Good thoughts, deeds, and words are the principal beliefs of the Zoroastrian religion. The Zoroastrian belief of good deeds is the most apparent in the contemporary society which is governed by laws. To ensure there is peace and good deeds, every society establishes laws to act as its guidelines. Unfortunately, despite Zoroastrianism being among the world’s oldest religions, its followership has continually declined due to various reasons.
Firstly, the fall of the Sassanid Empire in the 7th Century, which supported its development, and the takeover by the Arabs saw many Zoroastrians persecuted or forced to adopt Islam (Boyce, 2010). Secondly, regardless of the shrinking numbers, some Zoroastrian priests feel that the religion is only ethnic in nature and not universal. Hence, some priests do not accept converts, intermarried spouses, and children (Goodstein, 2006). To increase its followership, the Zoroastrians should consider changing some of their customs, and start accepting converts as well as promoting intermarriages.
Part B
Following the fall of Sassanid Empire, many Zoroastrians fled to India to avoid persecution, and were later known as ‘Parsis’ (Rose, 2012). Although there were challenges before they settled in India, mainly due to language barrier, they were ultimately allowed to settle. While the Parsis were allowed to establish fire temples, the temples in Iran were converted into mosques. Also, the peaceful conditions made the Zoroastrians in India to prosper in business and education, while those in Iran ware faced with religious persecution, restrictive rules, poverty, and humiliation (Rose, 2012).
Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion that has lasted for over 3,000 years. The Zoroastrians believe that there is only one supreme God (Ahura Mazda) who is transcendent and universal (Boyce, 2010). Also, the Zoroastrians widely agree that Ahura Mazda’s creation is orderly and truthful, and he is against disorderly and falsehood. As a result, the religion encourages its followers to lead an active life through good deeds, to ensure there is happiness and peace (Boyce, 2010).
References
Boyce, M. (2010). Zoroastrians: Their religious beliefs and practices. London: Routledge.
Goodstein, L. (2006). Zoroastrians Keep the Faith, and Keep Dwindling. The Ney York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/06/us/06faith.html
Rose, J. (2012). Zoroastrianism: An introduction. London: I. B. Tauris.
