Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism provides another example of early monotheistic

belief. Zarathustra founded Zoroastrianism at best estimation sometime during the
tenth century B.C.E. perhaps under inspiration to elevate divine-human relations above
the Indo-Iranian polytheism of his time, a tradition steeped in an elaborate ritualism.
Under Zarathustra the various notions of divinity found within these assorted faiths were
recognized as attributes of one all-encompassing deity called Ahura Mazda (or "Wise
Lord"). Zarathustra set his teachings apart from his rivals by insisting that worship be
dedicated solely to the Wise Lord.

Although Ahura Mazda is the supreme power in the universe in Zoroastrianism, he is not
considered completely all-powerful. Ahura Mazda is described as inherently good, just
and moral, and as such creates only good things, a seeming limitation to his power
considering the presence of evil in the world. Zoroastrians attribute the existence of evil
to two subsidiary moral spirits who Ahura Mazda is said to have fathered: Spenta
Manyu, who is good, and Angra Manyu, who is evil. Although such a conception limits
Ahura Mazda's power, he is consistently described to be triumphant over evil, which
marks him as the supreme entity in the Zoroastrian cosmos. Later Zoroastrianism also
includes angelic beings called the Amesha Spenta, who are seen as emanations of Ahura
Mazda, whose job it is to put in place his will in the physical world.