Customer Reviews

The Holy Piby

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First written and published by Robert Athlyi Rogers in 1924 (in Newark, New Jersey)this book was soon after introduced in Jamaica. There is no doubt that this holy text must be considered as one of the most important theological reference of the Rastafari Movement. As the "King James's Bible" ; "The Promised Key" of Leonard Percival Howell ; The "Kebra Negast" or "The Royal Parchment Scroll of Black Supremacy" of Rev. Fitz Ballintine, the "Holy Piby" represent the early fondations of the rastafarian worldview.

Before anyone says how good this book is, take time to actually read it elsewhere on the web. Basically, it is the ravings of another self-proclaimed prophet named Athlyi (middle name of the author) who goes on and on about how God supposedly appointed him to start this thing called the Athlyican Church beased on what would now be called Afrocentric teachings. He claims that he appointed Garvey as an apostle, but Garvey himself openly denounced such would-be afrocentric messiahs in 1927, 1934, and 1936 (see the volumes of the Marcus Garvey papers for these years). Almost every other sentance (like the comparative "Book of Mormon") begins with "And it came to pass..." Pretty tiresome stuff after awhile.

One can understand the need for the more downtrodden people of the African diaspora for these kinds of teachings for a badly needed improvement of self-esteem. But the fact is that there is enough REAL and verifiable Black history out there (along with the actual writings of Marcus Garvey) that things like this are really not necessary. Interesting only for historical and sociological reasons.

"The Holy Piby" is one of the most influential pre-RastafarI texts, written from 1924-28. The Anguilla-born, US-living, all the Americas-travelling author Robert Athlyi Rogers founded a new branch of religion with it, emancipatingly named after himself: The Afro Athlican Constructive Church (with the last word later changed into "Gaathly"), in short Athlicanity. With quite a few Athlyans once living in the US, the Caribbean and a branch in South Africa.

The Holy Piby contains religious re-interpretations corresponding to creation, baptism, the ten commandments (12 in this case) and so on, comments on the author's years in the US, ties to Marcus Garvey's UNIA and Ethiopia in a broader sense. The religion branch founder considered himself an apostle and tolerated no other church.

82 text pages long, this booklet also has an additional 16 introduction text pages by two RastafarI authors to offer, written in 2000, which include two Ises (prayers). One of which harbours a derogative swear word against gays, obviously because of a desired rhyming for "maggots". I mean, really: In a prayer? Printed in a holy book? As the foreword for another author who never touched the subject and can't complain anymore? Placed ambiguously as if written by the founder of Athlicanity himself? But instead by someone calling himself "Ras", an Ethiopian titel of dignity? A bit out of place, I might say. This sure shows the phenomenon of the contemporary downsession (obsession) with gays by some dancehall raggae inspired Rastas.

It is not so much for the reader to agree with everything in the (at times sexist) Holy Piby (or its homophobic introduction), but the historical aspect of emancipating from and challenging the racist system, including the colonial religious system. The still high rating has to be seen strictly in this light, without forgetting that we are supposed to move ahead - from 1924 as well as from 2000. This book probably is for the interested in Black / religious history only, most of these being RastafarI, even though this isn't yet a direct Rasta text, but an Athlyan one.

I found the Holy Piby interesting and very different from anything I had ever read. I have a little more insight on the concept, however,I will continue to study the bible. The 2 star rating I gave is only my opinion and is based off me reading about half way through the book.

I am blessed to have this book as it has enlightened me tremendously. To everyone who follows Jah you need The Holy Piby and also the Kebra Nagast.
I give thankz to the Almighty for this book he has passed on to his followers.

Jah Rastafari
King of Kings, Lord of Lords
Conquering Lion of Judah ...

Puts alot into perspective. allows the mind to think outside of the mold, helped me see life through an african american eyesight and not everyone elses.

The great word of PROPHETS ... who dare to destroy it so do the movement... is about time u accept our words and brethrens within every corner in this planet, We know where we stand in the struggle!

"U AND I KNOW THAT WE OWE TO THE COMMUNITY WE LIVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO OVERCOME THE OBSTACLES AS TO FULFILL THE REAL DREAMS OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF JAH CHILDREN"