Zoroastrianism is called by its believers, “The Good Religion” because of its threefold philosophy of “Right thoughts, right words, right deeds” and because it stresses creating a progressive goodness in the world. As a religion, Zoroastrianism recognizes One God, Ahura Mazda, or “Wise Lord”, who is the creator and maintainers of the material world. The antithesis of Ahura Mazda, Ahriman, is associated with destructiveness of God's creation. While humans were created with free will, they are exhorted to make the right choices and do the right thing that is constructive to creation and human society. Thus humans are considered co-workers of God, an extension of carrying out the will of Ahura Mazda on earth. Humans are not just the children of God, as they are considered in Christianity, nor are they submissive to God, as in Islam. Humans have a practical purpose on earth for they can use their abilities to create goodness in the world; this creating is a hallmark of God's attributes in humans.

Doing good must be active and not passive in a Zoroastrian's life. Being a witness to an obvious wrongdoing that is contrary to the benefit of creation or society and not actively doing something about it, is considered just as bad as actively carrying out a destructive action. By doing what is right, an individual is harmony with what is called Asha – God's will of law and justice. Asha is unchanging and unchangeable and can more commonly be called the law of consequences. Good actions breed good results, bad actions breed bad results. By living the example of Asha, an individual has an active relationship with Ahura Mazda here on earth. Recognizing the moral dualism of Zoroastrianism, choosing to do good in thoughts, words, and deeds brings human society closer to living the good life on earth. As such, the physical, material creation is not an entrapment for the human soul; on the contrary, both spirit and creation exist in harmony with each other. The only struggle that exists within each individual is the struggle to make the right choices in creating a constructive human society in harmony with Asha.

The philosophy of Zoroastrianism is sound and provides a model for a functioning human society. While it is not necessary to be a religious convert to the religion itself, the threefold principles of “Good thoughts, good words, good deeds” can be followed by anyone who desires to be a contributing member of society. Education is highly valued in the religion as all good knowledge comes from God and is meant to be shared with others in helping to create a progressively good world. Charity is just as important as each individual is encouraged to contribute from his or her own resources to those who need aid in any shape or form. Zoroaster's message was not one meant to be proselytized but was meant to be available and open to everyone so each individual could scrutinize the message the Iranian prophet gave to the people during his time. This message has been well preserved since the founding of the religion in antiquity approximately 3700 years ago, translated into European languages as recently as the eighteenth century. Such principles still have significance for today, providing guidance in creating a just human society.

Further recommended reading:

The Avesta, translated by James Darmesteter

The Zoroastrian Faith by S.A. Nigosian

The Zoroastrian Tradition, by Farhang Mehr

Textual Sources for the Study of Zoroastrianism, by Mary Boyce