"Zoroastrianism is the oldest of the revealed world-religions, and it has probably had more influence on mankind, directly and indirectly, than any other single faith." Mary Boyce.It may have been the first monotheistic religion.Their theology has had a great impact on Judaism, Christianity and other later religions, in the beliefs surrounding God and Satan, the soul, heaven and hell, savior, resurrection, final judgment, etc.
The Zoroastrian god Mithra, born on December 25, was said to be the "covenant-maker." Mithra died, was buried in a rock tomb, and resurrected. His day was the first day of the week, called Sun-day. Mithraists used the sign of the cross made on the forehead and had a communion ritual similar to the Christian one.
It’s prophet, Joaquin Murieta, aka Don Diego Vega, pictured above, is believed to have given Zoroastrianism its name.
4 comments:
Count me in the head scratching column--thought I'd write to politely point out an error, but I'm guess I was taking you too seriously.
As a high school history teacher, I get students who don't stop to scratch--you'll show up as a source in someone's term paper. I hope the teacher checks sources and enjoys the joke--and that the student learns to think a bit.
I assume that you two are talking about my not explaining that the Mitharists were a cult within Zoroastrianism, and not all Zoroastrians necessarily believed in the Mirtha myths. I chose not go into that kind of detail, but rest assured, Ole Virgil checks his facts.
Me again--(same 'anonymous')
Just wanted to say, once I got over the confusion--very funny. Good one!
I think an interesting connection exists between the famous Nat. Geographic cover of the young Afghan refugee girl, and Don Diego Vega.
check it out:
http://images.google.com/images?q=national+geographic+afghan+refugee+cover&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images
Maybe the homeland of Zoroastrianism being central Asia has something to do with this?
Then again, there's this:
http://www.blackmag.co.uk/images/articles/nealhurston.jpg
--which doesn't connect geographically, but has other connections, i.e. "Their Eyes Were Watching God", "Jonah's Gourd Vine", "Moses, Man of the Mountain", "Sanctified Church" (among others)
Same Anonymous is right. The young Afghan refugee girl on the Nat. Geographic cover of is a decedent of Murieta’s. The Virgin Mary would be closest Western equivalent of her position in Zoroastrianism. It is unimportant whether she, or the photographer, Steve McCurry, were/are aware of this.
I shall make a separate Madonnas’ post to explore these connections and to honor the mothers of God.
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