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Explore the fascinating world of Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest, and still practiced, monotheistic religions in the world. This quiz will challenge your knowledge about its rich history, unique beliefs, and cultural significance. Discover how Zoroastrianism has influenced other major world religions and its enduring legacy in modern times. Test your understanding of key figures, sacred texts, and the core tenets that define this intriguing faith. At the end of the quiz, you will find detailed explanations for each question: we encourage you to read them to broaden your knowledge of Zoroastrianism.
Answer all the questions and choose one response for each of them.
1. What is the central concept of dualism in Zoroastrianism?
2. What role does fire play in Zoroastrian worship?
3. How does Zoroastrianism view the afterlife?
4. How does Zoroastrian cosmology describe time?
5. What does Fravashi represent in Zoroastrian belief?
6. What is the significance of “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds” in Zoroastrian ethics?
The correct answers are the ones corresponding to the letter B. Count the number of times you chose answer B and check your profile below.
0: Zoroastrianism is not your thing!
1-2: You are a quite misinformed Zoroastrian
3-4: You are an evolving Zoroastrian
5-6: You are a true expert on Zoroastrianism!
Explanation of answers
1. What is the central concept of dualism in Zoroastrianism?
The eternal struggle between good and evil is the central concept of dualism in Zoroastrianism. This religion posits a cosmic battle between Ahura Mazda, the embodiment of all that is good, and Angra Mainyu (or Ahriman), the spirit of evil. This dualistic worldview emphasizes moral choices and the responsibility of individuals to choose righteousness.
2. What role does fire play in Zoroastrian worship?
In Zoroastrianism, fire holds profound symbolic significance. It is considered a representation of purity and the divine presence of Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity in Zoroastrian belief. Fire, along with clean water, is seen as a symbol of purity because it has the ability to cleanse and purify.
3. How does Zoroastrianism view the afterlife?
The concept of the Chinvat Bridge is central to the afterlife perspective of Zoroastrianism. After death, every soul is believed to face judgment at this bridge, which serves as a decisive point where one’s actions during their lifetime are evaluated.
4. How does Zoroastrian cosmology describe time?
Time has a linear progression towards an ultimate renovation (Frashokereti) because Zoroastrians believe that history moves towards a final transformation where evil will be defeated permanently, leading to renewal and perfection.
5. What does Fravashi represent in Zoroastrian belief?
Fravashi represents the guardian spirit or higher self that guides an individual throughout their life. This divine essence is considered to be preexisting and external, distinct from the incarnate soul of a person.
6. What is the significance of “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds” in Zoroastrian ethics?
The triad of “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds” forms the core ethical framework guiding the behavior of Zoroastrians. The emphasis on this triad reflects the belief that an individual’s inner thoughts, spoken words, and outward actions should consistently reflect moral integrity and virtue.
Disclaimer: Please acknowledge that this quiz, despite being developed by experts in the fields of spirituality and philosophy, is not intended to exhaustively probe your understanding of Zoroastrianism. Its primary purpose is to entertain and stimulate the user’s mind and curiosity. Therefore, remember to consider its results as purely indicative and use the explanations provided as food for thought rather than as judgments about yourself.