Rastafarianism is an African-based spiritual outlook that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s. Few people consider it a religion, but many people , it is considered “a way of life” because it is not very organized. In 1927, Marcus Garvey, an Afrocentric black political activist, prophesied that his race would be emancipated after the coronation of a black king. Three years later, in 1930, Haile Selassie was crowned king of Africa. Selassie was later declared a savior by four Jamaican ministers. Rastafarians believe that Haile Selassie is the messiah, whom they call "Jah" or God. They believe that one day he will lead them to the Promised Land. Although Selassie died in 1975, his death is not accepted by many as they believe he will one day return; reincarnation. Selassie was known as "Ras Tafari Makonnen", and thus the name of the religion was born. Rastafarianism began as a social stance against whites and the middle classes, because they saw them as oppressors. They also wanted to reclaim and reestablish their African heritage, as many of them felt that by being captured and taken to the Caribbean by slave traders, they had been robbed of their heritage. The Bible is considered the sacred text by Rastafarians, but it is interpreted in an Afrocentric manner. The reason behind these different interpretations of the Bible is to reverse the changes they assume were made by white powers. They consider the black race to be one of the tribes of Israel and believe that the promise made to the chosen people concerns them as well. Rastas also get many Old Testament prohibitions, such as forbidding cutting hair and eating pork and shellfish. Rastafarians ac......middle of paper......during slavery. In Rastafarianism no two marriages are the same, they choose to be very diverse and different. Finally, Rastafarianism is growing very quickly among people of many different cultures. The Rastafari movement spread around the world thanks to the famous music of Bob Marley. The lyrics of most of Marley's songs contained Rasta doctrine and much about religion and lifestyle. Bob Marley's style of music was Raggae, and it was very popular, and still is on some level. There are many Raggae artists today, such as Shaggy & Barrington, Sizzla and Gyptian. Today, there appear to be over a million followers of Rastafarianism, and most live in communes. Although Rastafarianism is widespread across Africa, most Rastafarians originate from Jamaica. They settle elsewhere in the world, such as the Caribbean, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada..