Alternative Religions profiles

History/Founder: Founded in Persia around 1200-1600 BC by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra), Zoroastrianism is the world's oldest continuing monotheistic religion. Some scholars believe that Zoroastrian doctrines - those of heaven and hell, the struggle of good versus evil, and a redeeming messiah- have deeply influenced the Jewish and Christian religions.

Current leader/governing body: The leaders of the Zoroastrian hierarchy in Bombay, India, are the current decision making body.

Clergy: Priests, who officiate temple worship and other common rites.

Requirements to join: How one becomes a Zoroastrian is an ongoing controversy. According to the prevailing view, one must be born into the faith, of a Zoroastrian father- converts are unacceptable. However, due to dwindling numbers of faithful, some believe that converts should be admitted. The survival of the religion may depend on it.

Scripture: The main Zoroastrian Holy Scriptures are called the Avestas, written in an ancient text (Avestan) that is similar to Sanskrit. A portion of the Avestas known as the Gathas, consist of hymns written by Zoroaster. Religious law is contained in another text, the Vendidad. Many of the original texts are missing.

Required observances, dietary restrictions: Five daily prayers, preceded by ablutions, are required of every believer above the age of seven. A sacred cord, or kushti, is retied around the waist with each prayer. Physical cleanliness is important. An initiation ceremony similar to the Jewish Bar/Bat mitzvah, called a Navjot, is performed when a believer comes of age. Zoroastrian dead are not buried, but placed in the open air in structures called "towers of silence," to be devoured by vultures.

Code of conduct: The last book of the Avestas, the Vendidad, contains Zoroastrian civil and religious law. The Vendidad is complex, and covers subjects as diverse as the way prayers are to be recited to the treatment of pets and livestock. The Jewish book of law, Leviticus, contains many similarities to the Vendidad, and was likely based on it.

Zoroastrians believe that time is divided into three ages, those of creation, the current era of mixed good and evil, and the coming era, when Ahura-Mazda will triumph, evildoers will be punished, and the good will go to heaven. It is an apocalyptic religion, like Christianity. However, unlike most Christian views of hell, Zoroastrians believe it to be a temporary abode, where sinners are cleansed by fire. (much like the Catholic concept of purgatory.)

Ahurah-Mazda is worshipped through a sacred fire, which is said to contain his presence. (leading some scholars to the conclusion that Moses of the Old Testament was Zoroastrian). The impending appearance of the Sayoshant, or savior, is expected to usher in the final judgement of man, resurrect the faithful, and defeat evil for eternity. This savior is expected of the line of Zoroaster, and to be born of a virgin.

Holidays: Zoroastrian holidays include No Ruz (literally, new day), or the New Year, celebrated at the Spring Equinox, and Farvardigan, or ten days of the dead, honoring and remembering Zoroastrians of the past, and Khordad Sal, Zoroaster's birthday.

Symbols: A living flame, symbolizing the manifested presence of God, and the Farohar (Fravashi, Farahvahar), an emblem of the faith:

For more information on this and other symbols, please see Religious symbols.

Myths and misconceptions: The most usual misconception is that Zoroastrians are fire-worshippers; they are not. In zoroastrian worship, fire is simply a symbol of the manifested power of Ahura-mazda.

Famous Zoroastrians: Musician Eddie Mercury

Related Links:

• Zoroastrian Resources and organizations
• Images of Zoroaster
• Zarathustra and the religion of Persia
• Zoroastrian wedding ritual
• Kusti ritual
• No Ruz