Dread the Rastafarians of Jamaica

by Joseph Owens, Rex M. Nettleford

Written from 1970 to 1972 while working and living with members of the Rastafari movement in Kingston, Jamaica, during which period he discussed theological and philosophical issues with them in order to write a book examining their beliefs in relation to Judaism, Christianity and the Bible. In the book he attempts to allow the Rasta to explain their doctrines in their own words, examining all key doctrines in different chapters. The book is a rich and unique source of material about Rastafarian beliefs in the developmental stage of the religion.

Genres: Religion

282 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

Reviews

[Jasmine Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dread is a very informational novel, that gives you a clear understanding of the life on a Rastafarian. Many wear dreadlocks for fashion, but the Rastafarians of Jamaica wear them because of their religion. This book also gives you on how this religion came to be, and how it's practiced. "The history of the Rastafarian movement gives harsh and eloquent testimony to the violent and brutal confrontation between colonial/neocolonial Jamaican society and the Rastaman" (Owens 1). Since Rastafarians are mainly Jamaican, their race and ethnicity plays a big part in these practices. I will highly recommend this book to those who want to get a better understanding on Rastafarian life. Also, you can even read if your interested in this type of religion yourself. As I said before this book gives you the history of the Rastaman or Rastafarian of Jamaica, I found this pretty interesting to read, since I am from the Jamaican decent.