ous they will fall from the bridge into the perils of hell. The Christians believe that when one dies his entire life is judged, and according to his deeds he is sent to either heaven or hell. The two religions are nearly identical, although methods are different, the exact same purpose is served by the presence of two after lifes. Followers of either religion strive to do good in order to avoid hell. The one difference that exists between the two is the issue of finite versus infinite stays in hell. Christians believe that hell is eternal, whereas the Zoroastrians believe that hell can be escaped. In a way the Zoroastrians see hell as a form of purgatory that is torturous.One of the few major differences between the two religions is the issue of sin. If you are a Christian you must repent your sins by means of confession. In addition, up until a few centuries ago one was also expected to self-flagellate or pay for an indulgence3. Zoroastrianism is very different from these methods of absolving sin. To clear yourself of sins, all one must do is change the thought process which contributed to that sin in the first place. Thus the whole process is very personal, and completely private.Another major difference between Zoroastrianism and Christianity is the issue of hierarchy within those of faith. Christianity (at least before Martin Luther came about) had an extensive hierarchy which included many levels of command. The Zoroastrians on the other hand lacked this level of cohesiveness. This is probably due to their followers being mostly nomadic peoples, whereas the Christians had the benefit of a more static form of life.The similarities between these two religions are uncanny. It is truly shocking when one first compares the two, it is simply amazing that a religion that out dates Christianity by fifteen hundred years could be so similar. This amazement continues when one ponders why the similarities are rarely, if ever, ...
