REL 1000 : REL 1000 Exam 3 Notes
Document Summary
3/11/2016: zoroastrianism, a bridge between east and west . Developed within aryan culture: religion of the middle east. Converted a significant amount of people: killed for beliefs (murdered) at age 77, spread and decline, 559 bce cyrus led persian empire, magi-spread and maintained. Same magi who saw jesus when he was born: avesta-scriptures. Gathas- zoroaster"s actual words: 4th century- alexander the accursed killed priests and burned palaces, muslims rejects it as valid religion, only ~250,000 practitioners left, basic teachings, monotheism. Created heavenly beings- holy immortals and yazata: free will. Triumph of good: practice, focus on prayer and personal purity, rejected blood sacrifices, fire is important symbol. Given a cord (kusti) and vest (saare) to wear. Re-tie cord 5 times a day: death. Temporary triumph of evil- dead bodies are impure. Rituals in place to protect the ground, fire, etc. from contamination. Ethnic religion you are born into tradition.
