Religion Reflection:
Christianity vs. Rastafarian
Shanette Mendez
Comparative Religions
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Religion tends to play a vital role in our daily lives. Depending on an individual’s religious belief, religion determines what one should eat, what one should wear or even how one should act. “Christianity was more than a system of religious belief. It also has generated a culture, a set of ideas and ways of life, practices, and artifacts that have been handed down from generation to generation since Jesus first became the object of faith. Christianity is thus both a living tradition of faith and the culture that the faith leaves behind” (Stefon et al., 2017). Scholars conclude that religion manifests …show more content…
The word means strengthening or deepening one's relationship with God. One of these sacraments is Baptism, which is a scared rite into Christianity. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn. Through Baptism we become members of Christ. I was never baptized, but one day I will be. I strongly believe in strengthening and deepening my relationship with God. Another sacrament is Eucharist, which is also called the Holy Communion.
The BIBLE is Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Its God’s sacred written message to humanity. In addition to being an historical record of Jesus' life and miracles, the Bible reveals his personality, his love and truth, and how one can have a relationship with him. Whatever circumstances I am dealing with in my life, the Bible teaches me that we can confidently turn to Him for guidance and love. I believe that He answers prayer and that life takes on meaning as we live to honor him. …show more content…
I never quite understood the religion, yet I was never intrigued enough to find out more about it either. All I knew was that I was not allowed to consume pork in the house. Therefore, I chose to examine Rastafarism as one of the "new religions" or alternative paths that are seen in today's world. Developed in Jamaica in the 1930s, Rastafarism is a “religion strongly influenced by Christianity” (Molloy, 2010). In the 1970s, Rastafari was spread globally following the success of Bob Marley and his music.
Belief System
Unlike Christianity, Rastafarians believe Haile Selassie I is the Living God. They also believed that Black people is the reincarnation of ancient Israel, who, at the hand of the White person, has been in exile in Jamaica. According to Molloy (2010):
“Despite differences among the various groups, several beliefs and practices have emerged that are shared by most Rastafarians. The first shared belief is that there is one God, who is referred to by the biblical name Jah (the name is related to Yahweh and Jehovah). Another common belief is that Haile Selassie, called King of Kings and Lion of Judah, was (and is) divine. Thirdly, all Rastafarians believe that the Bible not only is the word of God but that it also has hidden meanings that are important for people of African descent” (pg.
Christianity vs. Rastafarian
Shanette Mendez
Comparative Religions
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Religion tends to play a vital role in our daily lives. Depending on an individual’s religious belief, religion determines what one should eat, what one should wear or even how one should act. “Christianity was more than a system of religious belief. It also has generated a culture, a set of ideas and ways of life, practices, and artifacts that have been handed down from generation to generation since Jesus first became the object of faith. Christianity is thus both a living tradition of faith and the culture that the faith leaves behind” (Stefon et al., 2017). Scholars conclude that religion manifests …show more content…
The word means strengthening or deepening one's relationship with God. One of these sacraments is Baptism, which is a scared rite into Christianity. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn. Through Baptism we become members of Christ. I was never baptized, but one day I will be. I strongly believe in strengthening and deepening my relationship with God. Another sacrament is Eucharist, which is also called the Holy Communion.
The BIBLE is Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Its God’s sacred written message to humanity. In addition to being an historical record of Jesus' life and miracles, the Bible reveals his personality, his love and truth, and how one can have a relationship with him. Whatever circumstances I am dealing with in my life, the Bible teaches me that we can confidently turn to Him for guidance and love. I believe that He answers prayer and that life takes on meaning as we live to honor him. …show more content…
I never quite understood the religion, yet I was never intrigued enough to find out more about it either. All I knew was that I was not allowed to consume pork in the house. Therefore, I chose to examine Rastafarism as one of the "new religions" or alternative paths that are seen in today's world. Developed in Jamaica in the 1930s, Rastafarism is a “religion strongly influenced by Christianity” (Molloy, 2010). In the 1970s, Rastafari was spread globally following the success of Bob Marley and his music.
Belief System
Unlike Christianity, Rastafarians believe Haile Selassie I is the Living God. They also believed that Black people is the reincarnation of ancient Israel, who, at the hand of the White person, has been in exile in Jamaica. According to Molloy (2010):
“Despite differences among the various groups, several beliefs and practices have emerged that are shared by most Rastafarians. The first shared belief is that there is one God, who is referred to by the biblical name Jah (the name is related to Yahweh and Jehovah). Another common belief is that Haile Selassie, called King of Kings and Lion of Judah, was (and is) divine. Thirdly, all Rastafarians believe that the Bible not only is the word of God but that it also has hidden meanings that are important for people of African descent” (pg.