In his book “The Kingdom of God and Primitive Christianity” (1968), German-French philosopher and physician Albert Schweitzer lists the following most important contributions of Aryan Zoroastrianism to Semitic religions via Judaism – most of which we’ve discussed here in earlier postings:

 “the indispensable idea of resurrection as a prelude to participation in the Kingdom of God” 

 “The notion of (Christian) Purgatory probably has its roots in Zoroastrianism”

the reverence of Zoroastrians for fire and its powerful symbolism in cosmic order and purity led to the Jewish adoption of a Day of Judgment via a fire pit; just as the idea of angels/demons … even the guardian of nations archangel Michael is a Jewish version of the ancient Iranian divinity Mithra, the sun divinity and of oaths/friendship as well as guardian of Iran’s FARR or glory

Judaism took from Zoroastrianism the idea of a dualistic struggle in both heaven and on earth

it is my belief that various Iranian cults such as Manichaeism springing from Zoroastrianism .... over the centuries influenced Semitic beliefs leaving the impression that they were authentic to ancient Aryan beliefs … the ancestors did not view the afterlife in a materialistic sense … that is, joining the Source for eternal happiness involves a spiritual growth here while living, and that after death, one does not continue to worry about physical needs, worries, and desires … I believe that’s where the message of real Iranian beliefs is often masked or misunderstood or misinterpreted in creating a heaven filled with unlimited food, hot lovers, and everlasting youth & health …

A picture from Roman Mithraic Cult statue 


showing scorpion attacking the bull's testicles (it should be noted that this is another spin-off of the ancient Iranian lion-n-bull struggle depicting seasonal change or life challenges as seen here

  also the Taurus represents Spring time while Scorpio represents the Autumn … the constellations Taurus and Scorpio are on opposite points of the Zodiac as well as seen here