did zoroastrianism influence christianity

You will not find any of the claimed parallels between Jesus and Zoroaster in these books. As for good sources on this, you will find no good sources on the parallels because there are none. They do not. These two forces of Good and Evil are in a state of continual war and have their own angels and archangels in the battle as well. He is given the position of warrior against the darkness, leading the forces of light against the forces of dark in the name of Ahura as seen in the hymns of the Avesta. Is the deity of Jesus a later invention of the church? It's the oldest (and probably most obscure) continuously practiced monotheistic religion. He earned a B.A. What do you mean by 'battle between good and evil,' do you mean the battle that wages within us all between doing good and ''bad'' deeds? All rights reserved. Also when they want to jump start lies on a people maybe to even over throw them or tear down there country they talk all peace and love talk of fear in the old testament play Elijah games which isn't, while they send multiple influences of other religions as to confuse. Small Zoroastrian communities are found in India (the Parsis), Pakistan, Iran, as well as major urban areas in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and a worldwide diaspora. Recommended reading: Mary Boyce, Zoroastrians. Finally, there is disagreement in the assertion that all religions are equal and lead people to goodness and to God. Thanks so much for writing! This is also evidenced by Zoroastrianism's specific holidays, which fall on the equinoxes and solstices, as celebrations of the natural cycles of the earth (more on this below). Zoroastrianism was a huge influence on the formation of Christianity. Some who teach the Christ Myth Theory (such as Robert Price who debated Douglas Jacoby at one of our conferences. I've finally looked into this a bit deeper, so would you say here that Zoroastrianism influenced Christianity? Ostensibly, Satanism actually leads its followers to do evil and resist God. That quote is not difficult to figure out. Certain elements of Christianity, such as X, Y, and Z are suprisingly similar to elements in Zoroastrianism. So much for the parallel between Jesus and Zoroaster and for the idea that the church got the idea of the resurrection from the Avesta. Others cite the fact that Ahura Mazda and his opponent Angra Mainya (which means angry spirit/destructive principle) being perceived as uncreated beings locked in a battle of good vs. evil, means that Zoroastrianism is a dualistic faith. I see the claim pop up that an ancient religion named Zoroastrianism influenced or at least brought new ideas to Judaism while in the Babylonian Exile. When they realize that being honest in "some" points diffuses and sounds more convincing? Zoroaster) lived around 600-500 BC. The Gathas were meant to be abstract, but the later additions of the Avesta seemed to have become more literal, and these concepts influenced Christianity and Islam a lot. Therefore, he is not the Messiah. The existence of the same founding precepts could be said for over 30 million Kurds. Images of pages V:12 P:695. This is about your mentioning that the bible says abortion is a sin. The analysis could continue, but if one considers the claims of parallelism, they are generally non-existent or over-blown. Other parallels have been claimed by Jesus-Mythers. Tom Nash Listen to the audio version of this content Question: Is it true that many aspects of the religion Zoroastrianism influenced and created many stories that are found in Judaism, that were influenced during the time of the Babylon Captivity? While the emphasis is on personal responsibility rather than a savior of some kind, Zoroastrians are looking for a future Saoshyant (Savior) who will be born on earth to a virgin and will at the end of the world finally defeat evil and restore righteousness. Let us consider some facts about Zoroastrianism and its scripture. ORGY in this video does NOT mean group Monogamy SEX, the definition in English & in my ancient history video means: If the Jesus story is a myth, then some of the greatest, most honest and sacrificial people who ever lived, such as Paul, John, Matthew and others were blatant liars. Another claim is that Zoroaster, like Jesus, was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. baptism (In Judaism and Islam washing yourself before you pray) Rather, it may actually have been Zoroaster who borrowed from the religion of the Jewish captives in Babylon. As mentioned above, Zoroastrianism is an archetypal foundation belief system of millions of Iranians, including those who follow Islam. Sometimes dots are added between each arm. . The worshipers of Mithras held strong beliefs in a celestial heaven and an infernal hell. Zoroastrianism was a major religion before Christianity and Islam were founded. Dr. Daniel Morais and Dr., Dr. Pat Zukeran examines the myths from mystery religions which are sometimes argued to be the source of our Gospel accounts of Jesus. The scripture of Zoroastrianism is called the Avesta, which consist of the following five books: The most sacred section is in the Yasna: the Hymns of Zarathushtra (also known as the Gathas). The most well known Zoroastrians are not even known as Zoroastrians. Humanity must resist evil as they participate in this battle as well. Before coming on staff with Probe, Michael taught history and theology at Christway Academy in Duncanville, Texas. What are your thoughts on the historicity of the biblical story of the Tower of Babel? I see the claim pop up that an ancient religion named Zoroastrianism influenced or at least brought new ideas to Judaism while in the Babylonian Exile. How Zoroastrianism Changed the West - Symbol Sage Equalism: Equality of all, irrespective of gender, race, or religion. All rights reserved. To do this adherents work the soil, raise cattle, marry and have children. Angra: hostile (angry), evil, bad. PDF ZOROASTRIANISM, JUDAISM, AND CHRISTIANITY - George Mason University This theory falls apart pretty quickly if we consider the fact (not theory: fact!) Either way, the idea that the resurrection of Jesus was a fabrication of the early Christians, stolen from Zoroastrianism is absolutely untenable. So, how did it influence so many of the current ones? Judaism develops (article) | Early Judaism | Khan Academy ZOROASTRIANISM - JewishEncyclopedia.com (I don't know all that much about this, so), I read somewhere that the origins of the idea of. In any case, I believe the evidence for the inspiration of the Bible is sufficient that this unproved claim need have no major impact on our understanding of the Bible. The resurrection of the body seems clearly alluded to in Job 19:25-27. It is only through Him that we can truly battle evil and find true life. Mithras is a Persian god in Zoroastrianism [Avestan Mithra] and Persian mythology, the god of light, truth, and goodness. : r/OrthodoxChristianity r/OrthodoxChristianity 1 yr. ago by GeorgePsarros1216 Did Zoroastrianism influence Christianity? I have nothing against pagan or Wicca. The desire of Angra Mainyu is this: 'Do not know me', for he knows: 'If they know me no one will follow me'". Peace? At most he was a dualist: He exalted Ahura Mazdaas supreme among the godsand viewed the world as an agelong struggle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu (Ibid., 1202). For example, in Christianity he is known as Jesus, in Islam as Mahdi, in Hinduism as Krishna, in Judaism, and so on. Condemnation of the oppression of human beings, cruelty against animals and sacrifice of animals. This principle can be applied till the end of time, the idea that we must work with the creative force of the Universe to ensure our survival. No rational person could accept this thesis unless from some sort of extreme bias. Which makes it much older than Christianity. The cosmic battle between good and evil will ultimately lead to the destruction of all evil. The prophecies are genuine. own faith. If you want to understand the Iranians, the Kurds, the Parsi of India and the source concepts of the religions that both east and west call their own, an exploration of Zoroastrianism can be invaluable. Zoroastrianism - HISTORY There is debate as to whether Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic or dualistic religion. Many doctrines of the Christian faith have parallels in Zoroastrianism, e.g., the virgin birth, the son of God, and resurrection. ath ah vairy So, whatever the Persian governors and priests were doing in Jersusalem in the name of Judaism, it caused a great schism. Sue Bohlin contrasts some downsides and upsides of comparing ourselves to others. Therefore it is common sense to conclude it is more likely that Judaism influenced Zoroaster than vice versa. Be not afraid, be strong, be not discouraged, be anxious for nothing, be transformed. However, the influence of this religion can be seen in myriad other works of art, philosophies, and writings. Zoroaster left the court of Queen Hutasa and King Vitaspa of Bactria, to preach his scripture to ordinary people; a new concept in a world where religion was thought to have been the purview of a privileged theocratic class. Influences and Similarities. I can apply the idea of good vs evil into bettering the world or bettering humanity. Did Zoroastrianism influence Christianity and Judaism? But I think it was mostly Judaism and Zoroastrianism. Very little is known about Zarathushtra outside of the Zoroastrian scriptures, the earliest of which are believed to have been written by the man himself. More likely, they are simply independent writings. Obviously not in its entirety, but could it be said that there are some shades of it within Christianity? Zoroastrianism's influence on Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and You Ways to get involved in the upcoming elections. Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in the Greek form) is generally accepted as a historic figure. It's harmed and even killed or attacked people. Dr. Michael Gleghorn draws on a work by Dr. Gail R. O'Day, "Jesus as Friend in the Gospel of John," to explore the perspective of Jesus Christ as a Friend. The sodomy prohibition was interesting, as well, in that it prohibited the practice among Zoroastrians (the punishment was a lashing), while it was specified that such judgment was not allowed against anyone who was not Zoroastrian, as they had a right to their own beliefs and practices. Further information about Probe's materials and ministry may be obtained by contacting us at: Probe Ministries Evil acts and people associated with them are avoided. Amos 9:15, Zechariah 8:23 and Haggai 2:23 are prophecies never fulfilled by the Jews. Zoroasters great-grandfather Hacataspa was the ancestor of the whole family Spitma, for which reason Zoroaster usually bears the surname Spitma. (972) 941-4565 Why did God use so much time to create the universe if he is so powerful? Besides, the claims of parallels between Zoroaster and Christ are either exaggerated and taken out of context or downright fabrications. While there are a small (and dwindling) number of actual adherents worldwide, the direct influence of Zoroastrianism (beyond the influence on other religions) is surprisingly large. celibacy It may not be altered or edited in any way. I am moderately well versed in apologetics. It has a dualistic cosmology of good and evil within the framework of a monotheistic ontology and an eschatology which predicts the ultimate conquest of evil by good. The Magi were the priestly caste of the Medes (Kurds) who were the clerics of the Zoroastrian faith within their culture. How do I explain the parallels between Mithraism and Christianity? How Does Zoroastrianism Compare to Christianity? I thank you for answering my question. Kerby Anderson explains how cohabitation (living together outside of marriage) not only violates biblical commands about premarital sex, but it also puts the couple and their future marriage at risk. Boyce - Zoroastrians, Their religious beliefs and practices, London, 1979, pg 17. 3:24; 19:1; 28:12; etc). The claim is that during the Babylonian Exile, Judaism had a shift in its identity and its theological ideas; those are ideas that were added and changed were: ancient Hebrews were no longer . The Avesta refers to a kingly glory that was inherited by Zoroaster through is mother, but it is hard to see this as equivalent to a virgin birth. (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.). Probe Ministries is a non-profit ministry whose mission is to assist the church in renewing the minds of believers with a Christian worldview and to equip the church to engage the world for Christ. Because of Mithras association with the sun, the force of life- the god that brings forth light, heat, life, and nature. ", On Action: "A thousand people cannot convince one by words to the extent that one person can convince a thousand by action. [The Gathas] include many rote details of his life, such as a record of his family members: His father was Pourushaspa Spitma, son of Haecadaspa Spitma, and his mother was Dughdova. Ahura Mazda is all good, and created the world and all good things, including people. It is also interesting that Iran's major holidays are almost all Zoroastrian events. As the maintainer of light and the sun, Mitra is understood as the enemy of all that is dark. Patar: Father. Indeed, if any borrowing was done, it was likely Zoroastrianism borrowing from Judaism/Christianity. Zoroastrianism, although the smallest of the major religions of the world in the number of its adherents, is historically one of the most important. Copyright 2021 Trail Christian Fellowship. Zoroastrianism and the Resemblances between It and Christianity - JSTOR His name was and ever more shall be Jesus Christ. And I also am well aware of people distorting facts to suit their own purpose and I have no idea how respected Mary Boyce is among historians. Did Zoroastrianism influence Christianity? - Zoroastrians.net Their holidays are Zoroastrian, they still lay flowers on the tombs of the Zoroastrian kings, Cyrus the Great, Darius the Great and on Daniel's and Esther's tombs, as well. We're not around right now. Does it tend to be a bit Dharmic at times too? There is a cleansing ritual known as the Padyab, where an adherent reties the kusti several times a day with another short ritual called the Nirang-i Kusti. The Persian Empire extended from India to the Mediterranean. It is only through the restoring work of the God sent savior Jesus Christ that man can be right with God. That is imposed by other less enlightened beings in following years. Patha: way, road, spiritual path. Indeed, it is said that even though Ahura created Mithras as he created all else, he nevertheless made him as great as himself. and that's around the time of Judaism. Did Zoroastrianism Influence Jewish and Christian Belief? Zoroaster is reported to have lived a hermetic lifestyle as a child. Recently I attended the viewing and funeral of a dear Christian sister. There are many cuneiform inscriptions tying the kings to their Zoroastrian beliefs, with quotes that are both an expression of faith and of power, but it was Avestan, the language of the Zoroastrian scripture, that surprised me the most. Talk:History of Christianity/Zoroastrianism - Wikipedia Zoroaster's first converts were his family, including his wife's aunt, Queen Hutasa (Atossa) of Bactria, whom, along with his daughter, Pourucista, was influential in spreading the word of his scripture. Hello, Christian here, I see this pop-up in my mind every once in a while and online when it comes to subjects. Birthdates on December 25 What is your response to the Jesus myth believers who claim that Paul believed Jesus was a celestial being who occupied a fleshly body. Ferrells Travel Blog- Click here for more, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUwpPTc8o-0. And incidentally, theres much more of Iran in the bible. Those other religions that Zoroastrianism influenced? Mithras represented a system of ethics in which brotherhood was encouraged in order to unify against the forces of evil. Access to private conversations with other members. The early church did not borrow the idea of the resurrection from a religion which radically contradicts the Christian message. Michael and his wife Hannah have two children: Arianna and Josiah. If fact, he was rarely that clear. Ohrmazd), meaning "Wise Lord." This came up because of his well written diary that inadvertently included Zoroastrianism with pagan and Wicca on a poll (he ran out of slots). Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The first is the maintenance of life. Monotheism, The beginning and the end, the creator of everything which can and cannot be seen, the Eternal, the Pure and the only Truth. Finally, a local king in northern Persia named Vishtap embraced his message and made it the official religion of the small kingdom. The claim is that during the Babylonian Exile, Judaism had a shift in its identity and its theological ideas; those are ideas that were added and changed were: ancient Hebrews were no longer monolatrous or henothestic, they became purely monotheistic, Satan showed up as a rival against God, judgment day and the messiah, angels and demons, hell/underworld (previously Sheol), and much more.