Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Program
History
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Thesis Advisor
Gregory D. Bell, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Dave Pretty, Ph.D.
Committee Member
J. Edward Lee, Ph.D.
Keywords
Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Early Christianity, Persia, Ancient Persia, Ancient Israel, Roman Empire, Ancient History, Ancient Religions
Abstract
In the sixth century BCE, the largest empire in the world at the time, the Persian Empire, adopted a monotheistic religion that was based on the teachings of a prophet named Zoroaster. As one of the world’s oldest religions, Zoroastrianism impacted the beliefs and traditions of Judaism and early Christianity. Similarities among these religions include the ideas of hierarchy among good and evil spirits, actions on earth determining one’s place in an afterlife, apocalyptic themes, and dualism. Zoroastrian beliefs found their way into early Christian culture. The remnants of Zoroastrianism in mainstream Christianity underscores the influence of that ancient Persian faith
Recommended Citation
Heckert, Jason, "Reflections Across Religions: A Historical Examination of Common Themes in Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Christianity" (2023). Graduate Theses. 150.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/graduatetheses/150
Heckert, Jason Signed Copyright Agreement
