnen who became a king in Ethiopia in the 1930s and took upon himself the title Haile Selassie I, which means power of the Trinity. His followers went further to label him as the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” and “King of Kings.” Most of his fan base was (still is) in Jamaica, and they believed that Mr Makonnen was the biblical Messiah reincarnated, who is yet to come again to save black people and also to judge the world. They even called him “Jah Ras Tafari” (Jah means God or Yahweh), a term they borrowed from Psalms 68:4. His followers are today identified with dreadlocks (Rastamans), Marijuana and Reggae music – all inspired by their “prophets” Leonard Howell and Joseph Hibber among others. They also believe that Haile Selassie I is both God the father, and God the Son, while they, the followers are God the Holy Spirit. Believe it or not, Jahmans also have worship services (like Christians), where they express their Rasta faith through smoking ganja, Bible reading, singing and dancing to reggae music.
Ras Tafari followers also believe that the Bible is not the complete version of it, the other half, they are of the opinion that it was stolen by white people and is currently buried somewhere with the Ark of the Covenant. Their flag is made up of four colours: red, green, gold, and black to symbolize the life force of blood, herbs, royalty, and Africanness.
Problems with Rastafarianism.
l hope we all realize that this movement steals Biblical concepts and even redirects the sacred titles of our Lord Jesus and attributes them to a dead Ethiopian king – a mere human being! That is not only idolatrous but deliberately diverts and confuses unbelievers from the true Messiah and the lifesaving Gospel of our salvation. Should I also mention the racism of dividing black people from other races, as if God will only save the black man?
Secondly, Rastafarianism is synonymous with cannabis (insango, weed, mbanje), a highly addictive drug which has been the gateway stuff for many of our young people who are currently caught up in more dangerous substance abuses, destroying their lives.
What about dreadlocks?
There is nothing wrong with dreads, after all, it’s just a hairstyle, is it not? In fact, I believe that a large number of people with dreadlocks have nothing to do with the religion of Rastafarianism. To them, dreads are just another fashionable thing. However, for believers, I would strongly discourage that kind of hairdo because of its identification with a group that blasphemes the holy Name of our Saviour by giving it to a human being. Secondly, I am of the opinion that Scripture does prohibit a man from wearing long hair. “It is a shame” for them to do so (1 Cor 11:14). God’s people must always strive to be presentable and decent in the eyes of those who watch, including our hairstyles.
Conclusion
The Rasta movement has contributed much in its preaching of peace to our societies. Their reggae music has also helped edify the souls of many. However, the movement itself is rooted in cultic worship of human messiah, to the ignorance of the true God and the true Saviour. There is only one King of Kings, one Lion of Judah, and that is Jesus Christ (Rev 5:5; 19:16). I am aware that perhaps someone, somewhere may not like my stance on this. However, if we are good sincere believers who want to serve our Lord faithfully, and to see sinners saved, then we have to properly define our doctrine; to know what we believe in. Which then forces us to reject any appearance of evil, especially if it borders on the purity of the Gospel our salvation. What do you think?
Sinothi Ncube
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