The Case for Zoroastrianism as the World's Oldest Monotheistic Religion
A brief presenting the historical, linguistic, and theological evidence — with citations — and applying a consistent evidentiary standard to all parties. Seven arguments·Fourteen primary sources·One verdict Holding Applying a uniform evidentiary standard, Zoroastrianism — founded by Zarathustra no later than 1000 BCE — holds the strongest scholarly claim to being the world's first ethical monotheism. The standard objection (dualism) disqualifies Christianity equally. Early Judaism was henotheistic, not monotheistic.
What this resource contributes
A brief presenting the historical, linguistic, and theological evidence — with citations — and applying a consistent evidentiary standard to all parties. Seven arguments·Fourteen primary sources·One verdict Holding Applying a uniform evidentiary standard, Zoroastrianism — founded by Zarathustra no later than 1000 BCE — holds the strongest scholarly claim to being the world's first ethical monotheism. The standard objection (dualism) disqualifies Christianity equally. Early Judaism was henotheistic, not monotheistic. Strict Abrahamic monotheism post-dates Persian rule over Judea. I. The Threshold Question: Defining Monotheism Before evaluating any religion's claim, the court must define its terms.
Topics and source signals
Primary sources detected
Gathas · Avesta
Scholars detected
Mary Boyce · Albert de Jong · Mark S. Smith · Prods Oktor Skjærvø