ZoroAstroism Essay - 1991 Words

Comparing Judaism and Christianity Judaism and Christianity are both major monotheistic religions in todays world. Upon taking a closer look at these western religions one cant help but notice a common thread running through them. The concepts of one omniscient God (monotheism) and final judgement (resulting in spending an eternity in heaven or hell), are ever present. How do these largely practiced belief systems have so much in common? Who is responsible for creating the basic ideology of millions of believers today? The answer to these questions may lie with a man who lived, possibly, thirty-five hundred years ago. Zoroastrians are the followers of the Achaemenian prophet or priest Zarathustra (or Zoroaster as the†¦show more content†¦Iran, as well as the entire Middle East, was a land where many pagan gods and goddesses were being born. During the time of Zoroaster, Mithra was one prominent religion practiced by the Iranians. Those who were followers of Mithra (as well as other religions) would sacrifice animals to pay homage to their gods. It wasnt uncommon for worshippers to consume narcotics and intoxicating beverages called Haoma (Zaehner 38). Zoroasters revolt against such ritualistic practices in Mithra and other Iranian religions is noted when he cried out to Ahura Mazda for help. When wilt thou strike down this filthy drunkness, the prophet exclaims, with which the priests (karapans) evilly delude (the people) as do the wicked rulers of the providences in (full) consciousness (of what they do). (Zaehner 38) In response, Zoroaster had received a vision from Ahura Mazd a, the Wise Lord, who appointed him to teach the truth. Initially, Zoroaster did not try to overthrow current religions. But instead he placed Ahura Mazda as the Head God. Through his attempts to slowly reform the Iranian religions, Zoroaster was opposed in his monotheistic teachings and principles by religious authorities in the area that he preached. His enemies were the established civil and religious heads who wanted no part in undoing the ancient national religions, which had strong ties in existing social and economic structures.