Should Zoroastrians accept converts? (followers, doctrine, preach, prophet, pray)

[Prima]

Just wondering what you all think. From what I've read, Zoroastrianism does not accept converts (at least, most don't) Do you think this is a wise practice, or no?

[Scuba Pete]

I would imagine that this would be up to them. Do we have any on the board?

[No*s]

I would concur with ND. That is their business, not ours. Besides, there seem to be no Zoroastrians on this site to defend their practice.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Prima

Just wondering what you all think. From what I've read, Zoroastrianism does not accept converts (at least, most don't) Do you think this is a wise practice, or no?

http://www.zoroastrians.info/faq/what.jsp
What is Zoroastrian?

By: BBC



Followers of Zoroastrian are dedicated to the divine message revealed by Zarathushtra Spitama, one of the earliest prophets to teach monotheism, the belief in one God.

Zarathushtra Spitama was known to the ancient Greeks as Zoroaster and he preached a new doctrine of good, evil and retribution.

The principal and cardinal rule for his followers is to adhere to the creed of Humata, Hukhta and Havarastra - good thoughts, good words and good deeds.

Around 3500 years ago, Zarathushtra preached that there was only one god whom he called Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom.

Teachings

His teachings explain how, according to Zoroastrian, God's divine attributes are reflected in the universe and throughout the world.

He advises people to acquire and cultivate divine attributes, including: a good mind and righteousness
to elevate themselves in harmony with God and to listen to God's voice
to be creative and progressive
to work in harmony with nature and create a better world
to establish a universal fellowship in an ideal society chosen by the people for peace and prosperity
to attain perfection and immortality
<LI>to become godlike and live in divine happiness.

Zarathustra called the religion he founded the good religion.

Initiation

When a person is initiated as a Zarathushti they declare; "I, with my appreciations and convictions, choose for myself to be a worshipper of omniscient God and a Zarathushti. "I appreciate good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. I appreciate the good religion of worshipping omniscient God, which overthrow yokes yet sheaths swords, teaches self-reliance and is righteous."

Followers of Zoroastrian do not denounce other religions, and after initiation a Zarathushti is free to choose the religion he or she considers the best.

Zarathushtis believe light is a symbol of divine illumination, enlightenment, warmth, love and energy.

When praying to their omniscient God, Zarathushtis say their prayers before a candle, a lamp, or even the sun, moon, or even the stars.

A perpetual fire is kept in a special vase in the house of worship. And so is a light in a Zarathushti house.
This doesn't seem to preclude converts, and seems to infer that it is more a 'way of life<LI>

Followers of Zoroastrian do not denounce other religions, and after initiation a Zarathushti is free to choose the religion he or she considers the best

[kiwimac]

Actually there are several Zoroastrian groups which do accept converts, the Gabars in Iran do (though they don't talk about the practice, there are "Gathas only" zoroastrians in the western world, their communities consist both of born zoroastrians and converts.

The ban on conversion comes from a: the Muslim reaction to anyone converting from Islam and b: a desire on the part of the Parsees (Iranian refugees in India) not to annoy their Hindu hosts. However, IMO, there is no real ideological reason to ban converts.

Note: While not a Zoroastrian I am a posting member of various Gathic Zoroastrian groups & I have spent considerable time studying the faith.

Kiwimac

[Natural Submission]

It would be illogical NOT to accept converts, as the religion would die out and dissipate.

[Prima]

"logical" doesn't usually enter into religion, I think From what I had read, Zoroastrians didn't accept converts. By the way, Jews believed the same.

For those of you who helped (thanks ) could I have links about the kinds of Zoroastrianism that do accept converts? I've been interested in this religion for a while, and would like to look into the possibility of converting.

Thanks, all

[kiwimac]

Prima,

Try the following site : http://www.zoroastrianism.cc/

Kiwimac

[Prima]

thanks sweetie

[bartdanr]

Hi All,

If one views membership in religion as joining a community, then as others have stated--it's up to the community. However, if one views membership in a religion as a personal allegance to a belief system and/or religious lifestyle, then the idea of "accepting" or "rejecting" converts is meaningless--i.e., no one can tell you what to believe or not to belief. (Well, they can tell you, but they can't control it.)

I have long admired the Zarathushtiran religion and in many ways my beliefs parallel it. However, I am not part of the community. While I personally think that limiting the membership to children born of two Zoroastirians (what many conservatives belief) is suicidal to such a small religious group, that's their choice.

Peace