Zoroastrianism

Definition

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia. Central to its beliefs is the concept of a cosmic struggle between good and evil, where Ahura Mazda represents the ultimate good, while Angra Mainyu embodies evil. This duality shapes the ethical framework and cosmology within Zoroastrian teachings, influencing later religious traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zoroastrianism emphasizes the importance of individual choice and accountability in the battle between good and evil, encouraging followers to choose righteousness.
2. Fire is a significant symbol in Zoroastrian worship, representing purity and the presence of Ahura Mazda.
3. Zoroastrian rituals often include prayers and offerings to promote harmony and maintain cosmic order against Angra Mainyu's influence.
4. The religion has significantly influenced other faiths, particularly Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, particularly in concepts like heaven, hell, and the final judgment.
5. Today, Zoroastrianism is primarily practiced in Iran and India, where followers are known as Parsis, facing challenges such as declining numbers and cultural preservation.

Review Questions

• How does Zoroastrianism define the relationship between good and evil within its belief system?
  • In Zoroastrianism, the relationship between good and evil is defined through a cosmic struggle between Ahura Mazda, the embodiment of good, and Angra Mainyu, the spirit of evil. This duality illustrates that life is a battleground where individuals must choose their paths, reflecting their moral choices. The faith encourages followers to embrace truth and righteousness while actively resisting falsehood and chaos.
• Discuss the significance of fire in Zoroastrian worship and its connection to the religion's central beliefs about good versus evil.
  • Fire holds a profound significance in Zoroastrian worship as it symbolizes purity, truth, and the divine presence of Ahura Mazda. It serves as a reminder of the eternal fight against Angra Mainyu's malevolence. Rituals often involve maintaining sacred fires in temples to foster spiritual purity and create an atmosphere conducive to connection with the divine. Thus, fire embodies both the essence of divine goodness and the ongoing struggle against evil.
• Evaluate how Zoroastrianism has influenced later religious traditions in terms of concepts related to morality and eschatology.
  • Zoroastrianism has left a lasting impact on later religious traditions by introducing key concepts such as moral dualism, heaven and hell, and final judgment. These ideas have permeated into Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, shaping their narratives around good versus evil and ethical conduct. The emphasis on individual accountability for choices echoes through these religions, highlighting Zoroastrianism's role as a precursor in developing foundational beliefs about morality and the afterlife across cultures.

Related terms

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

Angra Mainyu: The destructive spirit in Zoroastrianism, symbolizing chaos and evil opposing Ahura Mazda.

Avesta: The sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, containing hymns, rituals, and teachings of Zoroaster.