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Conservative or traditional Zoroastrians believe that one must be born into the religion, of two Zoroastrian parents. Marriages between a Zoroastrian and a juddin, or non-Zoroastrian, are forbidden. These Zoroastrians believe that religion and ethnicity are inseparable. After all, Zoroastrianism's initial spread was along ethnic Persian lines (Boyce, 47).
There are a variety of reasons for this belief. F. K. Dadachanji writes: "We firmly believe that all religions are basically the same, and they all lead to the same God, and hence there is no need for conversion" (Dadachanji, 46). In fact, many Zoroastrians believe that any sort of conversion is not legitimate unless it occurs under the guidance of an actual prophet, as was the case with Zarathushtra. There is also a sentiment that initial conversion from a polytheistic faith to a monotheistic faith is an acceptable switch; Dadachanji implies that early Persian religions were barely religions at all (Dadachanji, 45). Other Zoroastrians would claim that the Persian peoples were already created Zoroastrians by God; Zarathushtra simply provided guidance ( Shapero).
Historical reasons for discouraging conversion lie in the plight of the Parsis. As minorities in India, a tight-knit, exclusive community was necessary to preserve their heritage. Furthermore, by discouraging attempts at conversion, the Parsis were able to avoid conflict and persecution with the host culture (Dadachanji, 46-47). Another element that reinforced an already present disapproval of conversion was borrowed from the host culture. The Parsis came to be seen by the dominant Hindus as a separate caste, and adopted the Hindu ideas of a linked ethnicity and religion (Boyce, 174). Further reasons suggested by liberal Zoroastrians are that the Parsis, after they became financially successful under the British, did not want to accept Hindu converts from lower castes. Pangborn explains that Zoroastrians took care of those in their community, and they did not want people converting simply to gain economic benefits (143).
Rashna Writer notes that there seems to be a split in North America between Zoroastrians of Iranian background, who may be warmer towards the idea of conversion, and those of Parsi background, who tend to condemn it. Writer offers support by explaining how Iranians focus on the Gathas, more philosophical in tone; while Parsis focus on the later Avesta, which emphasizes heritage and ritual (205). These are of course generalizations, but Writer has focused upon a definite trend in the conversion debate.
Modern reasons for discouraging conversion include a fear of losing the rich Zoroastrian cultural heritage. Although a convert may accept the philosophical and devotional aspects of the religion, the racial and ethnic aspects will be impossible for him or her. Pangborn writes that "the concern of the traditionalists is that the name could be saved but the substance of their religion lost" (Pangborn, 146). In her page on conversion, Shapero notes an additional reason for discouraging conversion; she mentions that some Zoroastrians feel that their ancestors, and they themselves, have suffered greatly for their religious beliefs. They feel that if just anyone can convert into the religion, it lessens the meaning of the centuries of struggle.
Of course, each Zoroastrian has his or her personal views upon the subject. A juddin may be accepted within the community without necessarily being "converted." Some converts, even Iranian Muslims, are rejected outright. And even those Zoroastrians who may accept a conversion are often wary of outright proselytization (Writer, 213-215). It is necessary to treat each opinion on the subject as a valid thought coming from an individual, not as a voice for all Zoroastrians worldwide.
Conversion
to Zoroastrianism
Hannah M.G. Shapero's excellent site discussing conversion.
Although information for both sides is presented, and though
Shapero leans toward favoring conversion, more arguments against
conversion are presented here than arguments for conversion. A
source for much information here, and goes further into topics
such as converting and re-converting.
http://www.walker.reston.va.us:8080/hmgs/Z/convertz.html
Zoroastrianism
This is a personal homepage of Pevez J. Mistry, a Zoroastrian who
is opposed to conversion. Includes general information on
Zoroastrianism as well as a few points about the conversion
debate. The page voices support for the Traditional
Zoroastrians.
http://www.myna.com/~pervez/zoro.htm
Created by Brian Wells
For Soc 257: New Religious Movements
Fall Term, 1997
University of Virginia
Last modified: 07/26/01