The question on whether monotheism originates with Judaism or Zoroastrianism is an interesting debate. Jews and Muslims claim that the respective founders of their faiths was Abraham, who lived approximately around 2,000 BC, while conservative Zoroastrians claim that Zoroaster lived 6,000 years ago. However, in Islamic view, monotheism started with Adam, the specific rites of the faith, such as prayer, charity, pilgrimage, etc, started with Abraham.
Anyway, Judaism is classified as Henotheistic by some, while few classify Zoroastrianism as dualistic (which is actually what the now-extinct Zurvanite branch was).
Hinduism, on the other hand, is a pantheistic religion - monotheistic at the core.
As for religion promoting anti-semitism, I partially agree with you, however, other factors must be taken into consideration. Like, colonial settlement, refugees, indiscriminate killing, etc. >_>
As for anti-semitism in Europe, I have no idea.
So, what's your view on other monotheistic religions? The Baha'i faith preaches peace, love, unity, and tolerance. Sikhism is yet another monotheistic religion. And then there's Zoroastrianism... Cyrus the Great freed the Jews, although it's not known whether he did become a Zoroastrian or not, he was indeed influenced by the faith.
anna-banana wrote:
They (the pagans) were quite tolerant over other people they conquered after the initial mass murder, rape, and pillage.
At least it's forbidden in Islam and Judaism, although the Talmud and Hadith respectively do allow it after a couple of rebellions. Quite a revolutionary development for that age. I mean, Caliph Uthman decided to massacre the male population of Yazd after three whole rebellions! He must have been really fed up...
0_equals_true wrote:
I don't really make that distinction tbh. I think people are deluded into thinking that if we got rid of religions there would some how no wars and no problems. That's the kind of backwards thinking that they are trying to counter.
Good 'ol Stalin tried eliminating religion. So did Mao.
Peace.