Rastafarianism - frequently asked questions

Questions people often ask…

Do I have to be black to become a Rastafarian?
No, Rastafarianism is open to everybody who chooses to accept it. As Haile Selassie said, the colour of a person’s skin is no more significant than the colour of their eyes. What’s more, Rastafarians believe that everybody – regardless of colour – originated in Africa, which makes them Jah’s people.

Are there any Ratsafarian scriptures or holy books?
Rastafarians regard the Christian bible as their holy book. They place particular importance on the Old Testament books of Genesis, Psalms and Revelations.

An edited bible – the Holy Piby, written in 1913 – is often cited as a Rastafarian scripture. The Kebra Negast, a book claiming to trace the kings from Solomon, is also important in establishing Haile Selassie’s lineage.

Haile Selassie also published a new version of the Bible based on ancient Ethiopian scriptures.

Do Rastafarians believe in Jesus Christ?
Haile Selassie followed Jesus Christ as a follower of the Coptic Orthodox tradition. As disciples of Haile Selassie, Rastafarians also believe in Jesus (Eyesos Christos).

Do Rastafarians have an equivalent of a priest or iman?
No. Rastafarians learn from wise elders within their communities.