Zoroastrianism, TERM

Theology

Zoroastrianism's theological framework is complex and historically evolving, with challenges in defining its precise nature due to the age and composition of its texts. It contains elements of polytheism, monotheism, and dualism, although dualism is predominant. The religion venerates Ahura Mazda as the supreme deity alongside lesser divine beings called yazatas. Over time, various interpretations have emerged; some regard it as one of the oldest monotheistic faiths, while others recognize a henotheistic or dualistic system. The 19th century brought significant influence from Western thought, impacting the Parsi community and leading to reinterpretations that emphasized a monotheistic perspective. This shift was catalyzed by figures like Martin Haug, who argued for a monotheistic understanding with Ahura Mazda as the sole god. Modern discourse suggests a combination of dualistic, polytheistic, and monotheistic elements, with some scholars exploring its pantheistic aspects shared with Hinduism.