Jesus as the Son and Ahura Mazda as the Father: An Exploration of Light

Introduction

The concept of light as a fundamental element of the universe and consciousness is explored in various spiritual traditions, including Christianity and Zoroastrianism. Walter Russell’s “The Secret of Light” offers a scientific and spiritual perspective on light, while the Bible and the teachings of Zarathustra (Zoroaster) present light as a divine attribute. This article explores the possibility of connecting Jesus as the Son to Ahura Mazda as the Father, with both being associated with the concept of divine light.

Walter Russell’s Perspective on Light

Walter Russell, in “The Secret of Light,” posits that light is the fundamental substance of the universe, embodying the essence of creation and consciousness. Light is seen as both a physical and spiritual phenomenon, integral to the existence and sustenance of the cosmos.

Connecting the Dots

The question of whether Jesus might have been referencing Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism, when he spoke of the Father, is intriguing. Both traditions emphasize light as a symbol of divine presence, truth, and spiritual enlightenment. By exploring historical, theological, and symbolic connections, we can build a compelling case for this possibility.

The Symbolism of Light in Christianity

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses the metaphor of light to describe his divine mission and relationship with God the Father. Here are some key passages:

1. John 8:12: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”
2. John 1:4-5: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
3. Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

These passages highlight Jesus as the embodiment of divine light, bringing spiritual enlightenment and truth to humanity.

The Teachings of Zarathustra and Ahura Mazda

Zoroastrianism, founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster), centers on Ahura Mazda, who is considered the supreme being of wisdom and light:

1. Ahura Mazda as Light: Ahura Mazda, meaning “Wise Lord,” is depicted as the source of all light and wisdom, illuminating the universe with order and truth.
2. Dualism of Light and Darkness: Zoroastrianism emphasizes a dualistic cosmology where Ahura Mazda represents the forces of light and good, constantly opposing the forces of darkness and evil (Angra Mainyu or Ahriman).
3. Spiritual Enlightenment: Followers of Zoroastrianism are encouraged to seek the light of Ahura Mazda through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, reflecting the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

Historical Connections and Influences

The influence of Zoroastrianism on Judaism and subsequently on Christianity has been noted by various scholars. The Babylonian Exile (6th century BCE) exposed Jewish thinkers to Zoroastrian ideas, which may have influenced their own religious concepts:

1. Monotheism: Zoroastrianism’s emphasis on a single supreme deity, Ahura Mazda, may have reinforced Jewish monotheistic tendencies.
2. Dualism: The Zoroastrian dualistic framework of light versus darkness parallels themes found in later Jewish and Christian thought.
3. Messianism and Eschatology: Zoroastrian eschatological ideas, including the coming of a savior and the final renovation of the world, bear similarities to Christian eschatological beliefs.

Theological and Symbolic Parallels

The theological and symbolic parallels between Ahura Mazda and the Father that Jesus speaks of can be seen in the shared emphasis on light and wisdom:

1. Divine Light: Both Ahura Mazda and the God of Christianity are associated with light, representing truth, knowledge, and purity.
2. Creator and Sustainer: Ahura Mazda is seen as the creator and sustainer of the universe, similar to the Christian view of God the Father.
3. Moral and Spiritual Guidance: Both deities provide moral and spiritual guidance to their followers, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with divine will.

Strengthening the Connection

To make a stronger case for the connection between Jesus and Ahura Mazda, consider the following points:

1. Historical Context: During the Babylonian Exile, Jewish leaders were exposed to Zoroastrian teachings. The influence of these teachings likely permeated Jewish thought, which later influenced early Christian theology. This historical context supports the idea that the concept of a supreme being associated with light and wisdom could have shaped the understanding of God in the Hebrew Bible and subsequently the New Testament.
2. Shared Attributes: The attributes of Ahura Mazda and the God of Christianity are strikingly similar. Both are described as omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Both deities are associated with light and are seen as the ultimate source of wisdom and truth. This alignment of attributes strengthens the argument that Jesus’ references to the Father could align with the concept of Ahura Mazda.
3. Philosophical and Theological Integration: Philosophically, the integration of light as a symbol for divine truth and consciousness is a powerful commonality. The notion of light overcoming darkness and bringing enlightenment is a central theme in both Zoroastrian and Christian theology. This philosophical overlap provides a robust framework for understanding the potential connection between Jesus and Ahura Mazda.

Conclusion

By examining the historical context, shared attributes, and philosophical integration, a compelling case can be made for the connection between Jesus and Ahura Mazda. Both figures embody the concept of divine light, bringing wisdom and spiritual enlightenment to humanity. This exploration highlights the profound interconnectedness of these spiritual traditions and offers a deeper understanding of the role of light in expressing divine consciousness and presence.