Definition

1. Noun:
   • A heretical Zoroastrian doctrine: A theological belief within Zoroastrianism considered unorthodox, which teaches that Zurvan (Infinite Time) was the primordial and ultimate source of the universe, and that both the benevolent deity Ahura Mazda and the malevolent spirit Ahriman were offspring or emanations of Zurvan.
   • A Zoroastrian sect: A specific historical group or school of thought within Zoroastrianism that adhered to and promoted the aforementioned doctrine, elevating Zurvan to a supreme, impersonal principle.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Theological historians study Zurvanism to understand the diversity of thought in ancient Persian religion.
  • Some scholars argue that Zurvanism represented a monistic challenge to the dualistic orthodoxy of Zoroastrianism.

Advanced Usage

• In historical analysis: The term is used to describe a specific heterodox movement, often contrasted with mainstream Zoroastrian orthodoxy.
  • The influence of Zurvanism can be detected in certain Manichaean and Mithraic texts.

Variants and Related Words

• Zurvan (n): The central deity or principle (Infinite Time) in Zurvanite theology.
  • The concept of Zurvan as an impersonal, primordial deity is central to this doctrine.
• Zurvanite (adj/n): Pertaining to Zurvanism; a follower of Zurvanism.
  • The Zurvanite interpretation of creation differs significantly from the orthodox account.

Synonyms

• Zurvanite doctrine: The specific set of beliefs associated with Zurvanism.
• Time cult (historical scholarly term): An informal, descriptive synonym sometimes used in academic literature to refer to the veneration of Zurvan (Time).

Notes on Meaning

• Historical vs. Theological Meaning: Primarily used as a historical term for an ancient sect and its beliefs. It is not a term for a modern active religious practice.
• Heretical Connotation: The label "heretical" is applied from the perspective of mainstream Zoroastrian orthodoxy, which rejected the supremacy of Zurvan over Ahura Mazda.

Noun

1. a heretical Zoroastrian doctrine holding that Zurvan was the ultimate source of the universe and that both Ahura Mazda and Ahriman were Zurvan's offspring
2. a Zoroastrian sect that claims Zurvan was the ultimate source of the universe