Rastafarianism?

[WillingToDie]

For those of you who aren't familiar with it, here's a quick summary from Wikipedia (because I'm lazy):

The Rastafari movement, or Rasta, is a new religious movement[1] that accepts Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, as God incarnate, whom they call Jah.[2] He is also seen as part of the Holy Trinity as the messiah promised in the Bible to return. The name Rastafari comes from Ras (literally "Head," an Ethiopian title equivalent to Duke), and Tafari Makonnen, the pre-coronation name of Haile Selassie I.

The movement emerged in Jamaica among working-class and peasant black people in the early 1930s,[3] arising from an interpretation of Biblical prophecy partly based on Selassie's status as the only African monarch of a fully independent state, and his titles of King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Conquering Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Other characteristics of Rastafari include the spiritual use of cannabis,[3] and various Afrocentric social and political aspirations,[3] such as the teachings of Jamaican publicist, organiser, and black separatist Marcus Garvey (also often regarded as a prophet), whose political and cultural vision helped inspire a new world view.

There is no question that the Rastafari movement is well outside the realm of Christian Orthodoxy, but my question is this: are Rastas simply Christians on the far fringes who are severely misguided, or are they a separate religion altogether?

Thoughts?

[ayin jade]

That is an easy answer to give. They are in no way shape or form Christians. Who is their "christ"? It isnt Jesus. They are not Christians. Are they even saved? Again who is their savior? They claim a mere man as messiah. Not Christians, and without life saving faith in the one true Messiah - Jesus.

[WillingToDie]

As I understand it, they believe in Christ as their Savior. They see Haile Selassie I as a reincarnation of Christ. Again, they see him as a part of the Trinity.

You may very well be correct, but I don't think it's as clear cut.

[ayin jade]

False messiah, false gospel, not saved.

[ayin jade]

Haile Selassie is not the Messiah. Those who worship him as such worship a false god.

Rastas believe that Haile Selassie is both God the Father and God the Son of the Holy Trinity, while it is themselves, and potentially all human beings, who embody the Holy Spirit. (From wikipedia) They worship a false god.

Rastafarian theology includes the belief that

[ayin jade]

It is very clearcut.

1 John 2:

22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He who denies the Father and the Son is antichrist.

23 Everyone who denies the Son neither has the Father. The one confessing the Son also has the Father.

They do not profess the same Jesus we call Lord.

[Trusting Jesus]

There are many things disguised as Christian that are not Christian. First of all, Christ isn't reincarnated as anybody. He came once and He will return, but He is not reincarnated as any person. This is just one more false religion, false teaching, and blasphemy.

<>< ><>

Nathele

[sweetycakes]

This topic should be closed, as the question has already been answered, by Ayin Jade and Trusting Jesus.

[Guest]

God

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"

"The same was in the beginning with God"

"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made"

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men"

"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not" John 1:1-5

The SON

"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world"

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not"

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not"

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"

"Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God"

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" John 9-14

As I understand it, they believe in Christ as their Savior. They see Haile Selassie I as a reincarnation of Christ. Again, they see him as a part of the Trinity.... You may very well be correct, but I don't think it's as clear cut

Religion And Dope Too? - WOW! - Whatever Could Be The Appeal

Woe Woe Is Me - Tipple Tipple

Who has woe? Who has sorrow?

Who has strife? Who has complaining?

Who has wounds without cause?

Who has redness of eyes?

Those who tarry long over wine;

those who go to try mixed wine.

Do not look at wine when it is red,

when it sparkles in the cup

and goes down smoothly.

In the end it bites like a serpent

and stings like an adder.

Your eyes will see strange things,

and your heart utter perverse things.

You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,

like one who lies on the top of a mast.

[WillingToDie]

Thanks for your responses, all. I think I should make it clear that I'm not asking about Rastas because I'm considering conversion (My love for Bob Marley's Music notwithstanding). it just pains me to see these people deceived.

The reason I ask is, listening to Bob Marley's music, his views are so close to ours (ove, peace, praising God, "jammin' in the name of the Lord"), but there's just small things (not small as in minor) that separate him from us, and I'm thinking "You're so close, Bob! Just forget about Haile!". However, I've heard that before he died, he was baptized into the Eastern Orthodox Church. So, if true, that's a relief.