Introduction:

"Zoroastrianism originated in Iran or Ancient Persia. Ling describes ancient Persia as: “the true Middle East…., the meeting ground of East and West, the bridge between the culture of the Mediterranean world and that of India, the link between two widely differing civilizations” (Ling, p.76). However, the inhabitants of ancient Persia (Iran) were closely related to the Aryan invaders of India and the early settlers of Greece and Rome. It is thought highly likely that they all had a common origin. This is suggested by the correspondence of the names Iran and Aryan, by the similarity of their gods, and similarities in their languages." (From Mugambi, J.N.K. (2010) A Comparative Study of Religions, Chapter 28)

Readings:

Mugambi, J.N.K. (2010) A Comparative Study of Religions. (2nd Edition), Oxford, UK: African Books Collective, Chapter 28.

Video:

Journeys to the Ends of the Earth: The People of the Flame

Study Questions:

1. At the time Zoroastrianism arose, there were already among the ancient Iranians a feeling of dissatisfaction with existing religion. Why was this?
2. Describe Zarathustra’s prophetic call.
3. Explain the main difficulties Zarathustra met at the start of his mission.
4. List and comment on some important similarities between the religion of the ancient inhabitants of Iran, and that of the early Aryan invaders of India.