Zoroastrianism (World Religions (Facts on File)) - Hardcover

Hartz, Paula R

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1604131160 ISBN 13: 9781604131161

Publisher: Chelsea House Publications, 2009

Synopsis

Zoroastrianism, the smallest of the world's great religions, is also one of the oldest. Founded more than 3,000 years ago by the prophet Zarathustra, it flourished in ancient Persia during the time of the Persian Empire. Scholars have long acknowledged the contributions of Zoroastrianism to other faiths, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Concepts such as the notion of one God, heaven and hell, the dualism of good and evil, a savior to come, and everlasting life can trace their roots to the religion of Zarathustra. Zoroastrianism, Third Edition traces the history and beliefs of Zoroastrianism and its followers' determination through centuries of persecution and hardship into the present day. The Iranian and Indian Zoroastrian communities in which the religion has thrived without missionary efforts or vast numbers of believers is also explored.

Coverage includes:

• The message of the prophet Zarathustra
• The sacred fire
• Zoroastrianism throughout history
• The Zoroastrian scripture, the Avesta
• Rituals, beliefs, and rites of passage
• Traditional versus updated Zoroastrianism.

About this title

About the Author:

Paul R. Hartz was a teacher and a textbook editor, and specialized in writing nonfiction and educational materials for elementary and secondary school students. She wrote the latest editions of Baha'i Faith, Daoism, Native American Religions, and Shinto, all from Chelsea House's World Religions set.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 7 Up-These attractive volumes are readable and well organized. They have comprehensive introductions and conclude with current practices and a look to the future. Zoroastrianism discusses the religion's history, scripture, philosophy, ethics, and rituals. African Religion covers the oral tradition, beliefs about God and the spirit world, rites, sacred places, and mystical forces. Both books have glossaries (but no pronunciation guides), minimal chapter notes, and lists for further reading. Unfortunately, they also have internal inconsistencies and are occasionally confusing. The abbreviations B.C.E. and C.E. are used with no explanation of their meaning. Both titles suffer from inadequate maps. And, while they cover the "big picture" well, there is little sense of how the religions are practiced on a daily basis. However, since little is available for teens on Zoroastrianism and traditional African religions, these may be useful purchases where world religions are of interest.-Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chelsea House Publications
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1604131160
• ISBN 13: 9781604131161
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 144
• Editor: O'Brien Joanne, Palmer Martin