Zoroastrianism

Question 1

When was the most likely date for the birth of the founder of Zoroastrianism?

Answer 1

1,000 BCE

Question 2

From 600 BCE through 600 CE, how large was Zoroastrianism?

Answer 2

Very large

Question 3

Who was the founder of Zoroastrianism?

Answer 3

Zarathustra

Question 4

What happens to the “devas”/”daevas” and Angra Mainyu after mortality is over?

Answer 4

Go to hell where they are treated just how they treated people in the mortal life. In the resurrection they’ll be in a bath of molten metal

Question 5

In Zoroastrianism, the first people where what prior to morphing into human beings?

Answer 5

Intelligent spirits

Question 6

Most historians believe that Zoroastrianism grew out of what religion?

Answer 6

Persian Polytheism

Question 7

Who is Saoshyant and what is his purpose or mission?

Answer 7

The redeemer or savior, born of the prophet’s seed by a virgin mother

Question 8

What has traditionally been used when disposing of a deceased body by Zoroastrians in India?

Answer 8

Birds of prey

Question 9

What is the difference between Zoroaster and Zarathustra?

Answer 9

Zoroaster– hellenized name
Zarathustra– original name

Question 10

Which is the Navjote Ceremony and what is it for?

Answer 10

Initiation into the religion

Question 11

In class we discussed the Faravahar. What were the main symbolic components and their meanings?

Answer 11

Human soul

Question 12

The Zoroastrian Avesta is what God commanded Mashya and Mashyana to not eat. How long did they last before they partook?

Answer 12

Thirty days

Question 13

According to Zoroastrian thought, who tempted Mashya and Mashyana?

Answer 13

Tempted by Az, the demon of greed

Question 14

Are practicing Zoroastrians monotheistic, polytheistic, henotheistic, monolatrist, or monistic?

Answer 14

Monotheistic

Question 15

The founder of Zoroastrianism came out of the womb doing what?

Answer 15

Came out reciting divine verse and displaying signs of wisdom

Question 16

Where was the founder of Zoroastrianism born?

Answer 16

Northeastern Iran

Question 17

What was the terrible conflict?

Answer 17

Priests asked him a bunch of questions. 33 questions

Question 18

Whose birth did the founder of Zoroastrianism predict?

Answer 18

Prophesied the birth of Christ

Question 19

At what age was the founder of Zoroastrianism ordained to the priesthood?

Answer 19

Around 15 years old

Question 20

After his ordination, what concern did the founder of Zoroastrianism raise about Arianism/Aryanism?

Answer 20

Didn’t answer his theological questions, also polytheistic

Question 21

What did Mashya and Mashyana kill to make clothes for themselves?

Answer 21

Ox or sheep

Question 22

What two items have been offered daily to the God of Zoroastrianism?

Answer 22

Sacred twigs (barsom or baresma) and Haoma

Question 23

How old was the founder of Zoroastrianism when he had his first vision of God?

Answer 23

30 years old

Question 24

How old was the founder of Zoroastrianism when he began wandering about, seeking truth?

Answer 24

20 years old

Question 25

What does the term "ahura mazda" mean?

Answer 25

"wise lord"

Question 26

What is "Mazdaism" or "Mazda Yasna"?

Answer 26

Another name for Zoroastrianism

Question 27

What was the founder of Zoroastrianism doing when a divine emanation appeared to him?

Answer 27

Meditating

Question 28

How many "radiant beings" surround the throne of the God of Zoroastrianism?

Answer 28

Six radiant beings

Question 29

With what did the founder of Zoroastrianism see God?

Answer 29

With the eyes of his spirit

Question 30

What do traditional Zoroastrians hope to die with?

Answer 30

Kusti and Sudreh

Question 31

What does the term "Vohu Manah" mean, what are the implications of the name's meaning?

Answer 31

Good thoughts, leads the way, led Zarathustra to god

Question 32

Who was the first person that the founder of Zoroastrianism converted to his religion?

Answer 32

A king

Question 33

What two reasons did we give in class for why Zoroastrians generally do not proselytize?

Answer 33

They don't want to contaminate their religion

Question 34

What are Zoroastrians called in India?

Answer 34

Parsi

Question 35

What is the difference between the version of Zoroastrianism described in your textbook and neo-Zoroatrianism?

Answer 35

Neo-Zoroastrianism is much more modern

Question 36

what are some things Zoroastrians do to effectively use their undergarments and remember their covenants?

Answer 36

Kusti- separate lower and upper stuff Sudreh- "bag" of righteousness, undergarment

Question 37

What is the primary emphasis in Zoroastrianism?

Answer 37

Entirely focused on goodness and achieving goodness and being good to the world

Question 38

What will we all be judged by after this life? Primarily what?

Answer 38

Good thoughts, good words, good deeds

Question 39

According to traditional Zoroastrian thinking, is it possible for a non-Zoroastrian to go to Paradise after this life?

Answer 39

sure?

Question 40

How old was the founder of Zoroastrianism when he died? How did he die?

Answer 40

77 years old, was killed by a 19 year old in a temple

Question 41

What is the name of the prayer beads often used for prayer in Zoroastrianism?

Answer 41

Tasbih

Question 42

If the God of Zoroastrianism only created good, but not evil, where did evil come from?

Answer 42

Agency

Question 43

What was Gayomard responsible for creating?

Answer 43

First human couple

Question 44

Who determines what reward we get after this life?

Answer 44

Us/Ahura Mazda

Question 45

What is Asha?

Answer 45

Righteousness and order

Question 46

How many judgements do Zoroastrians believe in?