Summary
The concept of biblical meekness is redefined in a new light, emphasizing its adventurous and bold nature, as presented by viral content creator Ryan Miller in his work "Meek is a Mustang." Miller argues that the world is in need of a countercultural biblical message that embraces risk-taking and discipleship, challenging traditional perceptions of meekness as passive or weak.
In a separate discussion, the complexities of Zoroastrianism are explored, particularly focusing on the dualistic nature of its theology. The traditional view contrasts the forces of good, represented by Ahura Mazda, with the evil spirit Angra Mainyu. However, scholars highlight the existence of various interpretations, including Zervanism, which posits a higher deity, Zervan, above these two forces. This perspective suggests a more nuanced understanding of Zoroastrian beliefs, which have evolved over centuries and do not fit neatly into modern categorizations of monotheism or dualism.
The historical context of Zervanism is examined, noting its prominence during the Sasanian Empire and its eventual decline as Zoroastrianism became more textually oriented. Scholars debate whether Zervanism was a distinct sect or simply a theological interpretation within the broader Zoroastrian tradition. The discussion underscores the dynamic nature of religious belief and the challenges of categorizing ancient faiths within contemporary frameworks.
Show Notes
Zurvanism is a lesser-known feature of ancient Zoroastrianism that centers on Zurvan, the god of infinite time, and the cosmic struggle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu. In this video, we explore the origins, beliefs, and historical influence of Zurvanism, what it is and isn't, and why it matters for understanding ancient Persian religion and dualism.Check out Soul Roots:https://www.youtube.com/@UCX0IxGB0xYS5kV3IX-KbBPQ Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateAlso check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254bSources/Recommended Reading:Boyce, Mary (1957). "Some Reflections on Zurvanism". Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London , 1957, Vol. 19, No. 2 (1957), pp. 304-316. Cambridge University Press.Boyce, Mary (2000). "Zoroastrians: Their Their Religious Beliefs and Practices". Routledge; 2nd edition.Boyce, Mary (1996). "On the Orthodoxy of Sasanian Zoroastrianism". Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, 1996, Vol. 59, No. 1 (1996), pp. 11-28. Cambridge University Press.Boyce, Mary (1990). "Some Some Further Reflections on Zurvanism". Iranica Varia: Papers in Honor of Professor Ehsan Yarshater. Brill. Dahlén, Ashk (transl.) (2023). "Zarathustra: Sånger". h:ström.Humbach, Helmut & Pallan Ichaporia (transl.) (1994). "The Heritage of Zarathushtra: A New Translation of His Gathas. Universitatsverlag Winter. Moazami, Mahnaz (ed.) (2016). "Zoroastrianism: A collection of Articles from the Encyclopedia Iranica". ENCYCLOPAEDIA IRANICA FOUNDATION. 2 Volumes.Rose, Jenny (2019). "Zoroastrianism: An Introduction". I.B. Tauris Introduction to Religions. Bloomsbury Academic.Strausberg, Michael; & Yuhan Sohrab-Dinshaw Vevaina (ed.) (2015). "The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Zoroastrianism". Wiley-Blackwell. Zaehner, R.C. (1955). "Zurvan: A Zoroastrian Dilemma". Oxford.https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/zurvanism/https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/zurvan-deity/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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