Conference explores religion roots, connections

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This article was published 29/01/2021 (2029 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Do all of the world’s major religions have roots in Zoroastrianism?

That’s the question to be explored at an online conference organized by Winnipegger James Christie, ambassador-at-large for the Canadian Multifaith Federation and dean of theology at the University of Winnipeg.

The conference, which is being held during the United Nations Week for Religious Harmony, is sponsored by the United Nations Association in Canada and Religions for Peace International. It will feature scholars from around the world reflecting on the theme of the Seven Testaments Trilogy, a book by Brian Arthur Brown.

In the book, Brown seeks to show how Zoroastrianism is the common thread in the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Taoism and Confucius scriptures and traditions. It will also give consideration to the Sikh, Baha’i, Shinto and Jain religions.

Christie said the book is a historic breakthrough in religious understanding showing the interconnectivity between the great religions of the world. At the same time, it cherishes the unique aspects of each of the world religions, he said.

“All seven of the world’s great religions are interlinked at a foundational level to Zoroastrianism,” Christie said, noting there are commonalities in things such as ethics, the use of parables to teach a lesson and the mythic structure behind each religion.

This is not to say other religions are “cookie cutter clones” of Zoroastrianism, he said, but their structures appear to be built on the foundation of that religion and are influenced by it.

By participating in the event, people of different faiths are not compromising their religions, Christie said; they can use it as a way to find new wisdom, wherever it might be found.

 

The free Zoom event will feature panel discussions and question-and-answer periods. It will take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. To participate, go to http://wfp.to/D68.

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