"CHRISTAFARI"

An honest term used by some Christian adherents who were either formerly a Rastafarian, an affiliate of Rastafarianism, a Jamaican or a Jamaican decent.

It sorts of appeals to the Jamaican and Rastafarian culture, either as a form to “like-kind” evangelize or in keeping with pass culture practices and/or decorums; even though one is suppose to be converted. It’s is also a sort of abandonment to the western style Christianity and a kind of harmonizing Rastafarian/Jamaica culture with Christianity.

However, could the term be bad or could it be an easily concealed word to divert back the to the origin or Rastafarianism, without the users aware of it.

Firstly, the bible tells us that in order to receive salvation one must repent. In other words, turn from every and anything that had or has an affiliation to another religion, divine fraternity, culture or practices deemed spiritual. In fact, the very word culture is said to have come from the root word “cult;” and sad to say, even being a Jamaican, many of our culture are rooted in demonology and African religions.

So, back to the word “Christafari.” Lets break it down, ‘Christ-Tafari.’ Christ means the anointed one, Messiah or the Only God man that can save Humanity from sin and its just rewards; prophesied by all the major prophets of the Old Testament. Surprisingly, many don’t realize that the word or name Tafari is Haile Selassie and not just a cool word for a ‘cool’ movement formerly abandon. So, in other words, the two words combine would mean Tafari the Christ, which is the basis for Rastafarianism.

Read this exert from Rastafarians:

“On July 23, 1892 a child by the name of Tafari Makonnen, was born in Ejarsa Gora near the city of Harar.

This child was a direct descendant of the biblical King Solomon of Jerusalem and Queen Makeda of Sabo Sheba the southern lands of Ethiopia. Indeed his bloodlines have been traced back to Solomon s grandfather Jessie, the blackest Jew the world had ever known. Tafari was named Ras by the church in recognition of his Royalty Striking hand some, extraordinarily soft spoken and deferential. He was with a minor appointment as governor of Selale in a small and insignificant corner of a realm located at the north west of the Imperial city of Addis Ababa. He was also in the southern frontiers of Ethiopia to serve as governor of Sidamo province.

Tafari as a youth, manoeuvred his way to a position of political indispensability. He is the one who ushered Ethiopia into the League of Nations.

This child also fulfils the prophecy written in Isaiah 9 V 5, "For unto us a child is born and unto us a son is given and the Government shall be on his shoulder and his name shall be called wonderful counsellor, the Might of God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

“When Ras Tafari became emperor of Ethiopia, he also became the Protector of the _Bete Kristyan_, the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church. Throughout his long reign he strove zealously to spread the message of Orthodoxy, the ancient and original form of Christianity, into all the nations of the world. For this reason, the enemy besieged him with difficulties and temptations, and three times sought to drive him from his imperial throne. In the end, though, His Majesty triumphed over the enemy through the strength which is signified by his Orthodox baptismal name HAILE SELASSIE, Might of the Trinity.” (Norman Redington)

“His father, Ras Makonnen, was a governor of Harar, sent by the Emperor to the land of the Muslims. Wezero (Lady) Yeshimebet Ali was 11 when she married Makonnen in 1874 (?), waited long to give a birth in Ejersa Goro, in a town-village not far from the old walls of Harrar. Tafari didn't remember his mother, who died of unknown cause when he was two. She passed away on March 14, 1894, barely thirty years of age and was buried within the precinct of St. Michael's Church in the city of Harar. She was quiet as a woman and born Muslim, therefore nothing is known about her.” (http://www.angelfire.com/ak/sellassie/1892.html)

The mere fact rasta believes that Tafari or Haile Selassie fulfills Isaiah 9 V 5, means that they are claiming he is the Christ. Not only is that blasphemous, but is also a direct usurpation of truth and diversion from eternal life. Of course we Jamaican (or former rastas) now Christians know better and therefore should avoid using the term/word CHRISTAFARI, even though its usage is purely honest.

Just a little note: I have spoken to rastas who uphold the name Christafari because they say Selassie is Christ, going back to the aramic and all. Again, here is the truth about Christafari and again selassie is neither Christ, nor God just a man. Nothing more nothing less! So what if Tafari in the Aramaic means creator? Does that means he is the creator? Only a fool would think that. Jesus means Jehovah saves, most fitting for his Christly role. However, that name was a common Hebrew name, infact, translate it from the Hebrew and you get Joshua, so really, everyone who is named Joshua is really named Jesus. So you see how common that name is.

But what Christ did is what he wants to do in you. He took a common name and made it all-powerful, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Not any Jesus, but Jesus the Christ or Messiah.

Can selassie do that, though he was a godly man? No! For only God can lay down his life and take it back up again, which he did when he was crucified and resurrected. Praise his Holy name!!!!! For there is no other name under heaven given amongst men whereby we MUST be save!! Give him praise and glory!!!

Further Reading: The Star Of David, Rasta

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