Zoroastrianism
Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 18:00) Written by Interfaith Ministries Wednesday, 13 January 2010 12:07
The founder of Zoroastrianism, Zarathustra (in Greek, Zoroaster), was a Persian prophet who, at the age of 30, believed he had seen visions of God. 
He called that vision Ahura Mazda, which means the creator of all that is good and who alone is worthy of worship. This was a departure from previous Indo-Persian polytheism, and Zarathustra has been termed the first non-biblical prophet. The Zoroastrian Avesta ("Book of the Law") is a fragmentary collection of sacred writings divided into: liturgical works with hymns ascribed to Zarathustra; invocations and rituals to be used at festivals; hymns of praise; spells against demons; and prescriptions for purification.
Population:
World - 2.5 million
United States - 18,000
Tenets:
- All scriptures are sacred, including the Gathas, Yashts and the Venidad.
- All fire temples and rituals are sacred and necessary for the religion.
- Dahma-Nashini is specific rituals for the dead.
- Zarathushtri: men and women are commanded by religion to marry Zarathushtri only.
- God has given us birth in our respective religions to adore Him in them. Each faith leads ultimately to God. Zarathushtris do not convert other people.
- Saoshyant (Savior, born of a virgin) will be sent by Ahura Mazda (God) to defeat evil and further righteousness. When the Saoshyant comes, the final spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil will commence, resulting in utter destruction of evil.
Links
World of Traditional Zoroastrianism
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