The Rastafari Trinitarian Understanding of Jesus and Divine Oneness

Rastafari is a spiritual movement that originated in Jamaica and has a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices. Unlike many traditional religions, Rastafari does not adhere to a strict set of dogmas or commandments that are imposed by external authorities. Instead, the focus is on a broader sense of spirituality that emphasizes Oneness and unity, including Oneness with the divine.

Understanding Rastafari's Trinity

The Rastafari Trinity is different from the Christian Trinity. In Rastafari belief, God is known as God Jah, the Spirit of life, and the Water of life, representing the nurturing and reinvigorating aspects of nature. There is also a recognition of God as Jah - Jahovah, who is seen as the Father of humanity, embodying responsibility, order, and righteousness. The One is the ultimate Unity that encompasses all beings, including human beings and spiritual entities. Thus, in Rastafari, God is not only seen as a transcendent being but also as an immanent presence that resides within every individual.

The Rastafari view of Jesus within this Trinity is unique. While Jesus is acknowledged as the Son of God and a powerful symbol of peace and righteousness, the Rastafari also recognize Him as a mortal human figure. Many Rastafarians believe that Jesus was the epitome of compassion and justice, embodying the qualities of a true Defender of the underdog. However, the specific spiritual and divine attributes of Jesus are not as central to their beliefs compared to the Eritrean Emperor Haile Selassie I, who is often heralded as the second coming of Jesus by many Rastafarians.

The Second Coming and Its Significance

There is a significant emphasis on the late Haile Selassie I in Rastafari belief. He is commonly referred to as the second coming of Jesus, often called the Black Jesus. His birth name was Ras Tafari Makonnen, and he was an adherent of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Despite his deep religious roots, when questioned about his deity, Haile Selassie I responded: "I have heard of that idea. I also met certain Rastafarians. I told them clearly that I am a man that I am mortal and that I will be replaced by the oncoming generation and that they should never make a mistake in assuming or pretending that a human being is emanated from a deity."

This response clarifies that while many Rastafarians revere Haile Selassie I as a spiritual leader and divine figure, they do not view him as a direct manifestation of Jesus or God. Rather, they see him as a prophetic figure who exemplified the qualities of Christ and brought spiritual enlightenment to the African diaspora.

Divine Spark and Human Responsibility

At the heart of Rastafari belief is the concept that each individual possesses a divine spark. This divine spark is seen as integral to the essence of human existence and is not confined to a single person or entity. As a result, the Rastafari often refer to themselves as "I and I" (yand i) to emphasize this shared divine quality. They believe that every person has a unique spiritual significance and a responsibility to live in harmony with both the divine and the natural world. This belief in the inherent divinity of every human being is a key aspect of the Rastafari philosophy of life.

Diverse Mansions and Beliefs

Rastafari is not a uniform belief system. There are various Mansions (similar to Christian denominations) within the movement, varying from more conservative to more liberal interpretations. More conservative Rastas often emphasize African cultural practices and traditions, and they lean heavily on the Old Testament. In contrast, liberal Rastafarians tend to focus more on the New Testament and its messages of love and peace. Within this spectrum, many Rastafarians, particularly those in the Twelve Tribes (the spiritual lineage of Bob Marley) believe in both Jesus as the Son of God and Haile Selassie I as his second coming. This belief highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of Rastafari beliefs and practices.

Conclusion

In summary, while Rastafari acknowledges the divine attributes of Jesus and Haile Selassie I, their beliefs are deeply rooted in an understanding of Oneness and the divine spark within every individual. For Rastafarians, Jesus is a symbol of peace, righteousness, and divine qualities, while Haile Selassie I is seen as a prophetic figure who exemplifies these qualities. Understanding these beliefs can provide insight into the rich spiritual tradition of Rastafari and its enduring influence on contemporary society.