Zoroastrianism's Influence on Later Religion

Monotheistic religions are religions that worship one God. This God is usually a personal God that unifies all of creation. Zoroastrianism is probably the first monotheistic religion (The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia). Zoroastrianism has one God, Ahuramazda. Ahuramazda is a good and just God.

There are many similarities between Zoroastrianism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Zoroastrianism was founded by Zoroaster sometime between 1000 B.C.E. and 500 B.C.E. in Persia. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all started in the Middle East and would have had contact with Zoroastrianism. Judaism and Christianity would come in contact with Zoroastrianism when Babylon was captured by Judah. Later there would be contact via Rome, when Alexander the Great's empire is taken over. That empire included Persia. Islam would be influenced by Zoroastrianism as Persia borders the country that Mohamed is from.

Zoroastrianism influenced Christianity, Judaism, and Islam in some of their beliefs as well. Not only are all four religions monotheistic, they all have good and evil forces that are at war with one another. All of the religions have aspects of heaven and hell. In all four religions humans have free will. All deal with the end of time and being judged before God.

In both Zoroastrianism and Islam one must pray five times a day. The Zoroastrianism term "druj" means female or "the lie." Christianity and Judaism also blame women for the downfall of humanity. Another important similarity is that all four religions talk about a coming Messiah.

There are also similarities in the myths of all four religions. When Zoroaster is locked in the kings jail and forgotten about until the kings horse is injured and only Zoroaster can heal it, I am reminded somewhat of several Bible stories, but most strongly the story of Joseph. Joseph was also persecuted and locked in a jail only to be let out when the King needed his dreams interpreted.

In summary, I have showed many ways that Zoroastrianism has influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three religions have been influenced in doctrines, believes, texts and myths. The Influence is largely due because of contact all three religions had with Zoroastrianism during their early stages.