Posted on 05/29/2005 11:34:32 AM PDT by blam
>>Question: How long will it take the leaders to civilize?
Another thousand years or so?
I thought PC dictated that indo-Aryan became indo-whatever area it migrated to!
most of europe voluntarily accepted it not by the sword.
Speaking of ancient Iranian folkways, and how they could accept a foreign religion:
http://www.iranian.ws/cgi-bin/iran_news/exec/view.cgi/2/5190
I have read much about Zoroaster, and I believe he heavily influenced the early Christians and Jews. Many here know how totally unorthodox I am, so it won't shock you that I am beginning to think Zoroaster was indeed one of the early prophets. His ancient religion foretold of saviors, and many Zoroastrians believe one of those saviors is Christ. It is fascinating reading about the early west Asian and Egyptian religions, and how they are so closely connected with Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It looks to me like Zoroaster was the one to pave the way for monotheism, and peaceful living. Also instructive would be how the Jewish and Arabic Pagan religions gave way to what we have today. The Gnostics are an interesting case study, as well as another sect of Christianity (can't think of the name right now) in Egypt.
"Another thousand years or so?"
I'll say 100, with continued outside influence. At the end of this 100 years, if they are not totally civilized (liberalism, rap music and gay pride parades), I'll give you my house.
It is noteworthy that every country that the Arabs conquered lost its civilization, culture and language and adopted the Arabic language and way of life.
Hmmm .... doesn't say much for your engineering department now, does it?
Ah Wansahdah Mazda.
"most of europe voluntarily accepted it not by the sword."
I am not so sure about that, in a time when Christianity was the state religion and people were persecuted if thought to be "witches" and so forth. Early American history even shows persecution of people who didn't tithe or attend church. I have an ancestor in my genealogy who was jailed for not tithing the church, and for preaching on the street corner that churches were not necessary as an intermediary to God.
The victors always write the history. But I do believe many accepted Christianity by at first allowing Jesus into their pantheon. Also, time and scientific progess cured many of their superstitions. Then Pagan rites, rituals and holidays were integrated into the church, making the religion less foreign, and palatable to Europeans. If you examine early Christianity (Gnostics) you'll see these folks were very Pagan. The religion evolved in that area with time, as it did in Europe.
Arabs corrupt.
The "Hindu" Vedas (Rg Veda, about 1500 - 2000 BC) are the oldest source of monotheism.
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This is a great article. Thanks!
A little over a year ago my nephew was studying Parsi in the army. If things ever dictate that we need to intervene in Iran directly, I'm sure my nephew will be there.
Paladin?
Yeah, it seem apropos to use an historical reference.
my favorite Latin phrase comes from the Albiningen crusade:
Neco es omnes, Deo se agnoscet.
When asked how to tell if someone was a heretic, the lord entrusted with the crusade supposedly said " Kill them all, G-d will know his own.
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bump!
Consider that the Classical age of Greek science medicine and philosophy lasted until Alexander. Or about 500 bc to 323 bc. The author is wrong.
Eureka!:)
salaam.
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