Rastafari: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #340

by Ennis Edmonds

From its obscure beginnings in Jamaica in the early 1930s, Rastafari has grown into an international socio-religious movement. It is estimated that 700,000 to 1 million people worldwide have embraced Rastafari, and adherents of the movement can be found in most of the major population centers and many outposts of the world. Most believers worship Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia (ruled 1930-1974), as God incarnate. They often embrace the spiritual use of cannabis and reject western society, called Babylon. Believers proclaim Africa (also "Zion") as the original birthplace of mankind, and the call to repatriation to Africa is a key tenet. A Very Short Introduction provides an account of this widespread but often poorly understood movement. Ennis B. Edmonds looks at the essential history of Rastafari, including its principles and practices and its internal character and configuration. He examines its global spread, its far-reaching influence on cultural and artistic
production in the Caribbean and beyond, and its handling of gender issues.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, History, Ethiopia, Philosophy

164 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2012

About the author

Ennis Barrington Edmonds

Reviews

[Xavier Patiño · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy listening to reggae. Like many, my first exposure came from the rhythmic vibrations of Bob Marley and the Wailers. It was in my early twenties when I first came about his message about love and activism. Until recently, however, I began to scrutinize the lyrics. Terms like “InI”, “irie” and “Jah” were empty words, absent of any meaning. What did it mean to escape Babylon and journey to Zion? Who was Haile Selassie I?

The Very Short Introduction series are a great way to learn about a subject without having to pick up a heavy tome. Author Ennis Edmonds covers the music, symbolism, and the many characters that thrusted Rastafari into the world stage. Printed by Oxford University Press, these short books are superb at illuminating deep subjects and conveying it to a general readership.

I found Rastafari to be a very interesting religion. I had no idea how intricately connected it is to Christianity. Some sects believe that the Haile Selassie I, who was the emperor of Ethiopia from 1930-1974, was God incarnate. He came back to earth to free all Black people from white oppression and called for the repatriation of Africa, Ethiopia specifically, or what Rastas call Zion. The religion also has its roots in social activism; it began as a recognition of lost African culture due to colonialism in Jamaica and a clarion call to break the shackles of Western imperialism, known as Babylon.

I found it odd that Rastafari had its genesis from a desire to separate from the evils of colonialism, given how Christianity is inseparable from this heinous history. The bible condones slavery, and it’s quite dumbfounding as to why Christianity should have any part in Rastafari philosophy. Is it the pursuit of power? Sexism is a tenant of Rastafari -- Rastafarian women being relegated to child-rearing and homecare. They aren’t allowed to handle men’s food or engage in other social activities. So much for all the preaching about bettering the community while keeping women down. To quote Christopher Hitchens, “once again, religion poisons everything.” Or more specifically, Christianity.

[Koen Duizings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rastafari, an interesting religion/lifestyle. The book reveals a lot of interesting facts and focusses mainly on history. Although rastafari has a joyful and happy reputation, Edmonds also shows the more 'religious' and -in my opinion- bad sides of the movement like its gender issues. A very interesting very short introduction.

[Damien Thorn. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I imagined practitioners of Rastafari as the white Rastas in 10 Things I Hate About You (1999). I did not even expect there to be enough variance within Rastafari itself for there to be different "houses and mansions" (Rastafari for independent "denominations" or autonomous cells of religious practitioners). Additionally, I was surprised at how traditional and conservative some of the sects are (especially the House of Nyabinghi and Bobo Ashanti).

[Graham Cammock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing!

Contrary to the usual image of a chilled Rasta smoking a spliff, I had no idea that Rastafarianism was actually very aggressive and militantly anti-European. This book is a real eye opener believe you me. I will listen very differently to Bob Marley’s lyrics in the future. If as a European you are enjoying listening to Bob Marley, and you haven’t read this book or any book on Rastafari you are both very naive and very ignorant. I highly recommend this book to anyone but especially if you are European.

[Chanchan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Complete rejection of the white domination from body to language, from spirit to politics! It seems to me because of the gender role arrangement understood in certain modern perspective, the anti-colonial power of the culture is largely ignored these days and thus the movement folded into a distinctive "subculture."

Would love a bit more into the beliefs and spiritual life, and the relationship with Judaism.

[Turt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ennis Edmonds does a fantastic job at explaining the Rastafarian faith, as well as the conditions that brought this faith together, as well as its influences on the world. I also enjoyed the author's bravery in facing the inequality faced by women within the Rastafarian faith. If you had one book to read to learn about Rastafarianism, then this is the book.

[Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book focuses on Rastafari’s history, beliefs, gender issues and art. Would have liked to have more on current movement and goals, but this can be difficult with such a decentralized and diverse group. Felt the book dove into some topics and glossed over others. Still an interesting read on a religion I only know through Bob Marley and pop culture.

[elbren · Rating 5 out of 5]

like all the avsi: a good summary, lots of pointers to additional info, clear even if you're starting from 0 background knowlege on the topic, but not boring if you've got a little context. surveys history, politics, gender issues, and the arts.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written from a highly academic perspective. It introduces much of the history and culture of Rastafari. It is written by a black scholar which, unlike the case of earlier works, silences the claim of inherent bias.

[Rufus Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does what it says on the tim and easy to understand

[Lena Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

prima! interessant! 3.5

[Frida · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction. (Looks like the only books getting 4 stars from me this year are the non-fiction ones delivering what they promise.)

[Britta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book covers the gist for dummies to get a good insight.

[Zahra Rose Duxbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, pretty cool. Hail Haile Selassi, bring down Babylon!!!

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short volume is remarkably thorough. As someone who knew very little about Rastafari in the beginning, I was surprised by how easily I could discuss Rastafari after finishing. Edmonds' writing is clear and kept my attention. I'm obviously no expert in Rastafari now, but I'm interested enough to continue reading about it. Edmonds covers the origins, the beliefs, the lifestyles, the politics, and even the art of Rastafari people. I couldn't ask for a better introduction.

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edmonds does a decent job covering historical and theological aspects of a religion that (I'd imagine) is usually covered strictly from a social-sciences perspective. Good thematic range, although he repeats himself a lot.

[Thabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting short read.