Korah-Jane Jude Grant | Marley and the Messiah

One Love movie depicts an era in the life of Bob Marley, larger-than-life character who continues to impact the world decades after his death. Bob’s story is strikingly similar to another, a Jewish man from Bethlehem named Jesus Christ, also larger than life, universally recognized and revered by billions of Christians globally.

Both men carried their faith to the masses, their lives creating sustainable intrigue, interest, and reverence. Bob’s faith, deeply rooted in Rastafarianism, holds distinct beliefs connected to Haile Selassie, while Jesus’, central to Christian theology, is the saviour, sent to atone for the sins of the world.

While we appreciate the theological differences, both figures are celebrated. I would like to weave into your religious contemplations their similarities and invite an open mind for the journey.

UNWAVERING

In the movie, Bob never loses focus, his commitment to unity, love, forgiveness, and redemption unwavering, despite belligerent opposition. Jesus, the symbol of redemption, preached his message of love, forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation unwaveringly and resoundingly despite violent opposition.

RESILIENT

Bob faced opposition, threats, and persecution, including a politically motivated assassination attempt. Notwithstanding, he continued to spread his message, accepting even the sacrifice of his life as part of his mission. Jesus called out the sins of the religious leaders, exposing false practices, threatening their influence, and challenging their authority. Consequently, he faced intense persecution culminating in his crucifixion. Jesus’ response was one of prayerful forgiveness, silent endurance, and sacrificial acceptance as part of his mission.

FAITHFUL

Bob believed in the power of creation and redemption; his deep spiritual convictions were his daily bread and motivated all his actions. These beliefs were prevalent in his music, powerfully referencing his Rastafarian and biblical themes in songs such as Exodus and Redemption Song. Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, embodied faith and divine connection to the Father. He prayerfully submitted to God’s plan without compromise, demonstrating his own command. These acts were not just displays of power but also expressions of his trust in God’s sovereignty and purpose for his life.

IMPACTFUL

Bob died when he was 36, leaving a lasting legacy, an infectious catalogue of music, and a generation. The Marley children carry the reggae gene, unique vocal sounds, and musical gifts of their father. Bob’s story and music continue to transcend cultural boundaries, inspire social change, and evoke a sense of unity and hope through its melodies, and meaningful lyrics globally.

Jesus’ human experience ended in death at 33. He was resurrected from the dead, and his influence on humanity today is unparalleled, not just in the Christian faith but in other religions like Islam, where he is considered a great prophet. The imagery of his face and crucifixion is a powerful symbol present in many religious dwellings, and his message of universal love and salvation has inspired countless people to date.

SOCIAL ADVOCATES

Bob was deeply involved in social activism, using music to promote peace, unity, and social justice. Rooted in his Rastafarian beliefs were equality, anti-oppression, and the liberation of marginalized people. Bob Marley organized the One Love Peace Concert in 1978; in the movie we relive Bob calling to the stage the two rival political leaders, Michael Manley (PNP) and Edward Seaga (JLP), joining their hands in a symbolic gesture of unity. This moment became iconic in Jamaican history and solidified Marley’s role as a peacemaker.

In Jesus’ adult life and under Roman Imperial rule, there were four political persuasions: the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots. He chose not to align with any, choosing instead to impact the Jewish people with his teachings against greed, power, and materialism. For example, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Jesus encouraged transformation of the mind, concern for the poor and oppressed, and radical reordering of society based on love, justice, and humility.

SACRIFICIAL

“I don’t have that type of richness. My richness is life.” A famous quote from Bob emphasizes spiritual wealth over material wealth. Despite achieving global fame and financial success, his songs continued to reflect disdain for materialism, opting instead to speak of generosity. Similarly, Jesus’ message emphasized spiritual wealth over material possessions, consistently challenging his followers to prioritise their relationship with the Father over accumulating earthly possessions. He warns against the distraction of greed in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.”

BURIAL

Bob’s burial was atypical and deeply tied to his Rastafarian beliefs. In May 1981, he was buried in a mausoleum in Kingston, Jamaica. Ten years later his remains were exhumed and moved to his birthplace, Nine Mile, St Ann. This site is visited by hundreds annually and resembles a marble-stoned tomb. Jesus’ burial was also atypical; based on Jewish custom, a ‘criminal’ wasn’t worthy of a private tomb; however, Jesus was buried in a tomb owned by a wealthy Jewish council member. The large stone used to seal the tomb was typical, but a Roman seal and guarded soldiers were not. This highly unusual level of security was needed to prevent anyone from stealing the body.

CONTROVERSIAL ETHNICITY

Bob Marley’s father, Norval Sinclair Marley, a Caucasian man of English descent, and mother, Cedella Booker, a Black Jamaican of African ancestry, make him biracial; some believe this to be advantageous to Bob Marley’s ascendancy to fame, particularly in comparison to his darker-skinned musical counterparts.

His legacy, however, is rooted in African and Black pride and bears no connection to his part-Caucasian ethnicity. Jesus Christ, a first-century Jewish man, has been portrayed artistically as European, African, and Asian with features unlike those of his Middle Eastern descent. This depiction has been criticised as deliberately justifying colonialism, racism, and the marginalization of non-white ethnic groups.

Interestingly, in a diverse multi-ethnic world, the transcending power of their messages to break through cultural and racial boundaries is unprecedented and yet to be repeated.

Korah-Jane Jude Grant is a business development, strategic and cultural leader. She is a zealous traveller, ballet dancer, community developer and knowledge explorer. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com