Zoroastrianism

        Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, believed to have been founded around 3,500 years ago in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) by the prophet Zoroaster (also known as Zarathustra). Zoroaster taught that there is one supreme god, Ahura Mazda, who represents all that is good, wise, and just.

        Before Zoroaster, Persians were polytheistic. His teachings brought a focus on morality, choice, and the idea of a cosmic battle. Zoroastrianism became the official religion of the Persian Empire and had a huge influence on other faiths, especially Judaism, Christianity, and Islam with similar ideas like heaven and hell, angels, free will, and a final judgment. Zoroastrianism has become a smaller religion in the modern world however still has ties in India and Iran.

Zoroastrianism teaches that the world is a battleground between good and evil, and every person plays a part in this cosmic struggle. The religion is based on the idea of free will, and people are judged by the choices they make.

Here are key beliefs:

• Ahura Mazda – The one all-knowing, all-good god who created everything and gives people the power to choose between right and wrong.

• Angra Mainyu (Ahriman) – The destructive spirit and enemy of Ahura Mazda, representing evil, chaos, and lies.

• Dualism – The world is shaped by the struggle between good (truth and light) and evil (lies and darkness). Humans must choose which side to follow.

• Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds – This is the core moral code of Zoroastrianism. Living by these principles helps defeat evil and bring harmony to the world.

• Fire Temples – Zoroastrians pray in temples that contain a sacred fire, which represents truth, purity, and the presence of God. Fire and clean water are both considered symbols of spiritual purity.

• Ritual Purity – Cleanliness, both physical and spiritual, is extremely important. Many Zoroastrians avoid pollution and take part in purification rituals.

        Zoroastrians believe in an afterlife and a final judgment. After death, the soul is judged at a spiritual bridge called the Chinvat Bridge:

• If the person lived a good, honest life, their soul crosses safely into heaven.

• If they lived a life filled with evil, they fall into a dark, miserable existence similar to hell.

Eventually, Zoroastrians believe the world will be purified in a final battle between good and evil, where evil will be defeated, the dead will rise, and all souls will be reunited in a perfect world without suffering. This idea is called Frashokereti the final renewal.

        Though not as widely practiced today, Zoroastrianism laid the foundation for many modern religious ideas about morality, judgment, and the afterlife. It emphasizes personal responsibility, truthfulness, and the power of small acts of goodness in the greater battle for the soul of the world. Its influence can still be seen in the world’s major religions, and its followers continue to carry on one of the oldest spiritual traditions on Earth.