Bob Marley the Idol

In our latest discussions about Rastafari and talking about how Bob Marley's music reflects his beliefs, Bob Marley has to be one of the biggest influences in terms of religion or ideology.  Though this movement is not that old compared to Christianity or  Judaism in the last thirty to forty years I feel as though no other person has really influenced more people than himself.  

If you think about it he has reached all kinds of people around the world with his music.  Even to this day people listen to the lyrics and realize what he is preaching about.  In the movie I am Legend with Will Smith, Smith talks about how Bob Marley was shot right before a concert and two days later made it on stage.  A person asked him why he went on stage after being shot so soon and Marley responded that why should I take a day off when all the evil in the world is not.  His kind of enthusiasm towards about his life is what makes him so popular.  This kind of spirit is how he speaks of Rastas.  

Rastari Truly Evident in Boboshanti

By watching the video on you tube, it confirms a lot about Rastafarian life from the book.  During the video they interview people of a small congregation.  Like this small group they are one of many practicing the same rituals.  In Rastafari, its speaks of how there are individual groups that are separate but share the same core beliefs.

One of the important things that I picked up while watching the video like in Rastafari, was how one can see the Rastas' African roots.  Their African roots were evident with one of the Rastas' main beliefs in going back to Africa.  Also, an important aspect that I recognized in the video like in the book was the Rastas' wearing red, gold, and green.  The three colors of Rastafari.  You can also see how they wear dreadlocks.  

While watching the video, I felt as though this group of Rastas could be extremely violent if need be.  This is something that I did not really feel in Rastafari.  This group of Rastas also appears to be racist and not accepting any other races than black into their culture.

Rastafarian Concepts in America?

While reading Rastafari, I recognized how there are people in the United States that practice some of the Rastafarian rituals or identify themselves with Rastafarian style.  Particularly while I was in high school many kids that could relate to Rastafarian ideals took it upon themselves to follow the Rasta movement.  I feel like many students followed this ideology for its style more than its actual beliefs.

Throughout high school there was always a group of kids who had Rasta like characteristics.  They always had red, gold, and green wrist bands, tennis shoes, t-shirts, hats, and even piercings with these colors.  A few of them also grew out dreadlocks that they wore for weeks.  They were always listening to reggae in their cars and were especially keen for Bob Marley.  Not to mention, most of these kids also smoked marijuana.  This was the most common characteristic.

Although, I feel that this click of students in high school was actually one of the more accepting, non-racial, and non-violent groups in school, it is hard to see some of the connections of their style and actual beliefs of Rastafarian ideology.  Some people that you talk to will speak of why they dress the way that they do and with good reason but typically it is hard to find this person that is fully enriched in the Rasta movement.  

Ethiopian Status and Value

The Emperor of Ethiopia is one of Solomon's children.  The first born and eldest son of Solomon.  This blood line provides great genetics.  It is also says that God has given Queen of Ethiopia all the glory and riches that she deserves.  

When a rich Ethiopian merchant, Tamrin, travels and sees the wealth and especially the wisdom of Solomon the King he retreats back to Ethiopia to tell the Queen of his news.  After many discussions of Solomon the Queen decides that she would like to go see Solomon's wisdom for herself.  She is seeking the same wisdom, joy, and peace that is amongst the country of Judah and Jerusalem.  It also says that when she embarks on her journey that her heart has confidence in God.  This nation should receives God's blessings.  

Finally, when the Queen arrives she realizes Ethiopia's potential.  In order to gain all the wisdom and riches Solomon strongly points out that one must follow God.  The God of Israel is who they will follow now, "From this moment I will not worship the sun, but will worship the creator of the sun, the God of Israel."  The Queen says this with her true understanding.  Hence forth, from this point on Ethiopia has reached status and value.

System of Symbols

392204137_59c8a4c92b_m.jpg

As you will see here this picture provides us with a glimpse of a steep mountain, below it a huge valley.  This picture provides us with a system of symbols because it shows us the highest and lowest points of landscape.  One might think that the lowest point might be negative but as you can see in the picture it is one of the most beautiful landscapes.  One might also think that the highest point might be the more positive part of the picture however, reaching the top of something might does not always determine who is best or who is right.

Homosexuality ok according to Saint Augustine?

In Friday's class we talked about what would Augustine think about gay marriage and if he would ever come to accept it because it is becoming a more modern and accepted status.  Personally, I feel as though even if it is widely accepted by people today, that still in the Catholic church it is strongly frowned upon.

Even if other churches find it acceptable to practice homosexuality today, the Catholic church still opposes it.  Gay marriage is a much more degrading sin than pre-martial sex.  The Catholic church says that for birth control that one couple must use the rhythm method over birth control.  It however, does not say anything about dealing with homosexuality.  If Catholics are against this now would not Saint Augustine still feel the same way too?

Augustine would certainly have an open-mind towards accepted practices by the Catholic church today, but homosexuality has not gotten to that level yet.