Zoroastrianism | December 20, 2004

Zoroastrianism, or Mazdaism, is an ancient Persian faith centered on the combined elements of monotheism and dualism, which are thoroughly explored inside the Avesta, the practice’s sacred scripture. Founded by Zarathushtra, also known as Zoroaster, the group’s beliefs are central to the idea of constant struggle between the spirit of good (“Spenta Mainyu”) and the spirit of evil (“Angra Mainyu” or “Ahriman”). According to the Supreme God, Ahura Mazda, men are allowed the freedom of choosing the path of either spirit. Of course, the route of righteousness is encouraged, the religion’s motto standing as Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds. In its prime, between 559 BC and 651 AC, the ideology was the dominant world religion, and therefore the most powerful world religion at the time of Jesus. In fact, many scholars today believe that Zoroastrianism had a significant influence on Judaism, Mithraism, and Manichaeism, and thus indirectly influenced Christianity and Islam. Zoroastrianism is still practiced today, with around 150,000 existing members primarily present in India and Iran.