Zoroastrianism is arguably the worlds oldest monotheistic religion. The extant avesta is all that remains of a much larger body of scripture, apparently zoroasters transformation of a very ancient tradition. This lesson explores the beliefs of zoroastrians, one of the earliest forms of organized religion. Arguably the worlds first monotheistic faith, its one of the oldest religions still in. Zoroastrianisms influence on judaism, christianity, islam.
Parseeism, parsiism the faith of a zoroastrian sect in india type of. This book is useful for the later history of the zoroastrians. Zoroastrianism, the ancient preislamic religion of iran that survives there in isolated areas and, more prosperously, in india, where the descendants of zoroastrian iranian persian immigrants are known as parsis, or parsees. But for most of us, linguistically speaking, it is an animal. However, in zoroastrianism the concept is more along the lines of gods helper and that as humans it is our duty to help god ahura mazda to maintain.
The description of zoroastrianism reflects the authors personal. Abridged from the acclaimed oxford dictionary of world religions, this concise version is written by an expert team of 80 international and multifaith contributors. Zoroastrians believe in one god, called ahura mazda meaning wise lord. For others it might be the buzz after a gym session. It had a major influence on other religions and is still. Zoroastrian refugees, called parsis, escaped muslim persecution in iran by emigrating to india. He has been a major figure in the history of world religions, in large part because of his apparent monotheism, his purported dualism, and the possible influence of his teachings on middle eastern religions. Zoroastrianism synonyms, zoroastrianism pronunciation, zoroastrianism translation, english dictionary definition of zoroastrianism. Zoroastrianism now has an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 worshipers worldwide. Most of the texts in these archives are extremely rare. Zoroastrianism definition and meaning collins english. Other names for zoroastrianism are mazdaism and parsiism.
But where there is so much smoke, there must have been at least a small fire, and probably a big one, for zoroastrianism became the official religion of persia. Zoroastrianism is an ancient persian religion that may have originated as early as 4,000 years ago. Comparisons between zoroastrianism and christianity. Many western religions such as christianity, islam, and judaism believe in the concept of gods servant and that as humans we are indebted to, or owe god. Definition, beliefs and history have you ever wondered when popular religions started to develop. Zoroastrian definition of zoroastrian by the free dictionary. It is simply impossible to list all varieties of religion 1 as we as a species have created an almost infinite variety of religious and transcendental ideas. What are some interesting facts about zoroastrianism religion.
Apr 10, 2015 zoroastrian texts the zoroastrian sacred text is the avesta book of the law, a fragmentary collection of sacred writings. May 27, 2005 i have not read that book it is in two volumes i believe, so i cannot judge its arguments, but from a purely historical point of view, if zoroastrianism really said all the aforementioned material before jesus was around and then it traveled to babylon, it does seem like a good argument against christianity. This includes the original words of their founder zarathushtra, preserved in a series of five hymns, called the gathas. Marjan measured bahars unpredictable temperament according to the ancient and treasured zoroastrian practice of gastronomic balancing, which pitted light and against dark, good against evil, hot against cold. The religion founded by zoroaster was the first major world religion and has had significant influence on other religious and philosophical systems, including christianity, judaism, islam, buddhism, the bahai faith, gnosticism and greek philosophy. Although the teachings of prophet zarathushtra were primarily spiritual, and substantially devoid of mythological and ritualistic beliefs, zoroastrianism, the religion that was based on his teachings incorporated many aspects of prezarathushtra traditions as well as novel and creative approaches to ritualism.
Zoroastrian definition and meaning collins english. Oct 02, 2016 what is the worlds most peaceful religion. Zoroastrianism, ancient preislamic religion of iran that likely influenced the. A dakhma remains in operation near mumbai, india, for example. Persian prophet whose visions are the basis of zoroastrianism. Zoroastrianism was a major religion before christianity and islam were founded. The most important texts of the religion are those of the avesta, which includes as central the writings of zoroaster known as the gathas, enigmatic. The zoroastrian book of holy scriptures is called the avesta.
The religious system founded by zoroaster and set forth in the avesta, teaching the worship of ahura mazda in the context of a universal struggle between. Zoroastrianism is a way of being and is not focused on the personage of zarathushtra also spelt zarathustra. Zarathustra was supposed to have instructed pythagoras in babylon and to have inspired the chaldean doctrines of astrology and magic. One of the most interesting things about zoroastrianism was the teachings of zoraster, the prophet, which was all gathered in a book named gathas. Still, the faravahar clearly continues a symbolic paradigm already longestablished which represented divinity linked to royalty and so most likely did. Ad 226 under ardashir i, who established the sassanid dynasty and fostered a general revival of achaemenian culture. Items in lower case italics are classes of religion and not actual religions. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Apr 23, 2019 zoroastrianism is arguably the worlds oldest monotheistic religion. Information about zoroastrianism in the dictionary, synonyms and antonyms. Buddhism 376 million followers tripitaka pali canon 5. Zoroastrianism definition of zoroastrianism by merriam.
Zoroastrianism definition of zoroastrianism by merriamwebster. It centers on the words of the prophet zarathushtra, called zoroaster by the ancient greeks, and focuses worship upon ahura mazda, the lord of wisdom. For four centuries zoroastrianism was the state religion of the sassanids, and it successfully met the challenge of nascent christianity and, later, of heretical manichaeism. May, 2019 zoroastrianism is also known as mazdayasna. This estimate then reappeared in the 9th to 12thcentury arabic and pahlavi texts of zoroastrian tradition, like the 10th century almasudi who cited a prophecy from a lost avestan book in which zoroaster foretold the empires destruction in three hundred years, but the religion would last for a thousand years. Since this book is by the world renowned zoroastrianism expert mary boyce, this book is sure to be accurate and filled with indisputable and expert information. Zoroastrian synonyms, zoroastrian pronunciation, zoroastrian translation, english dictionary definition of zoroastrian. The zoroastrian sacred text is the avesta book of the law, a fragmentary.
It also includes information about the avestan language, and other useful information for students of zoroastrian religion. It was probably founded some time before the 6th century bce in persia iran. Zoroastrianism is supposed to have been a major influence on the religions of christianity and judaism who may have borrowed the ideas of heaven and hell from this religion. Avesta, sacred book of zoroastrianism containing its cosmogony, law, and liturgy, the teachings of. Zoroastrianism teaches us that our life in this world is a blessing and also a duty and struggle. Holy text, beliefs and practices religious tolerance.
Here are 10 things you didnt know about zoroastrianism. We will use the name zoroastrianism in these pages since it is the common english language name for the religion. Zoroasters monotheistic tendencies were a new movement from the polytheistic religion previously known in persia. Ascribed to the teachings of the iranianspeaking spiritual leader zoroaster also known. Zoroastrianism, in fact, is the first monotheistic faith to advance the concepts of individual responsibility for salvation, judgment after death, a messiah, an endtime, and a heaven and hell, and should rightly be regarded as the precursor to the later religions which claim an original vision which was actually established centuries before by zoroaster and was so. The holy books of world religions sacred texts in world. Major religions, like christianity and islam, have been popular since ancient times, but what religion was popular before these belief systems developed. With zoroastrianism on the decline, there is a chance the ancient religion may eventually disappear.
Zoroastrians worship communally in a fire temple or agiary. Zoroastrianism was the dominant world religion from 559 bce to 651 ce, and was thus the most powerful world religion at the time of jesus. Faravahar symbol of ancient persia and zoroastrianism. Zoroastrianism is the ancient, preislamic religion of persia modernday iran. Translated by james darmesteter from sacred books of the east, american edition, 1898. Zoroastrianism noun the noun zoroastrianism has 1 sense 1. The founder of the religion was a man named zoroaster, who is viewed as a prophetic figure by adherents. The religious system founded by zoroaster and set forth in the avesta, teaching the worship of ahura mazda in the context of a. Zoroastrianism definition in the cambridge english dictionary. Zoroastrianism dictionary definition zoroastrianism defined. Answers vary according to which religion or creed you cleave to.
All of the following are part of the four books except for. Iranian prophet and religious reformer zarathustra flourished before the 6th century bce more widely known outside iran as zoroaster, the greek form of his nameis traditionally regarded as the founder of the religion. Avesta, sacred book of zoroastrianism containing its cosmogony, law, and liturgy, the teachings of the prophet zoroaster zarathushtra. Zoroastrianism is an ancient persian religion that may have originated as. Hinnells is a decent reference book that gives adequate and basic definitions on various religious topics. Zoroastrianism believes in the purity and goodness of all of gods creations and thus they are very careful not to pollute and destroy river and trees.
Until recently, most modern scholars accepted a date of around 600 b. During those centuries it influenced hellenistic, jewish, christian, and muslim beliefs through contact between. Zoroastrian definition and meaning collins english dictionary. The penguin dictionary of religions second edition by john r. Compiled over many centuries, the avesta was not completed until persias sassanid dynasty 226641 ce. Zoroastrianism, the worlds oldest monotheistic religion. It is a blessing, because god has given us the wonderful body with physical, mental. Zoroastrianism or mazdayasna is one of the worlds oldest continuously practiced religions. Zendavesta literally means interpretation of the avesta. The dualistic religious system founded by the persian prophet zarathustra zoroaster in greek and set forth in the avesta in the late 7th or early 6th centuries bce, teaching the worship of ahura mazda in the context of a universal struggle between the forces of light and of darkness. Even the zoroastrian fire temple house of worship was unadorned. For moulton, zoroastrianism interested him by its unique connection with the judeochristian worldview, especially its heritage as an ancient monotheism. The ancient greeks saw in zoroastrianism the archetype of the dualistic view of the world and of human destiny. The term zoroastrianism is, in general usage, essentially synonymous with mazdaism the worship of ahura mazda, exalted by zoroaster as the supreme divine authority.
The latter represent the basic source of the religion. The description of zoroastrianism reflects the authors personal beliefs and should be read with a critical mind and a large dose of sound skepticism. Zoroastrianism was the state religion of three persian dynasties, until the muslim conquest of persia in the seventh century a. Textual sources for the study of zoroastrianism textual. Concise oxford dictionary of world religions oxford.
It contains entries on all the major and many minor religions, including christianity, judaism, buddhism, hinduism, islam, jainism, shinto, sikhism, and taoism. We provide the complete text of the extant avesta, the most ancient scriptures of zoroastrianism, as well as many pahlavi scriptures. List of books and articles about zoroastrianism online. The iranian prophet and religious reformer zarathustra flourished before the 6th century bcemore widely known outside iran as zoroaster, the greek form of his nameis traditionally regarded as the founder of the religion. Zoroastrianism is a religion, one of the oldest according to tradition, it was founded by zoroaster after he received a vision in which he was introduced to ahura mazda, and told of the great god and his adversary.
Find the top 100 most popular items in amazon books best sellers. The holy book of zoroastrianism is known as the avesta. Eirciv 102a, spring 2006 vi february 7, 2006 basic bibliography some useful literature boyce, m. Apr 04, 2017 long before christianity or islam existed, zoroastrianism, one of the worlds oldest monotheistic faiths, was one of the most dominant religions on earth for about 1,000 years.
Zoroastrianism contains both monotheistic and dualistic features. This book was really innovative and thoughtprovoking at the time since it was written in the form of ritual poems. It is likely that zoroastrianism influenced the development of judaism and the birth of christianity. Zoroastrianism definition of zoroastrianism by the free. According to tradition, it was founded by zoroaster after he received a vision in which he was introduced to ahura mazda, and told of the great god and his adversary. For example, theism is any religion that contains gods, and polytheism is a form of theism. Zoroastrianism was an active, missionary religion that has exerted a profound influence on the worlds thought, all the more because in the west at any rate ahura mazda was not at all a jealous god, and mazdeism was always quite ready to enter into syncretism with other systems. A brief introduction to zoroastrianism commisceo global. Zoroastrianism definition in the cambridge english.
It was founded by the prophet zoroaster in ancient iran approximately 3500 years ago. The religion is also among the oldest religions in the world as its origin can be traced back to the 2nd millennium bce. The founder of zoroastrianism was zoroaster, who lived in eastern ancient iran around bc. Zoroastrianism religion, spiritualism, and occult about five centuries before the common era, the worlds first true monotheistic religion began. What are the top ten religions and what is the holy book. Zoroastrianism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of prophet zoroaster also known as zarathustra, in avestan. It likely influenced the other major western religions judaism, christianity, and islam. Zoroastrianism is the monotheistic faith established by the persian.
Moulton would eventually come to conclude that zoroastrianism had the very foundation as its western counterparts, and much of its doctrinal infrastructure. The basic beliefs and history of a religion is often found in its sacred or revered texts. This book is priceless as it contains 11 chapters of invaluable information and resources needed to study or comprehend this obscure but important world religion. Oct 02, 2016 what is the ancient religion zoroastrianism. Zoroastrian religion article about zoroastrian religion. Zoroastrianism article about zoroastrianism by the free. The 7 dimensions of zoroastrianism by abby perrault on prezi. Zoroastrianism definition and meaning bible dictionary. Zoroastrianism is one of the worlds oldest monotheistic religions but many people know little about the faith. Sep 22, 2009 zoroastrianism is one of the worlds oldest monotheistic religions. The religion still exists, even though persia fell to islamic invaders who reduced zoroastrianism to a very small minority sect by 651 ce. Have you ever wondered when popular religions started to develop. This reference book is a good starting point for a young person just venturing out in their study of religion. Zoroastrianism developed into the major religion theologically, demographically, and politically of iran and central asia between the sixth century bce and the tenth century ce, enjoying royal patronage from various dynasties.
Zoroastrianism definition is a persian religion founded in the sixth century b. As noted, both the early iranian religion and zoroastrianism resisted depictions of the divine in artistic representations. Vendidad videvdad or laws against the demons avesta the sacred books of zoroastrianism, book 3. Vendidad videvdad or laws against the demons avesta. Proper usage and audio pronunciation of the word zoroastrianism. It is a multitendency faith centered on a dualistic cosmology of good and evil and an eschatology predicting the ultimate conquest of evil with theological elements of henotheism, monotheismmonism, and polytheism. Zarathustra, iranian religious reformer and prophet, traditionally regarded as the founder of zoroastrianism. In ancient times, the modern country of iran was known as persia. So, what are the holy books of the five major world religions.
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