Jamaican Patois

Jamaican culture is a blending of indigenous, African, British and Spanish cultures. Jamaican Patois, spoken by many, is also a mix of a number of languages but sufficiently different from each. Church leaders recognize this and are requesting a Jamaican Patois Bible translation that will help people see that God is not just for the elite.

Today, most Jamaicans would consider themselves Christians, more than half affiliating with Protestant denominations. However, Rastafarianism and other Afro-Christian syncretistic religious expressions are influential. Rastafarians believe Jesus was a descendant of the Ethiopian Solomonic dynasty. They also believe they are the original Lost Tribe of Israel, and that God will someday return them to “Zion,” which for them is Ethiopia: heaven on earth. Also Islam is growing on the island.

Although Jamaica is known for plush amenities and pristine beaches, the average Jamaican lives in a country where unemployment and resulting crime are increasing problems. God’s Word is needed to speak to these very real issues and equip Christians to deepen their faith.