Chanting Down Babylon: The Rastafari Reader

I purchased this book for a class a few years back. It was not my first choice for a history class, but the professor was an interesting one and it was an area of history that was not so familiar to me, so I took the class on the Caribbean. This was one of the books we used toward the end. It was definitely interesting to read, though I have yet to read the entire book. It is easy to dip in read a chapter or so and skip around. This made it pretty low pressure, which was nice. It had a lot of unfamiliar information and cultural insight, which was also really good. The stories were interesting and held my attention. All of this even though my favorite era to study is earlier (500's ish-1600's ish) and favorite places are Europe and Asia. So, yeah, good book. If you want to know more about the Rasta movement _Chanting Down Babylon_ is an excellent book.

The Rastafarian movement had largely been a Jamaican phenomenon from its inception in the 1930s until the 1960s, when immigrants from the Caribbean migrated internationally. This collection of essays attempts to define in populist manner Rastafari; its beginnings, successes, and failures; its belief system; and its religious, economic, cultural, psychological, and social connotations. With no formal structure, Rastafari is an evolving belief system based on the principles of Leonard Howell's The Promised Key. Its message of Afrocentricity is important, but the resistance and liberation psychology, along with reggae music, all give meaning to people's lives. The "Downpression" of Jamaican society reflects a "Babylonian" experience of the black's soulful desolation. From the life-affirming practices of Rastafari, selfhood and dignity is reclaimed. Bible study, fasting, and living with the earth were early components; later the African tradition of ganja smoking was used in rituals to commune on a higher plane. One way Rastafari !!!!

A great collection of essays that examine multiple aspects of an often-misunderstood way of life, written by a host of insightful authors. The essays explore and analyze the history of Rastafari, Rastafari and gender issues, the Rastafari/Marcus Garvey connections and disconnections, and more. This represents an important contribution to those interested in the African diaspora in the Americas.

So far I've read only the first few chapters of this book, but from the introduction on I've been continually impressed with the authenticity of this book. I found Rastafari while soul searching and latched on to the Truths I heard. This book is alas only a book, but the information is delicious. As I grow as a human being I find there are few soul satisfying lives to be led in "Babylon" but with this book and my faith I'm finding my own way through these troubled times. Peace.

the first time i recieved this book it took me about 2 weeks to read it all the way through and i would have to say this is a great book for people are seeking more knowledge about all aspects of what rastafarI is from its origan till its current standings it covers the tip of all subjects that flows on through rastafarian teachings and wisdom comming from someone who knew not much about rastafaI before reading this book i give it a 10 because it gives you info on lots of subjects discussed on rastafarI but leaves much for your mind to want to continue to search out more for yourself

I found this work to be one of the most complete on the study of the the Rastafarian movement.The information is well presented and is cohesive and highly informaive. This work is ideal for the new convert or anyone who wants a thorough examination of the faith. I highly recommend it.

Chanting Down Babylon is a welcomed addition to the growing literature on Rastafari. This reader sucessfully brings together most of the scholars studying Rastafari, as well as Rastafarians themselves, providing an important insight into Rastafari. The inclusion of articles addressing biblical hermeneutics as well as Rastafari theology begins to fill an important gap in Rastafari scholarship. A real treasure for those interested in learning about Rastafari for the first time, and for those who wish to expand their knowledge of this important religious movement.

A very large wealth of information on the rastafarian movement. A very scholarly anthology. Read it three times over and learn more each time! Will use for years.

Roots. Liviti. The art of story-telling is often cited as being originally verbal. However, story-telling goes back to even before the human use of language.Tribal dancesEtchings on wallsInsects communicating.Bird song. Plants use fragrance…We often talk of losing touch with our Ancestors…If only our Ancestors were alive…However, our ancestors are alive.They live in the stories we tell.The pictures on our walls.In our memories.In our hearts.In our DNA.There’s always a gravitational pull 🌪drawing our spirit towards our ancestors ✨🧠 We sapiens believe we have found sophisticated ways of story telling. Our focus seems to be on the cerebral, visual and aural.Word. Power. Sound.We have books, movies and tour guides.In terms of a scholarly, yet passionate, look at the Rastafari movement from multiple perspectives, none have surpassed the Rastafari Reader.Don’t be fooled. Chanting Down Babylon is real deal 🔥🔥🔥This is a volume of many stories 📚Stories make the world go round 🌍Like maps unfolding the earth as flat 🗺The whole of creation is a story 💭The way we live our life is a story 🏃🏿‍♂️You don’t think the way we’re living now 📸Will be documented, remembered 📹and told to our great grand children? 👶🏾👧🏾👩🏾We are the story.Right here. Right now.So what is your story about?

I agree with the other reviewer on here, this book is very well written and researched and hence amazingly infomrative.As with all books that consist of a collection of essays some are better than others and some of the articles are more interesting than others.If you are ready to learn more about Rastafari or are just interested and want to read a book that is serious analysis of the movement from all aspects etc then buy thisJah bless

Sweet and dandy no hassle service

great book