Difference between revisions of "Zoroastrianism"
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| − | + | '''Zoroastrianism''' is a monotheistic religion founded by [[Zoroaster]] (or Zarathustra) in what is now [[Iran]]. It describes life as a struggle between good and evil with the expectation that good will ultimately prevail. The central divine being is called ''Ahura Mazda'' and was associated by Zoroaster to the idea of a creator of all, who had not been created himself. In the belief system, the dead would be resurrected at "the end of time". The sacred text is called [[Zend Avesta]]. | |
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| + | ==History== | ||
| + | Zoroastrianism was created by [[Zoroaster]] around 1200 B.C. The religion was popular amongst the tribes of [[Persia]], though was popularized when it was made the state religion of the [[Sassanid Empire]]. It quickly declined when the forces of Islam overran Persia and the population became [[Islamic]]. In the 21<sup>st</sup> century, Zoroastrianism is practiced by around 200,000 people worldwide (in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran).<ref>[http://www.religioustolerance.org/zoroastr.htm Zoroastrianism]</ref> | ||
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| + | The religion has had formative influence on the [[Abrahamic_religions|Abrahamic]] and Vedic religions and [[Buddhism]]. | ||
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| + | ==References== | ||
| + | <references/> | ||
| + | Black, Matthew & H. H. Rowley, eds. (1982), Peake's Commentary on the Bible, New York | ||
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| + | Boyce, Mary (1979), Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, London: Routledge | ||
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| + | Clark, Peter (1998), Zoroastrianism. An Introduction to an Ancient "Faith", Brighton, UK | ||
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| + | [[Category:Religion]] | ||
Revision as of 05:09, September 22, 2007
Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion founded by Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in what is now Iran. It describes life as a struggle between good and evil with the expectation that good will ultimately prevail. The central divine being is called Ahura Mazda and was associated by Zoroaster to the idea of a creator of all, who had not been created himself. In the belief system, the dead would be resurrected at "the end of time". The sacred text is called Zend Avesta.
History
Zoroastrianism was created by Zoroaster around 1200 B.C. The religion was popular amongst the tribes of Persia, though was popularized when it was made the state religion of the Sassanid Empire. It quickly declined when the forces of Islam overran Persia and the population became Islamic. In the 21st century, Zoroastrianism is practiced by around 200,000 people worldwide (in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran).[1]
The religion has had formative influence on the Abrahamic and Vedic religions and Buddhism.
References
Black, Matthew & H. H. Rowley, eds. (1982), Peake's Commentary on the Bible, New York
Boyce, Mary (1979), Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, London: Routledge
Clark, Peter (1998), Zoroastrianism. An Introduction to an Ancient "Faith", Brighton, UK