What are the beliefs associated with Rastafarianism?

Rastafari is a religious and political movement that emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s, blending Protestant Christianity, mysticism, and pan-African consciousness.1

Key beliefs include:

• Jah and the Messiah: Rastas believe in Jah (God) and often view the late Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I as the messiah and the Second Coming of Christ.1
• Exile and Repatriation: Adherents view people of African descent as exiles in "Babylon" suffering from "downpression." They seek repatriation to Ethiopia, which they consider the spiritual home of all Africans and the seat of Jah.1
• Biblical Interpretation: Rastas believe the King James Version of the Bible is a corrupted account used to control enslaved people. They seek the "true" meaning through "I-and-I," a mystical consciousness of unity with Jah.1
• Livity: This principle of a balanced lifestyle includes wearing dreadlocks, following an "I-tal" (natural, vegetarian) diet, and using marijuana to aid meditation.1