God and Zoroastrianism

1. Zoroastrianism provides the foundation and roots for the development of ethical monotheism and the development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Zoroastrianism is ultimately thought to be the first faith to bring in monotheistic beliefs. Zoroastrianism is a religion developed from the teachings of the Persian prophet Zarathustra, or known in the west as Zoroaster. With his teaching bringing about new ideas of good versus evil, dualism, and messianic faiths, it made Zoroastrianism tremendously popular at the time and influential on the history, culture, and art of Persia, and the development of Abrahamic religions. Zoroastrian monotheism has had major influence on the religions of the Middle Eastern monotheisms in adaptations of such concepts as heavens, hells, judgment day and messianic figures. There are many religions that can be considered monotheistic, with the best examples being Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; however, ethical monotheism can be seen in other religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, and Neo-Platonism. “Today, ideas life final judgment and heaven and hell are important to traditional Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.”(Ellewood, McGraw 09). Monotheism is the belief in one god or deity, and usually attributes to biblical faiths in unique and distinct contributions to the history of religious thought. Along with being an early developer of monotheistic faith, Zoroastrianism displays many of the same rituals and beliefs as that of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Zoroastrianism was the first religion to believe in angels, dualism or ongoing battle between good and evil, a satanic figure, and a day of judgment. These ideas later influenced the development of Judaism, and later Christianity and Islam. It is shown likely that Zoroastrianism influenced the development of Judaism and the birth of Christianity. With the scholarly writings and research provided through the years there is no doubt that Zoroastrianism plays a significant role in the creation of Judaism and Islam, and through later years these similar beliefs are seen in the rising faith of Christianity. Zoroastrianism was the most powerful religion in the world, and today it is at a decline with only about 200,000 Zoroastrians to date.

Works Cited
Ellwood, Robert and McGraw, Barbara. Many Peoples, Many Faiths: Women and Men in the World of Religions. Pearson Education, Inc. 2009. Print.