The True Meaning of a Religion
The true meaning of a religion
Religion can be found almost everywhere around us, influencing ones lifestyle and surroundings much more than we are aware of. Often becoming a huge element of society in several areas of our lives. Though some argue one is born already knowing their religious faith, classifying religion as something that cannot be learned but more as an inner spirituality present at birth. Other would say there is no doubt religion is socially constructed and subconsciously learned plus spread through peers, family or close ones, strongly impacting societies and cultures. Some sort of hidden objective or purpose whether is it political, spiritual or other, motivates the creation of a religion through a "designated" individual, claimed to be here to spread the word, send a message to members of society and make changes or corrections in the name of faith. Often, we witness activists or political figures use religion to emphasize and point out the spiritual aspect behind their messages or motivations to attract followers. Every so often new faiths emerge, giving people hope and spiritual strength to fight for their happiness in times of despair and oppression, the Rastafarian Religion being a perfect reflection of that. An unusual and still barely recognized religion surfacing in hope for a better life, giving them the power to rebel against their oppressors and enforcing a stronger sense of community and understanding between each others. Centuries ago Africans were kidnapped from their native home and enslaved by Europeans. Many were taken from Ethiopia and brought to the Western world. In the process the Europeans introduced them to the Bible in effort to "civilize" them. Slaves were not allowed to read, but when few started to learn how to read they interpreted the bible in their own way. P Napti a Rastafarian himself wrote: "The Bible described a land to our forefathers that resembled the land of their fathers, and the Bible customs,
Religion can be found almost everywhere around us, influencing ones lifestyle and surroundings much more than we are aware of. Often becoming a huge element of society in several areas of our lives. Though some argue one is born already knowing their religious faith, classifying religion as something that cannot be learned but more as an inner spirituality present at birth. Other would say there is no doubt religion is socially constructed and subconsciously learned plus spread through peers, family or close ones, strongly impacting societies and cultures. Some sort of hidden objective or purpose whether is it political, spiritual or other, motivates the creation of a religion through a "designated" individual, claimed to be here to spread the word, send a message to members of society and make changes or corrections in the name of faith. Often, we witness activists or political figures use religion to emphasize and point out the spiritual aspect behind their messages or motivations to attract followers. Every so often new faiths emerge, giving people hope and spiritual strength to fight for their happiness in times of despair and oppression, the Rastafarian Religion being a perfect reflection of that. An unusual and still barely recognized religion surfacing in hope for a better life, giving them the power to rebel against their oppressors and enforcing a stronger sense of community and understanding between each others. Centuries ago Africans were kidnapped from their native home and enslaved by Europeans. Many were taken from Ethiopia and brought to the Western world. In the process the Europeans introduced them to the Bible in effort to "civilize" them. Slaves were not allowed to read, but when few started to learn how to read they interpreted the bible in their own way. P Napti a Rastafarian himself wrote: "The Bible described a land to our forefathers that resembled the land of their fathers, and the Bible customs,
Cited: PAGE Dubb, Adjua. "Rastafari-way of life." JamWork.org. 2000-2005 http://www.jahworks.org/music/features/rastafari.html, April 22, 2006. Napti P. "Jamaicans of Ethiopian Origin and Rastafarian Faith." Caribbean Lifestyles Magazine. Peter Simeon. feb/march 1995. http://web.syr.edu/~affellem/napti.html April 22, 2006. Rastafari Movement. April 22, 2006. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rastafari. April 22, 2006.