Zoroastrianism: Origins Figures and Texts


 

 

Where did it come from?       

 

Zoroastrianism was developed and created based on the writings of a prophet named Zarathustra or Zoroaster. This religion pays much attention to the leader Ahura Mazda.  Zoroaster was not worshiped himself but helped the people fully understand God’s power. People see him as the one who can help lead the people in the right direction to be loyal to God. This religion is over 3500 years old. Also it was once one of the most powerful religions in the world and considered the official religion of Persia, but now it is one of the smallest.      

 

Like the Angels

 

 

Amesha Spentas are the helpers of God on Earth this translates as “Holy Immortals.” They are referred to angels in Christianity, and have the same general plan of how to do this God’s request. These six Amesha Spentas are named:

·               Vohu Manah - Good mind and good purpose.

·               Asha Vahishta - Truth and righteousness.

·               Spenta Ameraiti - Holy devotion, serenity and loving kindness.

·               Khashathra Vairya - Power and just rule.

·               Hauravatat - Wholeness and health.

·               Ameretat - Long life and immortality.

 

 

The Good and the Evil

 

Ahura Mazda has an opponent named Angra Mainyu (means: the destructive spirit) this spirit is responsible for all the death and the bad things that happen in the world everyday. To them Angra Mainyu lives in hell where as Ahura Mazda lives in Heaven. (Much like in Christianity: God lives in Heaven, and the Devil lives in Hell.)

 

Bibliography:

 

Boyce, Mary -. New York, USA. 5 July 2001. 9 Oct. 2008

http://books.google.ca/books?id=a6gbxVfjtUEC.

 

Unknown name, -. United Kingdom, BBC. 20 July 2006. 6 Oct. 2008 http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/zoroastrian/beliefs/god.shtml#top.

 

Unknown Name, -. Wikipedia. 9 Oct. 2008. 9 Oct. 2008

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrian.


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