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World Religion Assignment

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, founded by Zoroaster in ancient Iran. It believes in one supreme creator deity, Ahura Mazda, who is all-good, omnipotent, and omniscient. Zoroastrianism also contains dualistic elements in that it recognizes both good and evil forces, though these are subordinate to Ahura Mazda. While polytheism was prevalent in the region at the time, Zoroaster preached monotheism and the worship of Ahura Mazda alone.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
19 views2 pages

World Religion Assignment

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, founded by Zoroaster in ancient Iran. It believes in one supreme creator deity, Ahura Mazda, who is all-good, omnipotent, and omniscient. Zoroastrianism also contains dualistic elements in that it recognizes both good and evil forces, though these are subordinate to Ahura Mazda. While polytheism was prevalent in the region at the time, Zoroaster preached monotheism and the worship of Ahura Mazda alone.

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Pankaj
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ZOROASTRIANISM AND MONOTHEISM

INTRODUCTION

Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religion. It contains both


monotheistic and dualistic elements. Philosophy and teachings of this religion is based
on the teachings of Prophet Zoroaster, after whom the religion is named. It originated
from northeast Iran and later spread throughout Iran and beyond. The term
‘Zoroastrianism’ is synonymous with Mazdaism that is the worship of Ahura Mazda,
exalted by Zoroaster as the supreme divine authority. Mazdayasna is Zoroastrian
name of this religion which combines Mazda- with the Avestan word yasna, meaning
“worship, devotion.”

LIFE OF ZOROASTER

According to a legend the conception of Zoroaster was divine. The place and time of
his birth is under dispute. It is assumed that Zoroaster appeared and proclaimed the
new teaching in tenth BCE in the reign of Kai Vishtasp. We find from some of the
passages from sacred books that Rahaga in Media was his birthplace. Avesta (sacred
book) narrates that as youth he spent his time in the deep study of philosophical
questions and in divine meditation on the top of a mountain named ‘Ushidarena.’ He
is belived to have had his first vision at the age of 30 and began his preaching at 40
and converted his king Ghustasp two years later. Avesta mentions that he had three
daughters and three sons.Tradition hold that he lived for 77 years. One morning when
he was engaged in prayer he was killed by a sharp instrument thrown at him by
Turbartur, the general of King Arjasp.

MONOTHEISM IN ZOROASTRIANISM

At the time of Zoroaster polytheism was prevalent in the Indo-Mediterranean world.


There were lot of fights and conflicts between people in the name of God. Each tribe
had their own God and each God had his own importance. Zoraoaster propagated a
monotheistic religion. Zoraostrianism believe that there is one Universal,

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transcendent, all good, omnipotent, omniscient and uncreated supreme creator deity,
Ahura Mazda, or “wise Lord”. The entire universe is governed by him so He is called
Ahura and everything in the world is created by him so He is Mazda. Creation and
governance are two principle functions of God. Good He avoided the term ‘daiva’ and
chose Ahura Mazda as the name for God. There is mention of two kinds of powers.
One is Angra-mainyush, an angel whose presence considered to be evil, and the other
is and spenta-mainyush who is a good angel.

Ahura Mazda is closely associated with the powers of nature but the Zoroastrian
notion is not pantheistic since Ahura Mazda is distinct and above all mankind and
natural powers.

Dualistic notion

Zoroaster has presented the presence of two forces in the creation, good and evil.
These two forces are shown by two primeval principles, the two angels mentioned
above, Angra-manyush and Spenta-mainyush. Spenta-mainyush is the creative
principle, cause of all that is bright and shining, of all that is good and useful in nature.
Angra-mainyush is destructive power which brings chaos and confusion in the
creation. The Spenta-mainyush is all light, truth, goodness and knowledge while
Angra-mainyush is all darkness, falsehood, wickedness and ignorance.

Although there is existence of two principles in Zoroastrinism it does not lead to


dualism since these two principles are not omniscient. They work under Ahura Mazda
who is supreme over them.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of knowledge which I got through different sources I found that
Zoroastrinism was first monotheistic religion in the history of the world. The God
Ahura Mazda is both creator and sustainer of the creation. He is supreme and only
one. Though there is presence of dual principles it does not make it dualistic because
these two principles work under Ahura Mazda and do whatever is commanded by
Him.

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