Zoroastrianism was a classical Persian belief system founded by Zoroaster, who preached a message of moral reform during an age of materialism. The religion's primary sacred text is the Avesta, which includes hymns and prayers written by Zoroaster. Zoroastrianism believes in monotheism and supremacy of the wise lord Ahura Mazda over all other gods. It also believes in dualism where the universe and human soul are a battlefield between Ahura Mazda and the evil spirit Angra Mainyu, and humans must choose which side they support. The religion influenced concepts in later faiths such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

1. Zoroastrianism
Classical Persian Belief System

2. Founder
• Zarathustra / Zoroaster
• Prophet / Social Reformer
• Message of MORAL REFORM in
an age of MATERIALISM
• No renunciation of material world, or
asceticism – just balance.
• Earned no official approval during his life
time.

3. Sacred Writing
• Avesta – primary sacred text;
Hymns & Prayers
• Gathas – reflection on his
religious views
• Zarathustra was literate, so…?

4. Rules / Laws
• Moral Code
oSacredness of the cow
oHonest dealings in trade
oSteppe peoples as immoral
oInfluenced by “old religion” (Aryan)

5. Concepts
• “MONOTHEISM”
• Supremacy of
Ahura Mazda
o The Wise Lord is god
over any other god

6. Concepts
• Final Judgment:
oFuture Glory or Darkness & Grief
• Dualism
oUniverse & Human Soul as Battlefield
oAhura Mazda vs. Angra Mainyu
oHumans choose their side!

7. Priests
•Magi

8. Symbols

9. Influenced Other Religions?
• Judaism
• Christianity
• Islam
• Hinduism?
Angels, Devils,
the Messiah, the Last Judgment,
Afterlife (Heaven & Hell)

10. Famous Zoroastrians
100,000 left
India
(Parsis)
-Low birth rates
-Out-marriage
-Aging population
-Emigration to
other societies
Zubin Mehta – Conductor;
Tata family – one of richest
families in world: Steel &
automobiles;
John Abraham – Bollywood
actor….