The Rastafari movement or Rasta is a monotheistic, new religious movement that arose in a Christian culture in Jamaica in the 1930s. Many of its adherents worship Haile Selassie I, former Emperor of Ethiopia (1930–1974), as God incarnate, the Second Advent, or the reincarnation of Jesus, while other adherents believe that Selassie is simply their earthly king chosen by God. Members of the Rastafari movement are known as Rastas, or Rastafari.
The movement is sometimes referred to as "Rastafarianism," but this term is considered derogatory and offensive by some Rastas, who dislike being labelled as an "ism."
"Who are you to judge the life I live?
I know I'm not perfect
-and I don't live to be-
but before you start pointing fingers...
make sure you hands are clean!"
— Bob Marley
I know I'm not perfect
-and I don't live to be-
but before you start pointing fingers...
make sure you hands are clean!"
— Bob Marley