THE EDITOR, Madam:IN RESPONSE to Peter Espeut's queries about Bob Marley and the Rastafarians (Gleaner Online, February 21) there are a few responses that I proffer. Was Bob a Rasta at the end? Yes. Was he a Rasta backslider? No.
It is possible for a believer to embrace a different branch of the religious spectrum without denouncing his previous affiliation.
Bob's baptism into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church was, to me, a natural evolution into a branch of the Biblical faith that offered something not found in the Houses of Rastafarianism, yet which a more deeply spiritual Bob Marley needed on his deathbed. I base this conclusion partially on the messages in the lyrics penned by Bob in his final days, including the line "Jah Will be waiting there" (from I Know) and Give Thanks And Praises.
Secondly, Bob preached "one love" and unity all his life and would not countenance any suggestion that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church was the enemy of any House of Rasta.
I happen to be researching the life of Bob Marley for my PhD dissertation with Capella University and I refer Mr. Espeut to Leonard E. Barrett Sr.'s Book "The Rastafarian", Page 259ff., section titled: A New Syncretism.
Mr. Espeut also raised the valid issue of the Rastafarian treatment of women.
He asked: "Why are Rasta women given such an ultra-subordinate role?" The answer is two-fold. First, Mr. Espeut should re-examine the Biblical record on women and decide if the Rasta treatment of women is any more subservient oriented than the Bible's. At the risk of been blasted by many progressive women, I propose that there is something positive and necessary about men being leaders in matters religious/ spiritual, as suggested by the Bible. That in no way violates a woman's right to preach, teach or otherwise minister. I believe both Bible and common sense suggest that men should take leading roles here.
On the other hand, just like the New Testament role of women is a quantum leap from the Old Testament's abject subordination of the fairer sex, so, too, is modern religion improving its attitude toward the role of women. This point is treated adequately by Barry Chevannes in "Rastafari - Roots and Ideology", the section titled: The Changing Role of Woman.
As usual, Mr. Espeut was quite astute in his critique of Rastafarianism and I agreed with many of his views. However, on Bob Marley's "conversion" and the role of Rasta women, I'n'I don't see eye to eye with Brother Espeut.
I am, etc.,
REVEREND MERVIN STODDART
E-mail: INMerv@aol.com
Altamonte Springs, Florida
Via Go-Jamaica
