1. Religions of the West

2. Zoroastrianism: Persian Fire
Founder = Zarathustra (600 BCE to 573 BCE)
Monotheistic belief in the “Wise Lord” aka. Ahura Mazda
God of darkness, Angra Mainu, and other lesser gods were NOT to be worshiped
Those who follow the Truth will be rewarded with paradise
Those who follow the Lie will be punished in a lake of fire
Influences Judaism & Christianity
Those who passed on core ideas orally were called magi
Later the Avesta was produced, formalizing the faith and heling it’s spread

4. Judaism: The Chosen People
Founder = Abraham led Hebrews to Canaan (c BCE)
Severe drought caused migration to Egypt, but led out again by Moses
Introduced the Ten Commandments
Polytheistic Monotheistic
The Jewish Diaspora: led to wide movement of Jews throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East
Jews returned (temporarily) to Jerusalem under the Persians
Despite hatred and migration Jews maintained strong cultural & ethical core beliefs

5. Back

6. Christianity: Revolution of Love
Founder = Jesus (Peter and Paul) c. 32 CE
Response to Jewish and Roman authorities
Christians believe that they can have a personal relationship with God, and that they are saved by faith, not works. Grace is the law code.
They believe in actual heaven and hell.
They believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God.