Zoroastrianism - The Religion of Good Conscience

Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Currently, it is also one of the smallest, although at one time it was one of the largest world religions. Researching and delving into the basic concepts of different religions is fascinating to me and Zoroastrianism was no exception. Perceived by many as a dualistic ancient religion, it is not so.

Zoroastrianism, founded in Persia around 3500 years ago, was the first Monotheist and universal religion in history. It is the root of much of Jewish, Christian and Islamic doctrines and beliefs. It was known as the "Religion of Good Conscience" by its founder Zarathustra Spitaman. It was once the state religion of the Persian Empires, ruling over half the then known world. Zarathustra was born into a polytheistic religion which was similar to early Hinduism. He rejected the religion and disapproved of its animal sacrifices and use of intoxicants. When he was thirty, it is said that he saw God in a vision and was a changed man. He started spreading the teachings of the one and only God.

Not being accepted by his peers, Zarathustra(or Zoroaster) moved to the more accepting land of King Vishtaspa where his ideas were accepted as the official religion. Zoroastrianism spread to Western Iran and eventually became an established religion and the official religion of Persia from 600 BC to 650 AD.

At the center of Zoroastrianism is God or Ahura Mazada, the creator of the world and humans are referred to as God's helpers. The positive and wise choices of man will push evil away and God's Paradise will then be set up on good words and perform good deeds. It encourages its followers to think good thoughts, speak good words and perform good deeds. Thus choosing good over evil, mortals will achieve their goal of god-likeness and spiritual completeness. Listed below are some of the beliefs of Zoroastrianism.

1. The God of Zarathustra is not a God of Thou Shalt and Thou Shall Not: Zoroastrianism believes those who fear God, do not know God.

2. God is not about fear, guilt and condemnation: God is wisdom, love and logic.

3. God does not have favorites, nor discriminates: God treats humans with dignity and respect.

4. God is not a slave master or despot among his serfs: God is mans soul mate and partner.

5. God is not jealous, wrathful or vengeful: Man is not sinful, fallen or depraved.

6. God has no opponent and heaven and hell are states of mind and being: Man was created to progress to likeness and eliminate wrong from the Cosmos in partnership with God.

7. There will be no Last Day of Judgment: In Gods eyes there are no sins or sinners, so in his heart there is no condemnation or damnation, the Zoroastrians believe.

Zoroastrianism followers can pray as often as they like. They pray while facing a source of light like the sun or fire, which symbolizes the energy or wisdom of God. Communal worship usually takes place around the time of a festival or a ceremony marking a stage of life. Fire is always a part of a ceremony, thus Zoroastrianism is frequently mistaken for a fire-worshiping religion. They consider fire a natural element and it represents features of God such as his wisdom.

Zoroastrianisms avidly donate to social and educational charities and believe that all people are created equal. They are said to firmly believe in family and community and encourage taking active roles in improving society.

The holy book of Zoroastrianism is the Avesta.

Although Zoroastrianism is a religion founded centuries ago, some of their basic believes could definitely be incorporated into today's modern society and I believe they are without us realizing it, especially the good works that are done by many each and everyday.

Sources: Zoroastrianism.com
typesofreligion.com/zoroastrianism