What Was Bob Marley’s Religion?

From his dreadlocks to his dress sense to his appreciation for ganja, Bob Marley’s signature trademarks had their roots in the Rastafari religion. Rastafarians believe in “livity,” a code of conduct that offers adherents rules for a more natural way of living. It was this code that Marley stuck to for most of life.

Although the religion has a Christian basis, Rastafaris believe that the King James version of the Bible has been corrupted and simply tells half-truths. Followers embrace some Christian tenants, but they have an essentially mystical understanding of god and seek a personal relationship with the “jah” (divine consciousness) through religious experience. One way they do this is through smoking marijuana, as well as prayer and meditation. While there is a stigma attached to the drug, it would be wrong to write the religion off as hedonistic. As part of their lifestyle, followers maintain a strict vegetarian diet, reject hair grooming (hence the dreadlocks), and wear the symbolic colors of red, green, gold, and black.

Marley put many ideas from his religion into his lyrics. Founded by the descendants of slaves, Rastafarianism preaches that many Africans went through a spiritual test by being sold into slavery. It encourages “exiles” to return to “Zion” — Africa — as part of their salvation. Marley often sang about Zion — “The Zion train is coming our way/Oh, people, get on board!” — as well as Babylon, the corrupt and oppressive modern world in which exiles are stranded.