Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings ascribed to the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra, Zartosht). Mazdaism is the religion that acknowledges the divine authority of Ahura Mazda, proclaimed by Zoroaster to be the one uncreated Creator of all (God).

As demonstrated by Zoroastrian creed and articles of faith, the two terms are effectively synonymous. In a declaration of the creed — the Fravarānē — the adherent states: "…I profess myself a devotee of Mazda, a follower of Zarathustra." (Yasna 12.2, 12.8)

While Zoroastrianism was once the dominant religion of much of Greater Iran, the number of adherents has dwindled to not more than 200,000 worldwide, with concentrations in India and Iran. For details, see adherents below.

Zoroastrianism believes in praying to one god while accepting a pantheon of gods. The three Magi or wise men in Christianity were Zoroastrians since this religion calls their disciples magi. The name of the main god is Ahura Mazda who is creator of heaven and earth, light and darkness, day and night. The fallen deities or daivas are demons. They are the progeny of bad thought, untruth, or pride. This is similar to a Jewish idea that desires manifest angels. The fallen angel idea, prominent in Christianity with traces in Judaism is similar. The world is created in six stages:

1. Sky made of rock crystal
2. Water
3. Earth
4. Vegetation
5. Animal life
6. Humanity
   

A great mountain range surrounds the land linked to a central mountain, Mount Hara, located at the center of the earth. This is similar to the Jewish idea that Mount Mariah, the Temple Mount, is the center of our world with all minerals flowing to the rest of the world from this source. The Jewish development of an elaborate hierarchy of angels parallels the Babylonian exile (sixth century BCE) and ideas of Zoroastrianism.

The Zoroastrian myth of the cosmic battle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu with their armies of angels and devils influenced the angelology and demonology of the Apocrypha, Essene scriptures, and New Testament, which in turn influenced later Jewish, Christian, and Islamic thought. During this age the “Lord of Hosts” and warrior angels fight against the forces of evil led by Satan who assumes characteristics of the archfiend, Angra Mainyu. Zoroastrianism had concepts of life after death on earth, in heaven, and in hell. The role of angels is to praise and serve God, reveal divine truth, act as extensions of God’s will, rewarding the good, punishing the wicked, and conducting the souls of the righteous to heaven. In Tobit, Raphael a guardian angel has some similarity with Zoroastrian Fravashis—guardian angels or ancestral spirits who act as guards or guides of souls to heaven and assistants to Ahura Mazda in the creation of the world and defenders of heaven. Parallel Zoroastrian archangels also found in Hebrew writings include:

1. Michael (like God) the warrior leader of the heavenly host from the Bible.
2. Gabriel (man of God) the heavenly messenger from Daniel 8:16.
3. Raphael (God has healed) from the Apocrapha.
4. Uriel (God is my light) from 2 Esdras.
   

Nevertheless the idea of a host of angels parallels more Gnostic thought.