10 Biblical Pillars of Rastafari Reasoning

The Sacred Code: 10 Biblical Pillars of Rastafari Reasoning

To the uninitiated, the Bible is a Western book. But to the Rastafari, the scriptures are a map—one that was intentionally hidden and "colonized" to obscure the true identity of the African diaspora.

Through the practice of Reasoning, Rastafari look past standard translations to reclaim their heritage. From the divinity of the Emperor to the sacredness of the "Herb," here are the core KJV verses that form the bedrock of the movement.

Note to Readers: While the Bible is a primary source of "Reasoning" for many in the movement, Rastafari is a diverse and evolving global community. For many Rastas, livity is defined by direct ancestral connection, natural law, and personal meditation rather than strict scriptural adherence. This post explores one specific—though significant—branch of Rastafari thought, acknowledging that the "Word" takes many forms beyond the printed page.

 So in other word ,Rastafari is not a "religion of the book" in the traditional sense. It is a movement of Word, Sound, and Power. So though many use the King James Version to verify prophecy, or versions that contain Apocryphal texts like The Ethiopian Bible, others find their truth in the earth, the drums, and the divine spirit within. These pillars I discuss here represents a scriptural perspective, but the heart of a Rasta is far wider than any single text.

You can’t box a Rasta! While we’re diving into the biblical roots that many elders use to ground their faith, just remember that Rastafari is a broad house. Not every believer looks to the Bible to define their identity; for many, the spirit of Jah is found in the land, the culture, and the heartbeat of the people. Take these verses as one path in a journey of many roads. Selah!

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1. The Throne of the Living God

Rastafari is unique in its belief in the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie I. This isn't just a political stance; it is a prophetic fulfillment.

• Revelation 5:5: "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book..."

• Revelation 19:16: identifies him as the "King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords."

• Daniel 7:9: describes the "Ancient of Days" with hair like "pure wool," a clear reference to the African physical phenotype.

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2. Ethiopia: The Stretching of Hands

The movement’s Afrocentricity is rooted in the belief that Ethiopia is the spiritual and physical center of the world for the Black man.

• Psalm 68:31: "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God."This is the foundational prophecy that sparked the movement in 1930s Jamaica.

• Amos 9:7: asks a rhetorical question that many Rastas live by: "Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel?"

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3. The Nazarite Vow: Why the Locks?

The dreadlocks of a Rasta are a "covenant" on the head. It is a commitment to the Nazarite Vow found in the Torah.

• Numbers 6:5: "There shall no razor come upon his head... he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow."

• Leviticus 21:5: forbids the "making of baldness," reinforcing the natural state of the body as a temple.

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4. Ital Livity and the Holy Herb

Dietary laws (Ital) and the use of Ganja are seen as commands from the Creator to maintain "Livity" (life energy).

• Genesis 1:29: "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed... to you it shall be for meat."

• Revelation 22:2: mentions the "leaves of the tree" being for the "healing of the nations." In the Rasta tradition, this is a direct reference to the spiritual and medicinal power of cannabis.

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5. The "Isles of the Sea" and the 144,000

One of the most profound aspects of Rastafari Reasoning is the mystical link between Jamaica and the Bible.

• Isaiah 24:15: specifically calls for the glorification of God in the "isles of the sea."

• The Gematria of the Island: Many Elders point to Revelation 7:4, which mentions the 144,000 sealed elect. Through "Rasta Math," the square mileage of Jamaica is often linked to the number 144 ($12 \times 12$), marking the island as a sacred training ground for the spiritual elite.

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Zion vs. Babylon: The Great Divide

Concept	Biblical Term	The Rastafari "Reasoning"
Africa	Zion	The Promised Land; the source of life.
The West	Babylon	The oppressive, colonial system to be "chanted down."
The Journey	Exodus	The mental and physical return to African roots.

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Final Thought

When a Rasta opens the Bible, they aren't looking for a story of the past; they are looking for their reflection in the present. By reclaiming these verses, the movement turned a tool of colonial control into a weapon of spiritual liberation.

What do you think? Does seeing these verses change your perspective on the movement? Let us know in the comments below.

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Share this post on Facebook and join the conversation! #Rastafari #BiblicalProphecy #TheMontegonian #Zion #BlackSpirituality #ItalLivity

 

Rastafari Dreams in Afrofuturistic Colors

I have been dreaming.... Dreaming of a closer knit black family and community that can resist the vagaries of creation and the attacks from the outside! Dreaming of a black kingdom where every black mind can cast its energy and thought... The closest things to black Utopia and Mecca!

I am tired of feeling of a member of no major race... I swear every Chinese in Jamaica is a member of the Chinese Benevolent Association and has their eye and mind turned to China, same for the Indian he is either a Muslim or a Hindu with their mind turn to the motherland in many ways... at times mi feel like a me a grasp alone fi Africa while the rest of JA nah stretch for her hands n Africa nah too reach out nor unify... I feel like part of a truly scattered and lost race of people who don't even know we are a race!

What stories will our children hear, what knowledge passed on, what notions of identity culture and reality... have we done enough to rescue the future, to secure and negotiate a future we are ok with for them a future still malleable enough for them to impress upon it an even newer and better black race.

You know a great disappointment of mine... there is no central Africa cable network where I can have a host of channels to watch that cover strictly Africa and the diaspora... where I can watch Good morning Nigeria Ghana Gambia Morocco Tanzania South Africa, where mi can see local African news, see concerts music videos, local Africa documentaries and cartoons and our collective perspective... an android box chock full of Africa!

I cannot help but express this deep yearning for a stronger sense of community and unity within the black population, both locally and globally. I write to highlight the frustrations of feeling disconnected from one's own race while witnessing other ethnic groups with more pronounced ties to their heritage. I cannot help but laments the lack of resources that would allow for greater exposure to African culture and news, and the potential impact of that exposure on future generations.

To delve further into this topic, it's important to recognize that the struggle for black unity is not a new concept. For centuries, black people have faced oppression, exploitation, and marginalization, often leading to a fractured sense of identity and community. From the African diaspora to present-day issues such as police brutality and systemic racism, there are countless examples of how the black population has been systematically excluded and discriminated against.

However, despite these challenges, there have been numerous efforts to promote unity and solidarity within the black community. This includes grassroots movements, social organizations, and cultural initiatives that aim to reclaim and celebrate black culture and history. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives Matter movement (though I have my philosophical differences with that group), there is a rich legacy of activism and advocacy that has brought about positive change and progress.

At the same time, it's clear that there is still much work to be done. While many individuals and groups are actively working towards a more unified black community, there are still many obstacles to overcome. This includes ongoing issues such as colorism, internalized racism, and economic inequality that can further divide the black population. Moreover, the global pandemic has highlighted the disproportionate impact of health and economic disparities on black communities, underscoring the need for greater social and political change.

In terms of media representation, there have been some strides towards greater visibility and representation of black perspectives and experiences. The emergence of streaming services and digital media has allowed for more diverse voices to be heard, with shows such as "Black-ish" and "Atlanta" showcasing the complexity and diversity of black life. However, there is still a lack of mainstream media outlets that are dedicated solely to highlighting African and black diaspora cultures.

Despite these challenges, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of the black community. Through collective action and continued advocacy, there is the potential to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. By celebrating and elevating black culture and history, we can create a more unified and empowered community that is better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.

The potential for greater integration of black business and the black diaspora with Africa is immense. The African continent is rich in natural resources and is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies. A greater facilitation of trade between black diaspora communities and African countries would not only benefit both parties economically, but also strengthen cultural ties and promote a shared sense of identity.

One way to foster this integration is through the creation of platforms that connect black businesses and entrepreneurs across the diaspora with opportunities in Africa. This could involve the establishment of trade missions, business incubators, and networking events that bring together individuals and organizations with a shared interest in promoting economic growth and development.

In addition to business opportunities, there is also great potential for greater media representation of the black diaspora and African cultures. As earlier highlighted, there is a need for more diverse media outlets that showcase African and diaspora perspectives. A diaspora-wide media platform, such as an African Diaspora Netflix or cable network, would provide a space for a diverse range of voices and experiences to be heard.

Afrofuturism is another important aspect of black culture and the black future. This artistic and cultural movement imagines a future in which black people play a central role in shaping technology, society, and culture. By incorporating elements of African spirituality, science fiction, and fantasy, Afrofuturism challenges dominant narratives and celebrates black creativity and imagination.

Finally, sister city twinning programs between African and black diaspora cities would strengthen cultural ties and promote greater collaboration and exchange. Through these programs, cities could share best practices in areas such as urban planning, community development, and cultural preservation. This would not only benefit the local communities involved, but also contribute to a greater sense of global black solidarity.

Overall, greater integration between black diaspora communities and Africa has the potential to foster greater economic and cultural exchange, promote diverse media representation, and inspire new visions for the black future. By embracing the richness and diversity of black cultures and histories, we can build a stronger and more unified global black community that is better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.

Here is to an #AfricanCableNetwork and an #AfroCaribbeanMedia... #africaunite!

 

#BlackDiasporaUnity, #AfricaDiasporaIntegration, #BlackBusinessOpportunities, #Afrofuturism, #DiasporaMediaRepresentation, #SisterCityTwinning, #GlobalBlackSolidarity, #BlackCulturalExchange, #BlackEconomicDevelopment, #BlackFutureVisioning