Question

Identify the false statement regarding Zoroastrianism.
A. Zoroastrianism practiced polytheism
B. Zoroastrianism followed Christianity
C. Zend Avestha was the religious book of Zoroastrians.
D. None of these.

Answer 1

Hint: Zoroastrianism practices polytheism. The religious book of Zoroastrians is Zend Avesta. The founder of this religion is an Iranian-speaking spiritual leader Zoroaster. The theological and philosophical thought is not uniform in this religion.

Complete answer:
Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest practiced religions. Zoroastrianism is a multi-faceted faith centered on good and evil. The founder of this religion is an Iranian-speaking spiritual leader Zoroaster (Zarathustra). It considers an uncreated and benevolent deity of wisdom, wise lord, as its supreme being. Historical Features of Zoroastrianism include:
1. Messianism
2. Judgment after death
3. Heaven and hell
4. Free will
Zoroastrianism is influenced by second temple Judaism, Gnosticism, Greek philosophy, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. The origin of Zoroastrianism is in the fifth century BCE. This religion served as the state religion of the ancient Iranian empires for more than a millennium. But it declined from the seventh century onwards when Muslims conquered Persia. Present statistics show that there is one lakh Zoroastrians living among which most of them are in India, Iran, and North America. And at the same time, their number has been declining. The famous text of this religion is Avesta. This text includes central writings of Zoroaster (Gathas), enigmatic ritual poems, and the main worship service of modern Zoroastrianism. According to Zoroaster, Ahura Mazda was the supreme creator. The theological and philosophical thought is not uniform in this religion. According to this religion, the purpose of life is to become a master of Asha (Ashavan) and to bring happiness to all. Core teachings of this religion include:
1. Follow the threefold path of Asha: good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.
2. A Belief that Charity is a way of maintaining one’s soul and spreading happiness.
3. Spread equality and duty of the genders.
4. Being good for goodness without the hope of reward.
So, the correct answer is Option C.


Note: The religious philosophy of Zoroaster divided the early traditions into auras and daevas. Modern Zoroastrianism is divided into Reformist and Traditionalist camps with various smaller movements. Zoroaster (founder of Zoroastrianism) was born in Northeast Iran or Southwest Afghanistan.