Zoroastrianism

One of the world's oldest religions, Zoroastrianism is at the root of many fundamental beliefs of both Eastern and Western faiths. More than 3,000 years ago, the Persian prophet Zarathustra began a revolutionary campaign focused on the importance of personal ethics rather than obligatory rituals. His ideas flourished in ancient Persia and eventually spread to influence Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Zoroastrianism, Fourth Edition analyzes how this faith has a crucial place in religious history and continues to maintain a devoted following today.

Almost from the start of civilization more than 10,000 years ago, religion has shaped human history. Today more than half the world's population adhere to a major religion or indigenous spiritual tradition. In societies throughout the world, increasing ethnic and cultural diversity has led to a variety of religions being practiced side by side. This makes it vital that we understand as much as we can about the world's religions.

Rigorously nonsectarian, the books in the World Religions series offer clear, accessible overviews of the major religious traditions of our time, including

Geographical distribution

Origins and history

Central beliefs, rituals, and sacred sites

Contributions to world civilization

Carefully chosen photographs complement the text, and sidebars, a map, fact file, glossary, bibliography, further reading, and index are included to help readers again a more complete understanding of the subject at hand.