Rastafarian vs. Christian — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 24, 2024
Rastafarianism is a religious and social movement originating in Jamaica, focusing on African identity and the worship of Haile Selassie. Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Difference Between Rastafarian and Christian
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Rastafarianism emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s, combining elements of Christianity, Pan-Africanism, and mysticism, with a strong emphasis on the repatriation to Africa and the rejection of Western society. Whereas Christianity, established over two millennia ago, centers around the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing salvation through faith in Christ and adherence to biblical scripture.
Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, as a divine figure and often refer to him as Jah or God, interpreting his coronation and lineage as fulfillment of biblical prophecy. On the other hand, Christians believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior of humanity, whose life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of their faith.
While both religions use the Bible, Rastafarians often interpret it in the context of black liberation and empowerment, incorporating the Rastafarian ideology and sometimes the Kebra Nagast. Christians, however, use the Bible as the primary sacred text, interpreting its teachings through various theological perspectives.
Rastafarian practices include the wearing of dreadlocks, the consumption of a natural diet (often vegetarian or 'Ital'), and the ceremonial use of marijuana as a sacrament. In contrast, Christian practices vary widely among denominations but commonly include prayer, Bible study, and the sacraments of baptism and communion.
The concept of Zion in Rastafarianism represents an ideal of freedom and paradise, often equated with Africa. In Christianity, Zion refers to the heavenly city or the kingdom of God, symbolizing salvation and the presence of God.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
1930s, Jamaica
1st century, Middle East
Key Figure
Haile Selassie I
Jesus Christ
Sacred Texts
Bible (with specific interpretations), Kebra Nagast
Bible
Key Beliefs
Haile Selassie's divinity, African identity, repatriation to Africa
Jesus' divinity, salvation through faith, Trinity
Practices
Wearing of dreadlocks, Ital diet, marijuana use
Prayer, sacraments (e.g., baptism, communion)
Concept of Zion
Ideal of freedom, often equated with Africa
Heavenly kingdom, presence of God
Views on Society
Rejection of Western society, emphasis on African heritage
Varies widely, with many embracing societal involvement
Compare with Definitions
Rastafarian
A movement valuing African identity and the divinity of Haile Selassie.
Rastafarians often gather to celebrate Haile Selassie's coronation.
Christian
Based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
Christians celebrate Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.
Rastafarian
Emphasizes living naturally and rejecting Western materialism.
Many Rastafarians adopt an Ital diet to maintain purity of the body.
Christian
Practices baptism as a rite of initiation.
Many Christian denominations baptize members as a symbol of faith and entry into the church.
Rastafarian
Uses marijuana ceremonially to achieve spiritual insight.
Rastafarian rituals sometimes include the smoking of ganja for meditation.
Christian
Holds communion as a sacrament in remembrance of Jesus' Last Supper.
Christians partake in communion to remember Jesus' sacrifice.
Rastafarian
Interprets the Bible within the context of black empowerment.
Rastafarians see Babylon's fall in the Bible as symbolic of liberation from oppression.
Christian
Diversity in worship styles and interpretations across denominations.
Worship can range from liturgical services to contemporary music gatherings.
Rastafarian
Identifies with the Lion of Judah, a symbol of Haile Selassie.
The Lion of Judah flag is a common symbol in Rastafarian communities.
Christian
Emphasizes love, forgiveness, and salvation through faith.
Christian teachings stress loving one's neighbor and forgiving others.
Rastafarian
An adherent of Rastafarianism.
Christian
Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Rastafarian
Of or relating to Rastafarianism or its adherents.
Christian
Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
Rastafarian
Follower of Rastafarianism
Christian
Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus, especially in showing concern for others.
Rastafarian
Of or pertaining to or characteristic of Rastafarianism or Rastafarians
Christian
Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
Christian
One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Christian
One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.
Christian
Uncommon spelling of Christian
Christian
Uncommon spelling of Christian
Christian
One who believes, or professes or is assumed to believe, in Jesus Christ, and the truth as taught by Him; especially, one whose inward and outward life is conformed to the doctrines of Christ.
The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Christian
One born in a Christian country or of Christian parents, and who has not definitely becomes an adherent of an opposing system.
Christian
One of a Christian denomination which rejects human creeds as bases of fellowship, and sectarian names. They are congregational in church government, and baptize by immersion. They are also called Disciples of Christ, and Campbellites.
Christian
Pertaining to Christ or his religion; as, Christian people.
Christian
Pertaining to the church; ecclesiastical; as, a Christian court.
Christian
Characteristic of Christian people; civilized; kind; kindly; gentle; beneficent.
The graceful tact; the Christian art.
Christian
A religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination
Christian
Relating to or characteristic of Christianity;
Christian rites
Christian
Following the teachings or manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus Christ
Common Curiosities
Who is a key figure in Rastafarianism?
Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, is considered a divine figure within Rastafarianism.
How do Rastafarians view the Bible?
Rastafarians view the Bible as a sacred text, but they interpret it through their own cultural and ideological lens, focusing on themes of liberation and empowerment.
How do Christian practices vary?
Christian practices vary widely among denominations, from the sacraments to forms of worship and communal life.
What is the Rastafarian diet?
The Rastafarian diet, known as "Ital," is often vegetarian or vegan, emphasizing natural foods and avoiding additives.
What is the Christian concept of the Trinity?
The Trinity in Christianity refers to the belief in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
What is Rastafarianism?
Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement originating in Jamaica, emphasizing African identity, the divinity of Haile Selassie, and a return to African roots.
What are core Christian beliefs?
Core Christian beliefs include the divinity of Jesus Christ, the importance of his death and resurrection for salvation, and the Trinity.
Can Rastafarianism and Christianity overlap?
There can be overlaps, particularly in the use of the Bible and certain ethical teachings, but the core beliefs and practices differ significantly.
What role does marijuana play in Rastafarianism?
Marijuana, or "ganja," is used ceremonially in Rastafarianism as a sacrament to aid meditation and spiritual insight.
What is the significance of Zion in Rastafarianism?
In Rastafarianism, Zion represents an ideal of freedom and paradise, often associated with the African continent.
Are Rastafarians monotheistic?
Rastafarians are generally monotheistic, worshiping Haile Selassie I as Jah or God, but their beliefs incorporate a unique blend of other religious elements.
Do all Rastafarians and Christians follow the same practices?
Practices within both Rastafarianism and Christianity can vary widely among individuals and groups, influenced by cultural, doctrinal, and personal preferences.
How is salvation viewed differently in Rastafarianism and Christianity?
In Rastafarianism, salvation is often linked to physical and spiritual liberation, including a return to Africa, while in Christianity, salvation is centered on faith in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
