Rasta FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Rastafari. We hope you will find the answers you are looking for. If not, mail us and we wil complete this FAQ. Or you can join the Ital list to discuss with Rasta people.

-Do you need to be black to be Rasta or is it prefered ?

Rastafarian faith originated in Jamaica and has its roots in Africa. But it doesn't mean that Rasta is only for black people. Rastafari is for all humanity, all people who accept it.
Rasta is goodness and love, how could it be reserved to only some people?
HIM Haile Selassie said that africans will fight "until the color of the skin has no more significance than the colors of the eyes". HIM said also that "until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned...there will be war". So racism has no place in Rastafarian faith.
All humanity, black, white, whatever colors come from Africa. So how could man divide something that Jah has not divided, that Jah made to His own image, with one unique blood?

-Is there a Rasta Bible ?

Rastafarians use the same Bible than christians, but think that some parts have been rewritten by Babylon (Rome). But none can change the words of Jah, even if they try. Rasta refer especially to the old testament, genesis, glory of kings, psalms, and revelations. HIM Haile Selassie released a new version of the Bible based on ancient ethiopian scriptures that shall be worth of confidence.
In addition, Rastas read also other old ge'ez ethiopian books that are not included in usual Bible, the Kebra Nagast and the Kebra Fetha.

-Is there as such thing like a priest ?

We have Elders, that are binghi, wise people with great knowledge, experience and wisdom.

-Are there Rasta churches only in Jamaica and Ethiopa ?

Like for the color question, there is no limitations on anything for Jah. Your body is the church of Jah. But there are congregations that one can join to give praise together.

-Why do Rasta see Haile Selassie as divine ? is HIM God?

Most Rasta people believe that HIM Haile Selassie is divine because he is the One who fullfiled the prophecy. Marcus Garvey said that a king should come in Ethiopia and HIM came.
Also it is written in the Revelations chapter 5 that The Lion of Juda, the son of David, shall open the seals. Him is the branch of David, because He belongs to Solomon's lineage. His legal title is "Lord of lords, King of kings, Elect of God, Conquering Lion of the tribe of Juda". The same title that the one written in the Bible.
But not all Rastas identify HIM with Jah. Some Rastas see Haile Selassie as Jah and Messiah, some see HIM as a devout man, living ikon of Christ.

-Do Rasta believe in Jesus Christ?

HIM Haile Selassie was a follower of Christ, of the coptic orthodox tradition. Rastas, as HIM disciple do believe in Jesus (Eyesos Christos).

-How do I can convert to Rasta ?

Hone do not convert to Rasta or join. One become Rasta. Becoming is to follow the teachings of his the most high Jah. As Christ came to setup the Way for all, we must look and follow that pathway.

-Are dreadlocks an obligation for Rastas ?

Dreadlocks are not an obligation for Rastas, even if is very much a part of the Livity. And today not all Rastafarians wear dreadlocks and some non-rasta people wear dreads for fashion...What is really important is what one have in the heart. If you are right with Jah, right with your bredren and sistren, you follow Jah teachings, what more can one want ?

-Is the Herb an obligation for Rastas ?

Like for dreadlocks, the use of Ganja is part of I and I, but it is not an obligation. You shall not use the Holy Herb to follow and in all case you must use it with respect and consciousness, not to be "stoned".