Spektrum Iran

Abstrakt The first part of this two-part essay focused on Zarathustra's special position as the first founder of a religion. In this essay it is shown that through the work of Zarathustra polytheism was replaced by a radical monotheism. Zarathustra's work transformed a ritual religion into a book religion based on the Avesta. At the center of this is Ahuramazda, with whom the prophet and founder of the religion cultivated an almost friendly relationship through revelations. In addition, Zarathustra develops a new eschatology with a clear separation of a positive afterlife on the one hand and a concept of hell on the other. Man's actions in this world are the basis for how his post-mortem fate is judged in the afterlife. In addition, the essay looks at the conditions that make such a pronounced monotheism possible in the first place, as well as the dark sides that monotheism entails. Finally, Zarathustra is defined as the one who - alongside Akhenaten in Ancient Egypt - created this monotheistic variant for the first time and completely without foreign influence, which then even found its way into Islam via Judaism and Christianity.

Abstrakt The series of religious founders begins with Zarathustra, the founder of ancient Zoroastrianism, which still has devout followers today, such as the Parsis. This essay attempts to place Zarathustra on an equal footing with other religious founders, highlighting some commonalities with other religious figures while also emphasizing his unique characteristics. Numerous legends surround his person and his work. This article aims to uncover the true essence of his message beyond all myths. Zarathustra is considered the founder of monotheism, which influenced Judaism and was subsequently modified in Christianity and Islam. The essay also serves as a methodological examination of the extent to which Zarathustra can be compared to other religious founders and whether Zoroastrianism can be classified as a world religion on this basis.