History-Western Civilization: Religion Before and After Christianity (Essay Sample)

History-Western Civilization
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History-Western Civilization
Introduction
It is not known when people initially developed religious beliefs. Thus, most people know that religion has evolved from rock carvings and cave wall paintings to immense libraries of information and gorgeous architecture of spiritual devotion throughout the centuries. We have progressed from honoring our forefathers and foremothers to honoring great deities and environments. In this regard, before Christianity, Zoroastrianism was the main religion during the dark age. Zoroastrianism is the globe's oldest existing monotheistic religion. Many experts believe it originates from theological concepts such as heaven, Satan, hell, and the Day of Judgment found in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Later, during the dark age era, Christianity became prominent because it spread from Roman Britain to Ireland with the help of missionaries. In this regard, several changes took place in the Christianity religion during the middle age period. Therefore, this paper describes the history of religion in the dark ages.
Religion before Christianity in the Dark Ages
. Zoroastrianism is the globe's oldest monotheistic religion, which was prominent before the introduction of Christianity. Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion founded by a Persian prophet named Zoroaster. C—1500-1000 BCE is when it was first introduced. Ahura Mazda, known as the "Lord of Wisdom," is revered in Zoroastrianism because it claims there can be only one ultimate being in the universe.. Faith in the creator and sustainer Ahura Mazda is shown by good acts, words, and thoughts, which are all examples of good deeds. Mazdayasna is another name for this religion. He was motivated to speak to and educate others as his peaceful culture was devastated by warring tribes in ancient Persia, where Zoroaster or Zarathustra was born. According to Zoroaster, he saw this as a battle between good and evil.[Boyce, Mary. "Zoroastrianism." A New Handbook of Living Religions (2017): 236-260]
Consequently, Zoroastrians believe that Ahura Mazda, the God of the universe, is responsible for creating the whole universe and everything in it. Angra Mainyu is Ahura Mazda's greatest adversary. After defeating the forces of evil, many think the planet will return to its former condition of purity. According to this view, humans must make a moral choice between evil and virtue. Bridges lead to paradise for those whose good acts balance their negative ones.[Ibid 236.]
On the other hand, people will go over the bridge into hell if their evil actions exceed their good ones. In addition, Zoroastrians place great value on several symbols. The emblem of fire is regarded to be the holiest. Zoroastrianism is a religion based on fire. Fire temples are the collective name for these numerous sites of devotion. Traditionally, fire has been utilized to symbolize both truth and morality. Priests at Zoroastrian temples are continually on guard over a blazing fire. Among Zoroastrians, there is a strong emphasis on purity. The color white is used as a symbol of purity in this context.[Kreyenbroek, Philip G. Living Zoroastrianism: Urban Parsis Speak about their religion. Routledge, 2013.]
Nevertheless, Zoroastrianism's importance cannot be overstated. It is because it serves as a point of intersection for various notions. The struggle between the forces of good and evil is one such example. According to certain biblical characters who practice henotheism in place of monotheism, Zoroastrianism may have served as an essential model. That Zoroaster's writings precede the monotheistic statements of Isaiah and Abraham may be why. Religions across the globe revere Zoroastrianism. It is estimated that just a few thousand adherents are left in the modern world. The monotheistic doctrines of Zoroastrianism had a profound impact on Zoroastrianism. Some religious historians credit the Faith with establishing many principles found in other religions like Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Therefore, as the first monotheistic religion to effectively develop the notions of personal accountability for God and the devil, eschatology, judgment after death, a messiah, and redemption Zoroastrianism may be considered. Consequently, it is safe to claim that Zoroastrianism foreshadowed the other faiths that followed. Consequently, it is safe to claim that Zoroastrianism foreshadowed the other faiths that followed.[Skjærvø, Prods Oktor. The spirit of Zoroastrianism.