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Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism. “As the oldest of the revealed credal religions, Zoroastrianism probably had more influence on mankind directly or indirectly than any other faith.” -Zoroastrian scholar Mary Boyce. Zoroastrianism.

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Zoroastrianism

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  1. Zoroastrianism “As the oldest of the revealed credal religions, Zoroastrianism probably had more influence on mankind directly or indirectly than any other faith.” -Zoroastrian scholar Mary Boyce

  2. Zoroastrianism • Zoroastrianism is a unique religion that stresses the eternal battle of good versus evil. • The religion was founded by Zoroaster, a Persian (Iranian) priest and prophet, but it is unclear when he lived, where he lived in Persia, or how much later the religion came after him. • Zoroastrianism is credited with being the first monotheistic religion, and therefore has significant influence in the formation of current, larger world religions.

  3. Zoroastrianism • The Main Principles • According to Zoroaster, there is one true deity to be worshipped: Ahura Mazda, “The Wise Lord” or “The Highest Form of Worship.” • Although Ahura Mazda is the Supreme Deity, he is opposed by another powerful force known as AngraMainyu, “The Destructive Spirit.” • Ahura Mazda and AngraMainyu present themselves as twins and are the good and the bad in thought, word and action.

  4. Zoroastrianism • The Twelve Main Beliefs • Ahura Mazda is the highest Supreme Lord. • Believe in Zoroaster and his teachings. • Good will destroy evil. • Worship Ahura Mazda through sacrifices, rituals, prayers and purifications. • The belief in the sanctity of fire in a material place. • The belief in Asha, or universal order. • The belief in creation by Ahura Mazda. • The belief in the spiritual nature of man (the soul.) • The belief in heaven and hell. • The belief in future prophets of Zoroastrianism. • The belief in the end of the world in a violent conflagration of fire and molten metal. • The belief in the resurrection of the dead and a final judgment.

  5. Zoroastrianism • The Eight Main Practices • Three Commandments: Each person must follow good thoughts, good words and good deeds. • Moderation and Balance: There is no place for ascetic practice. People should always live harmoniously. • Kusti and Sudre: Everyone must wear the sacred thread or girdle known as the kusti or kushti, and everyone must wear the sacred color of white. • Induction ceremonies: Both boys and girls were inducted into the religion. • The worship of Ahura Mazda: Worship was allowed at home and at temples of fire, where sacrifices and prayers would be offered. • The worship of fire: Fire is a sacred symbol and the sanctity of fire must be preserved. • Disposal of the dead: The dead, who were unclean and polluting, were placed in open round structures known as dakhmas or “Towers of Silence” where the bodies were consumed by vultures. • The prohibition of inter-religious marriages.

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