Prophetic reading of the Bible

What it is: Rastafarianism uses the Bible as a central source, but interprets it from Black historical experience and prophetic language.

How the tradition understands it: Narratives of Israel, exile, liberation, and royalty are reread in connection with Atlantic slavery, colonialism, and Pan-African hope.

Textual basis and context: Psalms, prophets, Revelation, and other passages receive great emphasis.

Debates and variations: The relation with translations, canon, literality, and Christology can vary significantly.

Supportive

Ennis Edmonds on Rastafari

rastafari,edmonds,globalization,academia

Academic works describe Rastafari religion, culture, and globalization.

Reference: Ennis B. Edmonds, studies on Rastafari.
Content: The material shows the movement's global expansion and its religious and cultural transformations.
Use in debate: It is important for general overview, diversity, and transnational circulation.

Isaiah 18

bible,old-testament,ethiopia,prophecy

A chapter sometimes associated with Ethiopia and with African prophetic readings.

Reference: Isaiah 18.
Content: The passage involving the land beyond the rivers of Ethiopia received prophetic reinterpretations in Afro-diasporic contexts.
Use in debate: It is used in Rastafari readings tied to African centrality and to Ethiopia's historical destiny.

Joseph Owens, Dread: The Rastafarians of Jamaica

rastafari,owens,jamaica,classical-study

A classic study of the movement's beliefs and practices in Jamaica.

Reference: Joseph Owens, Dread: The Rastafarians of Jamaica.
Content: The work documents Rastafari language, theology, communal practice, and worldview.
Use in debate: It is an important source for internal diversity and the movement's everyday life.