Zoroastrian Saviour Imagery and Its Influence on ... - Kaveh Farrokh

Conclusion
<strong>Zoroastrian</strong> <strong>Saviour</strong> <strong>Imagery</strong>
This study is, of necessity, a limited one, but certain points have
emerged. The development in the eschatological imagery in the inter-
testamental period, a development which is usually attributed, in part
at least, to Iranian influence, involves a corresponding development in
the concept of the saviour: he is said to defeat the demons, the dead
are raised at his coming or by him, <strong>and</strong> he introduces <strong>and</strong> administers
the eschatological judgement. Precisely the same functions are carried
out by the <strong>Zoroastrian</strong> saviour Sosyant, <strong>and</strong> since the apocalyptic set-
ting of both is so similar one might reasonably conclude that the deve-
lopment in the Judeo-Christian saviour imagery is indebted to Iranian
influence.
One point should be noted. There does not seem to be one Jewish or
Christian figure which has been taken over in toto. The influence is
of a more fragmentary nature than has sometimes been suggested. 75a)
It is spread over a number of figures: the priestly saviour <strong>and</strong> his defeat
of the demons, the Elect One as judge, <strong>and</strong> the resurrection of the
dead at the coming of the Son of Man or Messiah. It is in the New
Testament that the various functions are attributed to one figure. It
should also be noted that the effect of the influence has not been to
introduce a new or alien idea, but rather to develop <strong>and</strong> modify of
existing concepts. Thus the Messiah, who originally suppressed the
enemies of Israel <strong>and</strong> established God's own nation, now defeats the
forces of evil, <strong>and</strong> at his coming men are raised to share in God's king-
dom. One cannot underst<strong>and</strong> the developed idea without looking both
at the Old Testament <strong>and</strong> at the source of influence, Iran. Indeed, there
is a third factor to be taken into account before a proper underst<strong>and</strong>ing
of the development can be gained - the historical situation.
The Historical Background
A study of the historical background to the question of influence
deserves far more attention than it is usually accorded, for two reasons.
In the first place, although one must stress the Old Testament back-
ground to the developed imagery, the development is nevertheless a
major one involving the adaptation of a new mythology. But religions
do not cast off <strong>and</strong> take on new mythologies lightly. Myths are not
75a) e.g. by the 'History of Religious School'.
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