1. Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest living religions. It might be at least 3000 years old. It is also a small religion, as in only around 250,000 followers. It should not be overlooked because of its great contributions to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It should also be studied because of its impact on world history because it was the religion of the ancient Persian Empire, which once controlled the entire Middle East and attempted to conquer the Greek city-states in the 5th century B.C.E.
2. Zarathustra, known as Zoroaster, was the founder of Zoroastrianism. Legendary material states that demons tried to kill him several times as an infant because they recognized him as an enemy. At the age of 30 he believed he had seen visions of God, whom it called Ahura Mazda. During the next 10 years, Zoroaster has other visions of Ahura Mazda. He was condemned by his people. Zoroaster and his cousin went to Bactria and preached to the monarch Vishtaspa and converted him. His entire court and kingdom became followers and Zoroastrianism spread throughout the lands of the Aryan people.
3. The central teaching of Zoroaster is: There is only one true God in all the world and his name is Ahura Mazda. It is He who created the world. According to Zoroaster, Ahura Mazda revealed himself through six modes, the Amesh-Spenta. Three of the immortals bear masculine names and carry masculine qualities, and the other three have feminine names and represent feminine qualities. The three masculine types are Asha (knowledge of the law of God and law itself), Vohu-Mana (love), and Kshathra (loving service). The three feminine immortals are Armaiti (peity), Haurvatat (wholeness or perfection), and Ameretat (immortality). Zoroastrians pray that these six immortals may come into their homes and bless them.
4. One of Zoroaster’s greatest contributions to the religions of the world was in the area of the problem of evil. Zoroastrianism