Introduction to Zoroastrianism
Despite being one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, the number of followers of this religion are around 200,000.
Origins: “The religion was founded by Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in Greek; Zarthosht in India and Persia). Conservative Zoroastrians assign a date of 6000 BCE to the founding of the religion; other followers estimate 600 BCE. Historians and religious scholars generally date his life sometime between 1500 and 1000 BCE on the basis of his style of writing.” [Source]
Not much is known about Zoroaster’s early life, but he is said to have had a divine vision at about age thirty and believed in one creator God. He claimed that the polytheistic deities of the age were evil spirits.
Beliefs: In the three-fold path - good thoughts, good words, and good deeds - is the way to keep chaos, which humanity (as well as other elements) is at battle with, at bay. Concern is placed with the soul, not the body, even in religious rituals related to death.
God: They believe that there is only one God who created everything. Their God’s - Ahura Mazda - creation is the antithesis of chaos, evident as falsehood and disorder. Ahura Mazda will ultimately prevail, at which point the universe will undergo a cosmic renovation and time will end.
Principles:
*Their worship includes prayers and symbolic ceremonies.
* Members are dedicated to a three-fold path, as shown in their motto: “Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.”
* Members can pray at home instead of going to a temple if they wish.
*Zoroastrians do not generally accept converts. One has to be born into the religion. This belief is disputed by some members.
*The traditional wing of Zoroastrianism discourages and does not recognize inter-faith marriages.
Other sources of information:
Zoroastrianism @ Wikipedia
Zoroastrianism @ Religious Tolerance
Zoroastrianism @ BBC
Zoroastrianism.com
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