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The Development of Monotheism

The Development of Monotheism. An Analysis of Zoroastrianism and Judaism. A Few Definitions. religion. monotheism. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons. a belief in a single god. mono  “one” theism  “god worship”.

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The Development of Monotheism

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  1. The Development of Monotheism An Analysis of Zoroastrianism and Judaism

  2. A Few Definitions religion monotheism a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons a belief in a single god. • mono “one” • theism  “god worship”

  3. The Development of These Religions Zoroastrianism Judaism • established 6000 BCE • Zarathushtra was the original founder • in Persia, modern day Iran • established around 2000 BCE • Abraham was chosen by God to be the “father” of the Hebrews • in Palestine, Hebrews refer to it as Canaan.

  4. Beginnings Zoroastrianism Judaism • It is said that Zarathushtra’s birth was predicted. • Attempts were made to kill him as a child by evil forces. • He preached monotheism in a land where polytheism was commonplace. • Abraham was a shepherd that lived in Mesopotamia. • Abraham promised to obey Yahweh (God) and Yahweh (God) promised to protect the Hebrews. • God was not human, no human images were made of Him. • Practiced monotheism in an area where polytheism was heavily practiced.

  5. Belief Systems Zoroastrianism Judaism • one God • Ahurah Mazda • all powerful • evil spirit (satan) • Angra Mainyu • opposes God • heaven and hell • one God • Yahweh • all powerful • the soul • heaven and hell

  6. Important Texts Zoroastrianism Judaism • the Avesta • Gathas • Zarathushtra’s writing • Talks about the worship of one God, understanding or righteousness, promotion of social justice, and individual choice between good and evil • the Torah • first five books of the Bible • Abraham was chosen by God to be the “father” of the Hebrews • in Palestine, Hebrews refer to it as Canaan.

  7. Life After Death Zoroastrianism Judaism • Speaks of a period of resurrection. • After death the soul is allowed three days to meditate on its past life. • Soul is then judge by a panel of three individuals. • If good outweighs bad  soul is allowed to go to heaven. • If bad outweighs good  soul is committed to hell. • After death the soul, awaits the return of the messiah. • The soul is given time to look over its life and is sometimes given a chance to ask for forgiveness for all of the unpleasant things done on earth. • If good outweighs bad  soul is allowed to go to heaven. • If bad outweighs good  soul is committed to hell.

  8. Zoroastrianism and Christianity A Comparison

  9. Life After Death Zoroastrianism Christianity • Speaks of a period of resurrection. • After death the soul is allowed three days to meditate on its past life. • Soul is then judge by a panel of three individuals. • If good outweighs bad  soul is allowed to go to heaven. • If bad outweighs good  soul is committed to hell. • Speaks of a period of resurrection. • After death the soul, awaits a period of final judgment. • Soul is then judged by God. • If good outweighs bad  soul is allowed to go to heaven. • If bad outweighs good  soul is committed to hell.

  10. More Parallels • Both Zoroastrianism and Christianity talks about the birth of the savior through a virgin [woman]. • The savior will render the final judgment on people. • The world contains both good and evil elements, but good will ultimately prevail. • Good and evil will be separated at the end of the world.

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