Zoroastrianism is an ancient Persian religion that was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in the 6th century BCE. Zoroastrians worship Ahura Mazda as the one universal God. Zoroastrian theology influenced other religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Here is an overview of the key beliefs and practices of Zoroastrianism according to what the Bible teaches:
Origins and History
Zoroastrianism originated in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). Zoroaster was born around 1000 BCE and lived during a time of religious change in Persia. He claimed to have visions of Ahura Mazda, the “Wise Lord.” Zoroaster began teaching that Ahura Mazda was the one supreme creator God. He condemned the polytheistic and sacrificial practices of the ancient Persian religion. Zoroaster taught that there was an eternal struggle between good and evil. His teachings are contained in the Zoroastrian sacred text called the Avesta.
Zoroastrianism became the dominant religion in Persia during the Achaemenid Empire starting in the 6th century BCE. It remained Persia’s state religion until Alexander the Great conquered the region in the 4th century BCE. Zoroastrianism then declined under Greek rule. During the Parthian (247 BCE – 224 CE) and Sasanian (224-651 CE) empires, Zoroastrianism experienced a revival. However, the religion substantially declined after the Muslim conquest of Persia. Most of its adherents were forced to convert to Islam. Today, there are only around 200,000 Zoroastrians worldwide, mostly living in India and Iran.
Beliefs
God
Zoroastrians are monotheistic, worshiping only one God. The supreme deity in Zoroastrianism is Ahura Mazda, the “Wise Lord.” Ahura Mazda is the creator of heaven and earth. He represents truth, order, and righteousness. According to Isaiah 45:5-6, “I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God.” Zoroastrianism agrees that there is only one true God.
Creation
Zoroastrians believe Ahura Mazda created the universe and the first two human beings. This mirrors the biblical teaching that God created the heavens, the earth, and mankind (Genesis 1-2). However, the Zoroastrian scriptures differ from Genesis on significant details such as how and in what order God created the world.
Dualism
An important aspect of Zoroastrian theology is cosmic dualism. This is the concept that the universe is a battleground between the good and evil. The good is represented by Ahura Mazda, and the evil is represented by Angra Mainyu, the “Hostile Spirit.” This reflects a deviation from biblical teaching where God alone is supreme, and evil exists as a corruption of His good creation. The Bible does portray a struggle between good and evil, God and Satan, but God remains sovereign. “I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7).
Afterlife
Zoroastrians believe the human soul is eternal. In the afterlife, the soul crosses the Bridge of the Separator where the good deeds and bad deeds are weighed to determine the soul’s final destination. The good enter paradise whereas the wicked are tormented in hell. This resembles aspects of Christian teachings about an afterlife of eternal blessings for believers and judgment for unbelievers (John 3:16-18; Revelation 20:11-15). The key difference is that Zoroastrianism teaches salvation by works, whereas Christianity teaches salvation by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Messianic Figure
Zoroastrian scripture prophesies the coming of a savior and final judge called the Saoshyant meaning “one who brings benefit.” The Saoshyant will consummate the cosmic struggle between good and evil. This parallels the biblical prophecies about the Messiah who will defeat God’s enemies and establish His eternal kingdom (Isaiah 11:1-9). However, Christians believe these prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Luke 24:25-27).
Revelation
In the Bible, God reveals Himself through inspired prophets and most fully through His Son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). Zoroastrians similarly believe God revealed truths through the prophet Zoroaster. However, Zoroastrian revelation contradicts the Bible when their texts conflict on points of theology and history. Christians affirm the Bible as God’s complete and final revelation for mankind (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Practices
Worship
Zoroastrians worship communally in fire temples or fire altars. Fire represents purity and Ahmed Mazda’s light. Zoroastrians pray several times a day, reciting the Gathas of Zoroaster. Worshippers recite prayers, make offerings, and drink consecrated liquid called haoma. The biblical mode of worship is quite different involving prayer, teaching Scripture, singing, and observance of sacraments like communion and baptism (1 Corinthians 14:26; Matthew 28:19).
Ethics
Zoroastrian ethics emphasize truth-telling, purity, and charity. The religion teaches that people should lead good lives through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. This resembles biblical instructions to speak truthfully, live righteously, and care for the needy (Philippians 4:8; Matthew 25:31-46). However, the motivation is different. In Christianity, good works are a response to salvation by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:10).
Initiation
Zoroastrians traditionally performed an initiation rite called navjote around age 7-11. The child would receive a sacred shirt and cord that were to be worn their entire life. This resembles Christian dedication ceremonies for infants or believer’s baptism. However, the Zoroastrian initiation is about joining the religious community whereas Christian baptism signifies spiritual regeneration and new life in Christ (Titus 3:5).
Purity Laws
Zoroastrians follow various purity laws concerning dead bodies, bodily fluids, hair cuttings, and menstruation. Women were segregated during menstruation and childbirth due to impurity. However, Jesus rejected Jewish purity laws, teaching that moral purity is a matter of the heart not external rituals (Matthew 15:10-20).
Relation to Abrahamic Faiths
There are significant similarities between Zoroastrianism and the later Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. As monotheists, they all worship the one true creator God. They share similar messianic beliefs and ethical dualism of good vs evil. Zoroastrian eschatology and demonology also influenced later Jewish and Christian teachings. However, only Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecies.
The Bible and Christian history records interaction between Zoroastrianism and the Judeo-Christian faith. The biblical Magi who visited the infant Jesus were likely Zoroastrian astrologers (Matthew 2:1-12). Philip the evangelist preached the Gospel in Samaria, converted a Zoroastrian sorcerer, and healed many possessed of unclean spirits (Acts 8:4-8). The difference between Jesus’ authority and power compared to Zoroastrian magic was evident. While Zoroastrianism shares common themes with the Bible, God’s full revelation is found only in Scripture and the person of Christ.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key facts to understand about Zoroastrianism from a biblical perspective:
- Zoroastrianism is an ancient Persian religion founded by the prophet Zarathustra.
- Zoroastrians are monotheists, worshiping the creator God Ahura Mazda.
- Zoroastrian theology has dualistic aspects which differ from biblical teachings.
- Zoroastrian ethics and eschatology influenced later Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- The Bible contains the definitive revelation of the one true God and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
In summary, Zoroastrianism represents an early attempt to grapple with eternal truths about God, good and evil, salvation and judgment. The Bible clarifies and fulfills these universal religous themes. Christianity shares common ground with Zoroastrianism but also corrects its deficiencies by revealing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.