Zoroastrianism Influences Christianity
Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest known monotheistic religions and arguably the most influential religion on Christianity, has played an important role in shaping modern Western thought and culture. Zoroastrianism originated in Persia around the 6th century BCE, and while its influence in Christianity is vast, there are still debate and discussions between scholars who disagree on the specifics.
Experts agree that Zoroastrianism has had a profound effect on Christianity and its doctrines. This is evident in the fact that there are several points of similarity between the two religions, especially in regards to concepts such as monotheism, resurrection, heaven and hell, and the duality of good and evil.
Monotheism, or the belief that there is only one God, has been a core tenet of Christianity since its inception. Zoroastrianism, in contrast, is a dualistic religion, meaning that it believes in the existence of two gods – one of good and one of evil. However, this is not a unique concept; Zoroastrianism’s influence on Christianity is evident in the religious doctrine of the “Trinity” – the belief that God is simultaneously three persons – a concept also present in Zoroastrianism.
Beyond the core concepts of monotheism, resurrection and heaven and hell are also similar aspects between the two religions. The Zoroastrian doctrine of resurrection is the reappearance of good and evil persons after death, while Christianity generally believes in the resurrection of the good after physical death.
Another similarity between the two is the belief in the duality of good and evil. In both faiths, the concept of the battle between good and evil plays an important role in terms of morality and faith. Zoroastrianism also includes a belief in free will as a way to combat evil, and this principle is mirrored in Christianity’s view of Jesus as a force for good.
The similarities between the two religions also extend to the afterlife, where Zoroastrianism and Christianity both believe in an afterlife with rewards and punishments depending on the good and evil deeds performed during one’s life. Additionally, many Jewish, Christian and Zoroastrian texts mention the existence of a lake of fire where souls are punished after death, and this is thought to be one of the earliest traditions of the afterlife.
The Impact Of Zoroastrianism On Christianity
As already mentioned, Zoroastrianism had a profound influence on the development of Christianity, and this influence can be seen in various aspects of the faith. One of the most significant influences of Zoroastrianism on Christianity is the concept of angels. In Zoroastrianism, angels are beings that uphold justice and fight against evil, and this theme has been incorporated into the Christian faith.
The Zoroastrian influence can also be seen in the concept of Heaven and Hell, which Christianity incorporated from Zoroastrianism. The Bible also references the Zoroastrian inspiration for Heaven, such as in Revelation 21:1-4, which describe Heaven as “a paradise of God”. In Zoroastrianism, Heaven and Hell also feature prominently, with references to God’s judgement, rewards, and punishments.
Another area where Zoroastrianism has had a major impact on Christianity is the idea of a final judgement by God. This is a concept which Zoroastrianism borrowed from its Mesopotamian predecessors and which has been incorporated into Christianity, with the idea of a Day of Judgement for all mankind. This idea is also central to both faiths, as well as the idea of free will, which is essential to both Zoroastrianism and Christianity, as it grants human beings the freedom of choice to live and act according to their faith.
The ideas of resurrection and the afterlife can also be traced back to Zoroastrianism, and the Bible borrows heavily from Zoroastrian texts in this area. The Book of Daniel, for example, contains passages which refer directly to the Zoroastrian concepts of judgement, resurrection, and the afterlife.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that Zoroastrianism has been a major influence on Christianity and that the two faiths have a great deal in common. The similarities between the two are evident in their shared monotheistic beliefs, concepts of Heaven and Hell, duality of good and evil, belief in free will and judgement, and the notion of resurrection. Zoroastrianism has, therefore, had a lasting impact on Christianity and its effects can still be seen today.
