17/02/2017
In ancient times, the modern country of Iran was known as Persia.Zoroastrianism, became the foundation for the organization of major religions, including Islam, Christianity and Judaism.Zarathustra, better known as Zoroaster (the Greek version of his name), was a prophet from Persia. He believed that he had visions of a god whom he called Ahura Mazda.
Ahura Mazda, according to the prophet, was the creator of all things good. He was the true god who should be worshiped. Zoroasterism focused on dualistic belief: the good and evil or heaven and hell. Zoroaster believed that the universe was constantly under the conflict between good and evil.
Zoroastrianism isn't completely monotheistic because it recognizes more than one god. Zoroaster taught that each person had the freedom to choose good or evil in the choices he or she makes. For example, choosing to tell the truth rather than to tell a lie indicates a person has chosen good over evil.
Also within his religion, Zoroaster taught the existence of angels, demons and saviors, ideas that can also be found in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Zoroastrians use the Avesta as their sacred text. The Avesta contains hymns, rituals and spells against demons.
1. What is the main idea of this text?
2. Who is the founder of Zoroastrianism?
3.Zoroaster believed that the universe was constantly under the conflict between good and evil. From this sentence, what inference can you draw?
4. Summarize the passage in three simple sentence.
5.How would you diffentiate Zoroasterism from Christianity and Islam?