Zoroastrianism is a small religion with about 140,000 members. The religion was founded by Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in Greek). Conservative Zoroastrians believe that their religion was founded around 6000 BCE; other followers estimate 600 BCE. Historians and religious scholars generally date his life sometime between 1500 and 1000 BCE because of his style of writing.

Zarathushtra lived in Persia, modern day Iran. Legends say that his birth was predicted and that attempts were made by the forces of evil to kill him as a child. He was condemned because of his monotheistic teachings in an area that was traditionally polytheistic. He was attacked for his teaching, but finally won the support of the king. Zoroastrianism became the state religion of various Persian empires, until the 7th Century. When Islamic Arabs invaded Persia in 650 AD, a small number of Zoroastrians fled to India where most are concentrated today. Th

Similar to Christianity, Zoroastrianism teaches that a Saoshyant (savior) will be born of a virgin, of the lineage of the Prophet Zoroaster who will raise the dead and judge everyone in a final judgment. All sacred rituals of the Zoroastrianism religion are practiced around fire because the followers believe that the flame is the embodiment of God. Although there is currently a disagreement over the acceptance of converts, Zoroastrians do not generally accept converts. They have historically believed that one has to be born into the religion. Members of Zoroastrianism are required to follow a three-fold path which includes: good thoughts, good works, and good deeds.

The Zoroastrian holy book is called the Avesta. This includes the original words of their founder Zarathushtra, preserved in a series of five hymns, called the Gathas. The Gathas represent the core text of the religion. The Gathas are sacred poetry directed towards the worship of the One God, understanding of r

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