Saving Zoroastrianism, SBC membership declines, and the potential for an African pope

Religion links for 5.2.25

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A corridor within the Itsukushima Shrine in Japan, a major tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine’s structures are built on stills over the water, connected by boardwalks. This reflects the harmony with nature that is central to the tradition. The vibrant orange is considered an embodiment of purity and thought to ward off negative energy. [Wikimedia Commons]

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Top Story: Saving Zoroastrianism…in Houston?

I’ve been fascinated by Zoroastrianism and its impact on both Judaism and Christianity since researching it for a few of my earliest books. That’s why I included it as one of the featured faiths in my 12 Major World Religions book, even though Zoroastrianism currently has only 100,000 adherents worldwide.

So I definitely double-clicked on a recent Houston Chronicle article about the efforts of young Zoroastrians in Houston to revitalize their ancient faith.

Once dominant in ancient Persia and one of humanity’s oldest monotheistic religious systems, today Zoroastrianism is dying. There simply aren’t that many Zoroastrians in the United States, but 710 of them live in Houston, Texas. And they’re passionate about it.