Non-Abe Religions, was Re: [Buddha-l] NYTimes.com: Let Us Pray for Wealth

[curt]

Gregory Bungo wrote:
>
> There are still some Zoroastrians in Iran:
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrian#In_Greater_Iran
>
> Not many though.  Wikipedia estimates there are about 22,000:
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrians_in_Iran#Revolution
>
>   

The Zoroastrians managed to withstand the first wave of violent 
monotheism (Christianity) but nearly succumbed to the second wave 
(Islam) - and only survived because they found refuge among the Hindus.

I was recently discussing with some friends who the world's most famous 
Zoroastrians were. This is what we came up with for the top four, in 
descending order of fame:

Jesus*
Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara)
Zubin Mehta
Zoroaster**

* Of course not everyone agrees that Jesus was a Zoroastrian - but if he 
was he is certainly the most famous one.
** Of course not everyone agrees that any such person as Zoroaster ever 
existed - and even if he did that he was a Zoroastrian. But it seems 
only fair to include him.

Curt Steinmetz