I sorta figured the thread would move, no problem. Here is why I changed my mind with regards to debating the divinity of His Imperial Majesty. On Rastafarian forums, this is a fairly common debate. We get a fair number of Christians dropping in who eventually bring up this issue. I, myself have reasoned through the matter three or four times. The reasonings never end well, they create rifts, anger, and the unity of the forum. Not to mention nothing comes out of it; not wisdom, or guidance, nor anything else. So at first I was leery of debating Haile Selassie’s divinity. Then I realized that this would be the perfect place to reason on the topic and gain wisdom.
Yes, it is true that Rastafari is a way of life (Rastas say livity). It is easier to define it this way because Rastas don’t always agree on the theological side of things (not all Rastafarians believe in the divinity of Ras Tafari, Haile Selassie). Additionally, the colour of his skin influenced the decision of early Rastafarians to see him as divine, but that does not change the prophecies that apply to him.
Repatriation is the ultimate goal of every, single Rastaman or Rastawombman, regardless of race. Some have chosen to repatriate already, others wait for the fall of Babylon (see Culture’s song “Rolling Stone”). Ethiopia is different place than it was when Haile Selassie gave Rastafarians land at Shashamane. Given the Ethiopian government’s current stance on the Shashamane settlement, repatriation to Ethiopia is no easy task. A further complication is the recent death of Dr. Vernon Carrington “Prophet Gad”, whose Rastafarian order, the Twelve Tribes of Israel, constitutes a majority of the Jamaican Rastafarian Development Community at Shashamane.
I would agree with the description that Rastafari is an African identity movement with Judeo-Christian influences. I would say that there is not a clear division of religion and politics within movement. There is a Jamaican political party that is Rastafarian, and it is no longer possible for Rastafarians to avoid politics – the Ambush in the Night incident on 3 Dec 1976 with Bob Marley is a prime example.
Sorry for that digression but I, Brian had some points I wanted to address.
Onto the issue. First, I would like to say that I will be using the King James version of the Bible, and I would appreciate it that if you quote a different version, you could note which version. Also, it would be beneficial in my opinion to familiar yourself with the general storyline of the Kebra Nagast.
Just like to point out a few more things. Ome of you may wonder why we are sitting here, debating this topic, when Christ was reborn in 1892 and was sighted 2 Nov 1930. The reason why is Babylon. There is still oppression, slavery, materialism, discrimination etc. etc.
In response to Truthseeker, Haile Selassie is the Christ. You will see soon how it talks about him in the Bible.
One Love
CanuckRasta