History: Zoroastrianism

A dualistic religion of the Persian Empire after 600 BCE. Zoroastrianism is a religious system attributable to the prophet Zoroaster, 660 BCE. Tenants of Zoroastrianism include the duality of a 'god of light' and a 'god of darkness' who struggle for influence over humanity. Zoroastrianism assumes adherents have free-will, with which, they can choose between the god of light and god of darkness. Adherents believe that humans will ultimately be faced with a final judgment, at which time Ahuramazda will determine their fate for eternity. Given the similarities of Zoroastrianism and Christianity, it is likely that portions of Christianity are influenced by Zoroastrianism.