AS90823: “Explain the Significance of a key belief within two religious traditions”
Zoroastrianism and Christianity on Evil and Suffering
General Definitions
• Evil is defined as: “morally wrong or bad”.
• Suffering is defined as: “to undergo, be subjected to, or endure pain, distress, injury, loss, or anything unpleasant
Religion has historically played a pivotal role in the disparate beliefs surrounding the definition, origin, interpretation, and implication of evil and suffering. Generally speaking, evil is considered as the absence or opposite of good; an indication of profound immorality. In many contexts, the influence of evil as a religious belief differs vastly; reflected by celebrations and adherents, as well as significance within the religion itself. Zoroastrianism and Christianity are two prime examples of this. Coextensive analysis of both faiths emphasises the importance of evil…show more content… It teaches that mankind is ultimately good and that this goodness is determined to triumph over evil. This is significantly reflected in celebration traditions; most ceremonies paying tribute to the provisions of Ahura Mazdā – the Good. One of the only celebrations that directly reference the Zoroastrian concept of Evil is the Festival of Sadeh.
This is a mid winter festival that includes the preparation and celebration of a large bonfire – Adur-Jashan . The purpose of this bonfire is to defy the forces of darkness, and cold, in order to oppose Angra Mainyu – the Evil. Zoroastrians attempt to banish the demons of frost and cold, which turned water to ice, and thus could kill the roots of plants (part of Ahura Mazdā’s creation). A large part of the ceremony orients around the preparation and gathering of wood in order to contribute to the defiant fire. Those whom do not contribute to the fire are seen as allies of