Zoroastrianism

Definition

Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia around the 6th century BCE. This faith centers on the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god who embodies truth and goodness, and emphasizes the eternal struggle between good and evil in the world. Zoroastrianism has influenced many later religious traditions, particularly in its concepts of dualism, heaven and hell, and moral choice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zoroastrianism was one of the first religions to teach a concept of an all-good deity and a dualistic struggle against evil.
2. The religion places a strong emphasis on moral choices, with followers encouraged to live by the principles of 'Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.'
3. Fire is considered a sacred element in Zoroastrianism and represents purity and the presence of Ahura Mazda; fire temples are central places of worship.
4. Zoroastrianism had a significant impact on later religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, particularly in their views of heaven, hell, and eschatology.
5. The decline of Zoroastrianism began with the Muslim conquest of Persia in the 7th century CE, leading to a decrease in its followers and practices.

Review Questions

• How does Zoroastrianism's concept of dualism compare to other religious traditions?
  • Zoroastrianism’s dualism presents a clear distinction between good and evil, embodied by Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu respectively. This contrasts with some other religious traditions that may view good and evil as more fluid or interconnected. For example, in certain interpretations of Buddhism, evil is seen more as ignorance rather than an opposing force. The emphasis on an eternal struggle between these two forces in Zoroastrianism provides a distinct framework for understanding morality and divine justice.
• Discuss the influence of Zoroastrianism on later religious beliefs regarding heaven and hell.
  • Zoroastrianism introduced concepts such as heaven and hell, where individuals are judged based on their deeds after death. This judgment reflects their alignment with either good or evil. These ideas significantly influenced Judeo-Christian teachings about the afterlife. In Christianity, for instance, similar notions can be seen in doctrines of heaven as eternal bliss for the righteous and hell as punishment for sinners. Thus, Zoroastrianism played a foundational role in shaping eschatological beliefs in subsequent religions.
• Evaluate the reasons behind the decline of Zoroastrianism after the Muslim conquest of Persia and its cultural implications.
  • The decline of Zoroastrianism post-Muslim conquest can be attributed to several factors: forced conversions, social stigma associated with being a minority faith, and the imposition of Islamic governance. As Muslim rulers consolidated power, Zoroastrians faced pressures that diminished their religious practices and community structures. Culturally, this led to a significant transformation in Persian identity as Islamic culture became dominant. The decline also resulted in a loss of ancient knowledge and practices unique to Zoroastrianism, impacting the broader tapestry of Middle Eastern spiritual history.

Related terms

Ahura Mazda: The supreme god in Zoroastrianism, representing truth, light, and goodness.

Dualism: A core principle in Zoroastrian belief that emphasizes the conflict between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu).

Avesta: The sacred texts of Zoroastrianism that contain hymns, rituals, and teachings attributed to Zoroaster.