The History Of Zoroastrianism
In 6th Century BC, the relgion of Zoroastrianism was founded by Zoroaster, also known as Zarathurstra. It was found in ancient Persia, which is modern day Iran. Zoroastrianism is both a monotheistic and dualistic religion, and Zoroaster was the first non-biblical monotheist.
Zoroaster
Zoroaster was the founder of the religion and was a prophet. He was born into a religion that had polytheistic beliefs and into the Bronze Age culture. He worked as a priest and grew up to have three daughters and three sons. As he got older he rejected the ways of Bronze Age culture because of their polytheism and the class structure.
When he was around 30 years old, Zoroaster had a vision of God (Ahura Mazda) and Amesha Spentas (Holy Immortals) after he went alone to contemplate the way the world worked. This happened during meditation and with this vision, it changed his view on the world and taught what he learned to others. His new beliefs include that only one God should be worshipped. The local religions opposed to his ideas, so his only follower for a while was his cousin. Zoroaster died in his late 70s and by this time, his religion was the religion of Persia. Zoroaster has been compared to the life of Jesus; they both perform miracles, teachings, and recited prayers and hymns that fought off evil. He was also conceived by a young virgin women, and went to the desert to get a revelation that would change his life.
FUN FACT- Since his life was not reliably recorded, Zoroaster is presented as a legend and legend has it that when he was born, he laughed instead of cried.
Zoroaster was the founder of the religion and was a prophet. He was born into a religion that had polytheistic beliefs and into the Bronze Age culture. He worked as a priest and grew up to have three daughters and three sons. As he got older he rejected the ways of Bronze Age culture because of their polytheism and the class structure.
When he was around 30 years old, Zoroaster had a vision of God (Ahura Mazda) and Amesha Spentas (Holy Immortals) after he went alone to contemplate the way the world worked. This happened during meditation and with this vision, it changed his view on the world and taught what he learned to others. His new beliefs include that only one God should be worshipped. The local religions opposed to his ideas, so his only follower for a while was his cousin. Zoroaster died in his late 70s and by this time, his religion was the religion of Persia. Zoroaster has been compared to the life of Jesus; they both perform miracles, teachings, and recited prayers and hymns that fought off evil. He was also conceived by a young virgin women, and went to the desert to get a revelation that would change his life.
FUN FACT- Since his life was not reliably recorded, Zoroaster is presented as a legend and legend has it that when he was born, he laughed instead of cried.
Ahura Mazda
It is believed that there are two parts to the divine power. Ahura Mazda (the Wise Lord), who represents good, and Angra Mainyu, who represents evil. The follower chooses whom they follow.
It is believed that there are two parts to the divine power. Ahura Mazda (the Wise Lord), who represents good, and Angra Mainyu, who represents evil. The follower chooses whom they follow.