Two types of rivers have shaped the history of human civilization. One is the visible river, such as the Nile, Yellow, Indus, Ganges, Tigris, and Euphrates, which have birthed numerous cities, nations, and civilizations. The other is an invisible river, a stream of thought that has influenced humanity's spirit, values, religion, and philosophy. Tracing this river upstream leads us to an ancient Persian prophet: Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra.
Today, more than half of the world's population lives under the influence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, whether they practice these religions or not. It is not an exaggeration to say that the ethics, laws, justice, and historical perspectives of modern society are built upon the legacies of these three religions. Interestingly, if we delve deeply into the ideological roots of these faiths, we encounter the flame of Zoroastrianism that once burned in the ancient Iranian plateau. While Judaism, Christianity, and Islam each possess independent revelations, traditions, and unique theological systems, the history of civilization has always been one of exchange and fusion. Ideas do not grow in isolation; they develop through interaction and mutual influence, leading to a richer and deeper civilization.
The significance of Zoroastrianism lies here. Although its number of adherents is small today, its influence is far from negligible. It is more accurate to view it as one of the great sources that have permeated the deep layers of human civilization, shaping the spirit of the West and the Middle East for thousands of years.
In the 6th century BCE, the Middle East faced a period of immense upheaval. The dominant power at the time, the Neo-Babylonian Empire, conquered and ruled over surrounding peoples, including the Jews. Jerusalem fell, and Solomon's Temple was destroyed. Many Jews were forcibly relocated to Babylon, an event recorded as the Babylonian Exile, which is significant in the history of world religions.
This event was not merely a political defeat for the Jewish people; it represented a civilizational crisis that shook their identity and faith. Questions arose: Why had God abandoned them? Why was justice silent? Why did the righteous suffer? In their despair, the Jewish people began to ask these profound questions.
During this tumultuous time, a pivotal figure emerged: Cyrus the Great, regarded as one of the greatest monarchs in human history. He established the Achaemenid Empire, creating the largest empire of the ancient world, and practiced religious tolerance and cultural inclusivity. After conquering Babylon in 539 BCE, he did not oppress the conquered peoples; rather, he implemented policies that respected their traditions and religions.
Notably, he allowed the suffering Jews to return and supported the reconstruction of the Jerusalem Temple, a world-historical event. The Jewish people remembered him not merely as a conqueror but as a liberator. In fact, the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament describes Cyrus as a figure with a special mission.
This event did not end with the return of one people. It marked a historical intersection between Judaism and Zoroastrianism. Many historians and theologians believe that around this time, the ideological framework of Judaism began to develop more intricately. Concepts such as angels and demons, final judgment, resurrection of the dead, messianic expectations, and the end and fulfillment of history became more clearly defined.
Zoroastrianism had long embraced a grand historical perspective centered on the struggle between good and evil. The conflict between Ahura Mazda, the principle of good, and Angra Mainyu, the force of evil, was not merely a myth but a framework for explaining all of human history. Humans are free to choose between them, and the hope that good will ultimately triumph is central to Zoroastrianism.
This worldview resonates significantly with the eschatological ideas found in later Judaism, which in turn influenced Christianity. While Christianity presents a new gospel of love, salvation, sacrifice, and forgiveness, it is rooted in the historical soil of Judaism that developed over centuries. Concepts such as angels and demons, heaven and hell, final judgment and resurrection, and the coming of a savior became crucial pillars of Christian theology.
Islam, which emerged in 7th-century Arabia, similarly inherited the traditions of Judaism and Christianity while developing its own unique faith system. However, the structures of final judgment, heaven and hell, the existence of angels, vigilance against evil forces, and the triumph of the righteous show significant intersections with the Zoroastrian worldview. Subsequently, Islamic civilization actively embraced Persian culture, flourishing in the realms of scholarship, philosophy, and science.
Ultimately, Zoroastrianism is a religion that cannot be measured solely by the number of its adherents. Its influence flows like a river, nourishing countless civilizations over thousands of years. We find its traces in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and these traces remain alive today.
Upon reflection, many values that modern individuals take for granted are connected to the concerns of Zoroastrianism. The belief that justice must ultimately prevail, the ethics of personal responsibility for one’s choices, the principle that good and evil must be clearly distinguished, and the hope that history is not a meaningless repetition but a progression toward a better future are all part of this legacy.
Zoroaster did not view humans as slaves to fate. He saw them as beings capable of thought, choice, and action. Good does not happen automatically, nor does justice manifest by itself. The world can only move in a better direction when humans choose and practice it.
Thus, Zoroastrianism left behind three simple yet powerful teachings:
Good thoughts. Good words. Good deeds.
These three phrases, originating thousands of years ago, remain relevant even in today's AI era. In a modern society overflowing with misinformation, hate speech, and extreme conflict, these teachings resonate even more urgently. Distorted thoughts lead to distorted language, which ultimately results in distorted actions. Conversely, correct thoughts, truthful words, and responsible actions create a healthy community.
AI can calculate faster and store more information than humans. However, it cannot judge what is good. Technology can empower humans but cannot provide direction. The maintenance of civilization is always a matter of values, and values ultimately pertain to the human spirit.
At this juncture, we encounter the ancient spirituality of the East. Teacher Yu Yong-mo sought throughout his life to find the heaven that resides within humanity. He believed that while truth is one, there are many paths to it. The Daesoon Jinrihoe, which embodies our nation's spiritual tradition, also understands humans as beings imbued with the will of heaven. The spirit of Hongik Ingan, flowing through the Cheonbugyeong, Samil Sinbo, and Chamjeon Gyeong, emphasizes both the heaven within humanity and the moral responsibilities that humans must uphold.
Of course, Zoroastrianism and Daesoon Jinrihoe emerged from different histories, cultures, languages, and civilizations over thousands of years. However, we discover remarkable commonalities in their teachings that regard humans as dignified beings who must practice truth and justice. The direction in which we look toward heaven may differ, but the heart directed toward heaven is not vastly different.
This may be the essence of human spirituality.
Religions may differ, but humans are the same. Languages may vary, but conscience remains the same. Civilizations may differ, but the hearts that seek truth, pursue justice, and dream of a good life are fundamentally alike.
The small flame that began in ancient Persia over 3,000 years ago has not yet extinguished. This flame lives on within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, shining in various forms within many Eastern spiritual traditions. Today, it continues to pose the same questions to us:
Are your thoughts good? Are your words truthful? Are your actions just?
The great religions of human civilization did not exist to compete with one another; they exist to elevate humanity to a higher plane. Understanding Zoroastrianism is not merely about studying an ancient religion; it is about understanding why humanity loves truth, longs for justice, and refuses to give up hope.
The small flame that began in ancient Persia continues to burn as a beacon of human civilization across the millennia. And in the age of AI, it quietly yet solemnly reminds us that the future of civilization is determined not by the level of technology but by the level of the human spirit.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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