01-11-2006, 06:55 AM
Hauma, that was fascinating.
I didn't know about Zarathustra's disapproval of idols. At least Zoroastrian Persia didn't invade India to convert us or destroy our temples. And the Parsees have never hurt us at all. The behaviour of adherents says a lot about their religion. Perhaps the rule on idols is only for those that are Zoroastrian? It doesn't appear to have been a missionary religion once Iranian lands had adopted it.
I've read that some Sassanian rulers did persecute people, but since this is not corroborated by similar behaviour in the earlier Akkamenian dynasty, I'd have guessed it not to be dependent on the religion. Also, the Sassanians had to deal with Armenians who were quite aggressive in missionary activity in their new-found religion. Not trying to excuse them, just trying to get a better idea of the context.
Thanks.
I didn't know about Zarathustra's disapproval of idols. At least Zoroastrian Persia didn't invade India to convert us or destroy our temples. And the Parsees have never hurt us at all. The behaviour of adherents says a lot about their religion. Perhaps the rule on idols is only for those that are Zoroastrian? It doesn't appear to have been a missionary religion once Iranian lands had adopted it.
I've read that some Sassanian rulers did persecute people, but since this is not corroborated by similar behaviour in the earlier Akkamenian dynasty, I'd have guessed it not to be dependent on the religion. Also, the Sassanians had to deal with Armenians who were quite aggressive in missionary activity in their new-found religion. Not trying to excuse them, just trying to get a better idea of the context.
Thanks.