A Youth Conference of Zoroastriasm


A youth conference about the teaching of Zoroastrianism was held recently in England. According to the link, youth from several countries met for five days. They met and discussed how the faith could lead to happier people and a better world. I suppose there have been youth conferences of many kinds in recent years. Which of them will catch fire? Will any of the catch fire and expand into large numbers? There is no way to know.

One can't predict, but it's appealing to expect long term human experiences with religion to continue. Christianity is not one of these. Paganism, with its gods that fit the needs of individuals and distinct groups seem like a good bet. Then, the sky gods of the Greeks with their human behaviors and back stories seem to have, at least to me, good odds of living on like they have for many thousands of years.

Zoroastrianism originated in Iran and is one of the oldest recorded religions in the world. It dates back to 3,500 years ago. There remain disagreements as to whether it was about one god or more than one. Like Christianity, Zoroastrianism has a sacred book, the Avesta. The faith has, of course, a supreme leader who created the universe and is a force for good and an enemy, the force for evil. 

Part of Zoroastrianism is doing good works for its own sake and not for oneself. It is caring for the environment and keeping it healthy. There is not a concept of "sin." Nor is it known what happens after death, something only known by it deities. 

This theme of goodness for its own sake and not for personal benefit is quite different from Christianity which carries reward and punishment. While reward and punishment have been profitable selling points for Christianity the inability to prove either exist seems to have limited Christianity's appeal and shelf life.

Zoroastrianism has adjusted to social change and remains alive, at least a bit, today. If a few young people find it interesting and politics and society takes a turn toward these ideas, no one can deny it might have a future.  

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