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A Journey is a logical and well-executed reference about the Ethiopian roots of Rastafari. Since many published works on the topic are nearing 15 years old, this updated volume by a Jamaican-born follower has value. To Rastafarians, archeology and ancient Essene texts point to Ethiopia as the birthplace of mankind and the coming location for salvation and peace on earth. When Queen of Sheba returned from Jerusalem, it is believed she was carrying King Solomon's son in her womb. Also, the avowed presence of the Hebrew Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopia passed Hebrew prophecies on to Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I. His death in 1975 is not a deterrent to Rastafarians who wait for his return from heaven to establish an eternal kingdom on earth.
Belief in African Zionism was carried to Jamaica during the early 1900s where it has adapted as Jamaican Zionism. This book covers diverse topics from wearing locks (a Nazarite vow similar to the long hair of Samson in the Bible) to the Immaculate Conception as evidence of a female component in the Holy Trinity. Sources quoted in this 377-page book include the Essene (Nazarene) Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible, and the Ethiopian Kebra Negast. A list of Figures provides helpful access to the exceptional artwork of the author. Equally helpful are extensive footnotes, which might serve better compiled into endnotes, an index or a glossary.
The reader appeal of Yahudah's book relates to the human anticipation of a savior. For millennia, some have expected a political or a militant hero. Recently, the Aliens are offered as hope for this planet. Religious groups of Judeo-Christian origin, including Rastafari, look for the coming or return of a Messiah. The echo of many hearts remains: Even so, come.
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