Critique of 'Western Thought Influenced by Zoroastrianism' by Lewis Loflin

Lewis Loflin

Below is my critique of Stephen Van Eck’s article, originally titled 'The Forgotten Source,' now 'Western Thought Influenced by Zoroastrianism.' As a rationalist and deist, I’ve edited it to reflect my work on sullivan-county.com, highlighting disputes, corrections, and speculation. Van Eck’s core claim—Zoroastrianism shaped Judeo-Christianity—has merit, but his dramatic tone and shaky evidence need scrutiny.

"Also Sprach Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss, featured in "2001," is a dramatic piece, rich in majesty and awe. It honors Zarathustra (Zoroaster), the Persian prophet. Dispute: Van Eck’s 'devastating portent' is overblown—I’d cut the flourish for a factual tone.

Zarathustra’s influence on Judeo-Christianity and Western Civilization is under-told but real. His life and words shifted Western thought from static Middle Eastern cultures. Judaism would differ without him, and Christianity and Islam might not exist. Correction: I agree, per my 'Biblical Monotheism Persian Influences,' but ‘probably never have existed’ is too strong—other factors (e.g., Hellenism) played roles.

Western Civilization owes its linear time concept to Zarathustra, unlike the cyclic views of ancient times, enabling progress and reform. Ancient cultures like Egypt were conservative, tied to a mythical Golden Age, resisting change. Dispute: Linear time is Zoroastrian (e.g., Frashokereti), but Greek thought (Heraclitus) also contributed—Van Eck overcredits one source.

Zarathustra gave Persian and Greek thought a teleological goal. He saw all people in a battle between Good and Evil, fought on Earth and within individuals. Correction: Dualism is key (Ahura Mazda vs. Ahriman), but ‘Greek thought’ is vague—Persian influence hit Jews directly via Babylon, not Greece first.

This dualism was adopted by Jews post-Babylonian Captivity (6th century BC), adding demonology and angelology. The Genesis snake became the Devil, and demonic possession obsessed the Gospels. Correction: True shift—pre-Captivity Satan isn’t evil (Job 1:6); post-Captivity texts (1 Enoch) show Persian influence. Dispute: ‘Cultural obsession’ in Gospels is exaggerated—demons are there, not dominant.

Zarathustra claimed Divine revelation, pushing one Supreme God (Ahura Mazda) in the 7th century BC, but polytheism re-emerged after his death. His theology endured via later religions. Dispute/Correction: 7th century BC is too late—scholars (e.g., Boyce) suggest 1200–1000 BC. It’s henotheism, not monotheism—Mithra persisted, per my 'More Questions on Zoroastrianism.'

The Babylonian Captivity transformed Judaism, exposing Jews to Zoroastrianism, Babylon’s near-state religion. Before, afterlife was vague—Sheol, not hell. Zarathustra taught bodily resurrection and Last Judgment (paradise or torment). Daniel (12:2) first mentions this, advised by Darius. Correction: Strong case—Sheol’s shadow (Isaiah 38:18) vs. Daniel’s reward/punishment fits Zoroastrianism (Yasna 43). Dispute: Daniel’s 6th-century Darius link is shaky—text is likely 2nd century BC.

Resurrection split Jews—Sadducees denied, Pharisees affirmed it (Matthew 22:23). Speculation: ‘Pharisee’ resembling ‘Farsi/Parsee’ is a stretch—pure coincidence, not evidence. I’d cut this.

Zoroastrianism altered Jewish Messianism. Zarathustra’s Saoshant, virgin-born, would lead against Evil, merging with Jewish Davidic hopes. Dispute: Saoshant is Zoroastrian, but virgin birth is late (Sasanian era), postdating Jewish Messianism (Isaiah 7:14). Per my 'Three Kings,' timing’s off.

Post-Captivity, Jewish apocalyptic literature began, using Babylonian models and symbolism, influencing Christianity. Jewish and Christian eschatology—resurrection, judgment, Savior, apocalypse—is Zoroastrian-rooted. Correction: I agree—Daniel and 1 Enoch mirror Yasht 19. ‘Babylonian’ should note Persian influence for clarity.

Christian rituals (Catholicism) trace to Zoroastrianism: ash on foreheads, confession (thought/word/deed), haoma ritual (Eucharist), All Souls’ Day. Speculation: Weak links—ashes (Job 42:6), confession parallels, and haoma-Eucharist are broad. No Zoroastrian All Souls’ Day match. I’d trim this—lacks evidence, per my 'Gnosticism Overview.'

The Magi visiting Jesus echo Mithras’ star; December 25th and temptation stories were borrowed. Correction: Magi fit my 'Three Kings'—Zoroastrian priests. Dispute: Mithras (1st century AD) is too late; December 25th is Roman (Sol Invictus), not Persian. Temptation’s folkloric, not textual.

Jesus’ three-day grave reflects Zoroastrian soul-delay belief. He was a Zoroastrian-style World Savior, not a Jewish Messiah—Jews rejected him. Correction: Three-day delay (Vendidad) is plausible, though Jonah offers a Jewish parallel. Dispute: Jesus as ‘purely Zoroastrian’ oversimplifies—Paul’s role, per my 'Jesus Before Paul’s Christ,' is key.

Zoroastrianism, nearly extinct, lives in its descendants. Zarathustra outshines Old Testament prophets. Correction: Influence is real—Parsis survive, so ‘extinct’ is off. Dispute: ‘Outshines’ is subjective—I’d focus on facts, not praise.

Van Eck’s article has a solid core—Zoroastrianism’s impact via the Captivity—but overreaches with dates, rituals, and speculation. My edits align it with evidence, cutting drama for reason.