Zoroastrianism

Founded in ancient Persia (modern day Iran) by the prophet Zoroaster/Zarathustra, Zoroastrianism was one of the most powerful religions from 600 BCE to 650 CE (and was also the religion of the Persian court). Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, with the earliest known records dating approximately 3500 years ago. In a vision, Zoroaster was introduced to Ahura Mazda, the uncreated,everlasting god, who was also the "Creator" of all good forces, as well as of other benevolent (though minor) divinities. However, Zoroaster did not believe there was only one spirit, and in his vision he also saw Ahriman/Angra Mainya, the constant opponent of Ahura Mazda. He saw Ahriman and Ahura Mazda as constant adversaries, and each one acted according to his nature with no decision (good vs. evil) in between, (a concept called dualism)- all of Ahura Mazda's actions were righteous, all Ahriman's actions were wicked. Therefore, Zoroastrianists are animists (Ahura Mazda and Ahriman are the spirits) that believe (there are still some practicing today) that life is a constant/cosmic battlefield and a struggle between the forces of good and evil, moral and immoral. The reason Ahriman is not worshipped is because Zoroaster believed that he was a false god, one that serves as the conflict in and among men, one who seduced them through their greed and temptation (like the Christianity's Satan). Zoroaster recognized that Ahriman would still be there to corrupt the world, so he continued to worship (including praying several times a day to) Ahura Mazda for his (Ahura's) help, in attempt to keep out the weakness in his heart that would lead to temptation and evil. For Zoroastrianists, the book of scriptures is called the Avesta, which consists of 17 hymns written to Ahura Mazda by Zoroaster himself, and in the Younger Avesta (the second part) there are commentaries written on the older one as well as myths, stores, and details of rituals and observances. Fire is the symbol for order and justice, and there are many rituals to regain lost purity. Zoroastrianism has been noted to have been influencial in Christianity.

Created by Rachel Mitchell, 8/26/08

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/zoroastrian/

http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/z/zoroastrianism.html

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Edited by Elizabeth Thompson (9/01/08) Edited by Allie Pinosky: September 1, 2008