The Teachings of Zoroaster, And the Philosophy of the Parsi Religion by Shapurji Aspaniarji Kapadia, first published in 1913, is a rare manuscript, the original residing in one of the great libraries of the world. This book is a reproduction of that original, which has been scanned and cleaned by state-of-the-art publishing tools for better readability and enhanced appreciation. Restoration Editors' mission is to bring long out of print manuscripts back to life. Some smudges, annotations or unclear text may still exist, due to permanent damage to the original work. We believe the literary significance of the text justifies offering this reproduction, allowing a new generation to appreciate it.

Christian communities flourished during late antiquity in a Zoroastrian political system, known as the Iranian Empire, that integrated culturally and geographically disparate territories from Arabia to Afghanistan into its institutions and networks. Whereas previous studies have regarded Christians as marginal, insular, and often persecuted participants in this empire, Richard Payne demonstrates their integration into elite networks, adoption of Iranian political practices and imaginaries, and participation in imperial institutions. ÊThe rise of Christianity in Iran depended on the Zoroastrian theory and practice of hierarchical, differentiated inclusion, according to which Christians, Jews, and others occupied legitimate places in Iranian political culture in positions subordinate to the imperial religion. Christians, for their part, positioned themselves in a political culture not of their own making, with recourse to their own ideological and institutional resources, ranging from the writing of saintsÕ lives to the judicial arbitration of bishops. In placing the social history of East Syrian Christians at the center of the Iranian imperial story, A State of Mixture helps explain the endurance of a culturally diverse empire across four centuries. Ê

Magic, the occult, the mystical—is there anything behind those words? If there is, is it anything beyond horror-movie clichés? People the world over have always known and interacted with these hidden forces. But in our culture, there are very few ways to sort out truth from nonsense. In this book, Richard Smoley, an expert on the occult, delves into the world of mind power, magic, suggestion, and the realms of the unseen. He speaks simply and clearly, in common-sense terms, about these mysterious forces, how they can work for you, and what you need to avoid. This trip through unseen worlds could be most exciting adventure of your life, and possibly the most important, as you learn about: Meditation The Colors of Magic The Life Force The Astral Light Thought Power Prophecy Psychic Powers Astrology The Tarot Ghosts, Angels, and Spirits Life after Death Evil Witchcraft and Satanism Atlantis and Lost Civilizations The Last Judgment The Kingdom of God Healing Reincarnation The Brotherhood Psychedelics and Spirituality Richard Smoley is editor of Quest: Journal of the Theosophical Society and former editor of Gnosis: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions. He has published eleven books, including Forbidden Faith: The Secret History of Gnosticism; Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Traditions; and Supernatural: Writings on an Unknown History. He has spent over 40 years studying the world’s mystical traditions

This landmark book probes Muslims' attitudes toward Jews and Judaism as a special case of their view of other religious minorities in predominantly Muslim societies. With authority, sympathy and wit, Bernard Lewis demolishes two competing stereotypes: the Islamophobic picture of the fanatical Muslim warrior, sword in one hand and Qur'ān in the other, and the overly romanticized depiction of Muslim societies as interfaith utopias. Featuring a new introduction by Mark R. Cohen, this Princeton Classics edition sets the Judaeo-Islamic tradition against a vivid background of Jewish and Islamic history. For those wishing a concise overview of the long period of Jewish-Muslim relations, The Jews of Islam remains an essential starting point.

Religions in today’s culture seem to be multiplying. Have you ever wondered why certain religions believe and practice what they do? Or how they view the Bible? This volume delves into these and other engaging questions, such as: How can a Christian witness to people in these religions? Do these other religions believe in creation and a Creator? How do we deal with these religions from a biblical authority perspective? Many religions and cults discussed in this first volume openly affirm that the Bible is true, but then something gets in their way. And there is a common factor every time—man’s fallible opinions. In one way or another the Bible gets demoted, reinterpreted, or completely ignored. Man’s ideas are used to throw the Bible’s clear teaching out the window while false teachings are promoted. This book is a must for laymen, church leaders, teachers, and students to understand the trends in our culture and around the world where certain religions dominate, helping you discern truth and guard your faith. When you understand a religion’s origins and teachings, you are in a better position to know how to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as you take the good news to those in false religions.

A survey of Zoroastrianism's role in the development of the world's religions. Explores Zoroaster's life and work, describes the sacred writings and religious documents of the faith, and analyzes the basic Zoroastrian beliefs and their influence on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Welcome to a journey through time, where we explore the life, teachings, and legacy of one of history's most remarkable figures—Zoroaster. In this captivating biography, we'll delve into the life of a man who not only shaped a religion but also left an indelible mark on the course of human thought. Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra, stands as a beacon of wisdom and enlightenment in the annals of history. His story transports us back to a time when the world was vastly different, yet his teachings continue to resonate across centuries. Imagine the ancient world, a tapestry of diverse cultures, beliefs, and practices. It was in this backdrop that Zoroaster emerged, offering a revolutionary perspective that would change the course of spiritual thinking forever. As we embark on this journey, let's set the stage by understanding the historical context. Zoroaster's life unfolded in ancient Persia (now know as Iran), a land of fertile valleys and towering mountains. A place where the sun's rays danced on the landscape and inspired profound thoughts in the hearts of those who lived there. Our journey takes us back to a time before the modern divisions of faith had taken shape. A time when the concept of monotheism was a rare and precious gem, hidden amidst a sea of polytheistic beliefs. Zoroaster's story is not just about a man; it's about a revolution of the mind and spirit. Throughout history, certain individuals have emerged as transformative figures, guiding humanity toward new horizons. Zoroaster was one such luminary. His teachings weren't just words; they were the birth of a fresh perspective, a unique way of looking at the cosmos, morality, and the nature of existence. In the chapters that follow, we'll explore every facet of Zoroaster's life. We'll trace his footsteps from his humble beginnings to his profound revelations. We'll walk alongside him as he shared his divine vision and navigated the challenges that come with challenging the status quo. Prepare to be captivated by his teachings—teachings that emphasized the battle between good and evil, the importance of ethical living, and the worship of a single divine entity, Ahura Mazda. These teachings weren't just intellectual constructs; they became the cornerstone of a religion that would influence countless lives and cultures. Our journey isn't just a chronological exploration; it's an immersion into the heart and soul of a visionary. We'll unravel the mysteries behind Zoroaster's creation of the “Avesta”, the sacred texts that preserved his wisdom for future generations. As we venture deeper, we'll uncover Zoroaster's legacy—the profound impact he left on the fabric of history, his influence on other belief systems, and his enduring relevance in modern times. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Our journey begins with the most fundamental step—a comprehensive understanding of Zoroaster's life. By peering into his world, we not only gain insights into the past but also unlock the keys to understanding our present and shaping our future. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelt for an expedition into the depths of history. As we set out to discover the life and times of Zoroaster, let's keep our hearts and minds open, ready to be enlightened by the brilliance of a man who defied convention and illuminated the path toward truth. With curiosity as our guide, let's step back in time and venture into the captivating world of Zoroaster, the founder of Zoroastrianism.