Zoroastrianism Research Paper

Words: 1195
Pages: 5

In your own words, respond to the following prompts. If you cite from your textbook, please do so according to APA format. Visit the virtual library on citing and citations to avoid plagiarism.
1. In a minimum of 100 words, describe the basic teachings of Zoroastrianism.
What a fascinating religion Zoroastrianism is! I never knew this religion existed. First time I heard word “Zoroastrianisam” it was few months back when someone on Facebook was talking about Gal Gadot (actress that plays wonder woman) and saying that she is Zoroastrian, like it was a bad thing. Then, I found chapter in my book about and I read it few months ago, just to see what they are talking about. Why would be bad thing if someone is Zoroastrian? And this is what I learn.
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Judaism, Christianity and Islam. No wonder they all, and especially Judaism and Islam have so much in common( put on side political conflicts) No wonder I , having Muslim and Christian parent , always felt ,what a big deal which religion you choose, they are so similar anyway. Your way to Gods grace is simply through basic Zoroastrian principal Humata,Hukhta, Haveshta (Good Thoughts, Good words, Good deeds). In the begging in indo –Iranian religion was believed that even this religion was polytheistic and that Ahura Mazda , Wise God rose above all other deities and become one and only God. Ahura Mazda revealed his teaching to Zarathustra by taking him to heavens. Very significant element was revelation that, there is acceptance of evil on the earth and human nature. It was not swept under the rug and was not ignored. Ahura Mazda revealed to Zarathustra that Spenat Mainyu , good spirit lives right besides Angra Mainyu , bad , destructive spirit. Zorotrastrians teaching accepts existence of both and teaches us that, because of our free will; we can choose to live our life’s siding with either one of them. We, as humans simply need to understand that our choice will affect us, our current life’s and most importantly our eternal life’s. One element that I will like to address is a element of fire in Zoroastrians teaching. Zoroastrian have tremendous respect for Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Respect for those 3 elements is so deep that they will not even burry dead in the ground. http://view.ebookplus.pearsoncmg.com/ebook/launcheText page 234. Great respect is given to element of fire. Besides water , haoma ( plant ,similar to ephedra ) Nirag (bull urine, milk or Ghee(butter) and bread fire is one of elements of purification . Fire of sandalwood tree is burning in some Zoroastrian temples for years and in some cases for centuries. Ashes are