Zoroastrian

Prophet Zarathushtra of ancient Persia revealed his divine faith around 1,800 B.C.E. Zoroastrianism teaches that Ahura Mazda (The Wise Lord) has endowed mankind with a Good Mind to live an ideal existence in accordance with the Laws of Righteousness. Mankind is to use the Good Mind to exercise the freedom to choose between good and evil and to move the world towards perfection.

Values stressed in Zoroastrianism include Truth, Charity, Purity, Goodness and Dignity of Labor, and followers are encouraged to choose a life of intelligent reflection and active benevolence. Furthermore, Zoroastrianism stresses veneration of the elements of nature and the need to protect it.

Zoroastrianism proclaims one Supreme Being, the creator being called the Wise Lord, who has no form but from whom flows all glory, and goodness. Collectively, Zoroastrian scriptures are known as the Avesta at the core of which are the Gathas, the Divine songs of Zarathushtra.

Zoroastrian clergy are trained exclusively in India, and clergy have an equal relationship with lay people. After death, Zoroastrians believe that souls are judged by Divine judges and if good actions outweigh evil ones, the soul passes to Heaven, otherwise it will go to Hell.

To learn more about the Zoroastrianism and other member faiths of the InterFaith Conference, please see our Teaching About Religion book.