Postcolonial Interpretation: The Bible in Rastafari

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article discusses the development of a hermeneutical, phenomenological approach to Sacred Scriptures emerging from a “Third World” Liberation Theology. Referring to a study of Rastafari theology, I focus on a postcolonial interpretation of the rituals in the Rastafari movement. The adoption in Rastafari livity of the Bible and of apocryphal books such as the Kebra Nagast, The Holy Piby, and The Promised Key explores the meaning of Black identity and of Liberation Theology. This paper undertakes a review of these sacred texts within the Rastafari movement. Indeed, the Rasta spiritual canons create a new category in biblical studies and thus apply a postcolonial discourse and criticism within a “Third World” Theology. This can be seen even in food and music. In 1960s reggae music, scriptural themes are imbued with Ethiopian Christianity. Charismatic figures such as Bob Marley have contributed to vocalising the importance of Black consciousness in the world, and more recently with Ital food, Rastas has marinated eating habits with scriptural themes.