Zoroastrianism, Abrahamic Religions, and Jewish Messiah Expectations
Central Teachings of Zoroastrianism and Their Influence
What are the central teachings of Zoroastrianism? How did these teachings, particularly concerning dualism, likely influence Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?
Zoroastrianism, founded by Zarathustra (Zoroaster) between 1300-1600 BCE, is a monotheistic and dualistic religion centered on the ongoing opposition between the forces of order (good) and chaos (evil). Key teachings include:
- Dualism in human life: Ethical choices allow humans to live in harmony with Asha (order).
- Judgment of the soul: After death, the soul encounters the Daena and crosses the Chinvat Bridge.
- Final triumph: The combined efforts of everyone striving for good will eventually overcome evil.
The cosmic dualism of good versus evil and heaven versus hell likely influenced other religions.
Abrahamic Religions: Commonalities and Differences
The three main religions covered in the second half of the course are often called the Abrahamic religions. Reflect on this designation and on how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam understand themselves to be a part of the Abrahamic tradition. What are the most important things these three religions have in common? Where do they differ significantly?
Judaism, Islam, and Christianity are known as Abrahamic religions because they trace their origins to Abraham. They share the following commonalities:
- Monotheism: All three believe in one God. Christianity views God as existing in three persons, while Islam adheres to strict monotheism (Allah is not a trinity). Judaism recognizes one God, Yahweh or Jehovah.
Significant differences include:
- Holy Books: Christianity uses the Bible, Islam uses the Qur’an, and Judaism uses the Tanakh.
Jewish Expectations of the Messiah Around the Time of Jesus
What expectations did Jews have concerning their Messiah around the time of Jesus? Be sure to reference the Maccabean revolt, Seleucid persecution, Roman rule, and the four ‘purist Jewish sects.’ Did Jesus meet the Messianic expectations of a 1st C. Jew? Why or why not? If not, how did he differ?
The Jewish people generally expected the Messiah to be a political warrior, military leader, or king.
- Seleucid Persecution: The Seleucid Empire brutally persecuted Jews before the Maccabean Revolt.
- Maccabean Revolt: A rebellion led by the Maccabees against the Seleucid Empire and Hellenistic influence on Jewish life.
The four main Jewish sects were:
- Orthodox Judaism: Adheres to traditional Talmudic views and literal interpretations of the law.
- Reform Judaism: A more liberal branch using historical-critical interpretation of Scripture, with less literal adherence to laws.
- Conservative Judaism: A moderate branch between Orthodox and Reform.
- Reconstructionist Judaism: Seeks to restore the Temple and is associated with Zionism.
Jesus did not meet the common Messianic expectations because he was primarily a teacher. He did not strive to be a political warrior, military leader, or king. Instead, he taught through parables and did not seek to control people.