Book and articles by Dr. Kersey Antia

A true Scholar of Zoroastrianism, Dr. Kersey Antia is the Zoroastrian High Priest of Chicago, Illinois, a position he has held since 1977.

He attended the M.F. Cama Athornan Institute in Bombay for 9 years where he received an award for excellence, and became an ordained priest at the age of 13.

He studied Avesta and Pahlavi in secondary school and at the University of Bombay . While in college, he received essay-awards from the K.R. Cama Oriental Institute, and has served the community as a volunteer priest ever since his first job as a Tata officer in 1960.

(Source: http://www.vohuman.org/Author/Antia,Kersey.htm )

The Argument for Acceptance in Zoroastrianism. Also included is an appendix on the status of women in Zoroastrianism (2015). (FREE download -- PDF) Copyright © 2015 by Kersey Antia, used with permission. Paperback also available on Amazon.

Interfaith

• The Universal Appeal of the Message of Zarathushtra.
• Concepts and Beliefs Zoroastrianism Shares with other Religions as a Guide to an Inter-religious Dialogue.
• Zarathushtra as the Pioneering Genius of Eastern and Western Religious Thought.
• Views of Scholars Refuting Zoroastrian Influence
• A brief review of Yezidi beliefs and customs, and of any possible relations between them and Zoroastrian beliefs and customs.
• Zarathushtra — source of the Judeo-Christian heritage.
• The Influence of Iran on Other Countries.
• Did Zoroastrian influences survive in Wakhan? (1986)
• Dualism in Greece After Contact With Persians (2018)
• Oral Versus Written Tradition (2018)
• Continuation of Zoroastrianism in Sogdia and China after the Arab conquest of Iran (2018)
• Donner’s rejection of Ernest Reman’s views on Islam and the judgement on the Umayyads.
• The condition of Jews in Christendom (2018)
• Evidence for Zoroastrians Suffering Significantly More Than Other Minorities in Iran (2018)
• Yezidis in Relation to Other Kurdish Minorities at Present (2018)
• An account of the appearance of Muqanna' (2019)
• Survival of Zoroastrians in Armenia Despite Struggles Between Zoroastrians and Armenia (2019)
• Free will and the Bible – a Biblical scholar’s views (2019)
• Further evidence for the spread of Zoroastrianism in China
• Morony’s views versus Russell’s on the Sasanian clergy (2019)
• The Zoroastrian elements in Jewish and Christian apocalyptic (2020)
• Negative repressed side of monotheism (2020)
• Jews and Christians under the Muslim rule (2020)
• The paradox of dualism (2020)
• Evidence of dualist views among early Twentieth-Century Parsis (2020)
• Zoroaster in Gnostic literature (2020)
• Simo Parpola’s claim of Assyrian influence on the Jewish, Christian, and Zoroastrian traditions (2020)
• Dualism in the Denkard (2020)
• Letter to Joshua (2007)
• Farrokh Vajifadar's views on Zoroastrian Dualism (2020)
• Shaul Shaked’s understanding of Zoroastrian dualism (2020)
• Divine Grace and Zoroastrian Theology (2020)
• Pullyblank’s Finds About Relations Between China and Iran (2020)
• Unique relations between Zoroastrianism and Judeo-Christian traditions (2020)
• Absolute monotheism versus Gathic monotheism (2020)
• Problems inherent in absolute monotheism (2020)
• Judaic view regarding incest (2020)
• Sasanian overtures to China (2020)
• Comparison of the situation of hellenized Jews with that of anglicized Parsis (2020)
• Sasanians and Romans (2020)
• Jeffrey Burton Russell’s views on dualism (2020)
• More evidence for the prevalence of Zoroastrianism in Armenia (2020)
• Critique of Skjaervo’s paper “Zoroastrian Dualism” - Part ii (2020)
• Cult of Fravashi (2020)

Zoroastrianism and Islam

• Traces of Zoroastrian ideas in Islam consequent to the Arab conquest of Iran (2018)
• Iran and Islam (2018)
• Sufism as a continuation of pre-Islamic paganism (2019)
• Survival of Zoroastrians after the Arab conquest of Iran (2018)
• Persecution of the Dhimmis (2019)
• Conversion of Zoroastrians to Islam after the Arab conquest of Iran (2019)
• Iranian Resistance to Arab Conquest (2019)
• Iranian resistance against conversion to Islam (2019)
• Anti-dualism debates by the Mutazillis (2019)
• Hodgson's views on God's omnipotence as depicted in the Qur'an (2019)
• Non-Arabs and Islam (2019)
• Bernard Lewis’ views on basic inequalities recognized in Islam (2019)
• Similarities between Mu'tazillite views and dualistic views in post-Sasanian Pahlavi texts (2019)
• The Khurramiya (2019)
• Khurramites — "White Raiments" (2019)
• Waning of Arabs’ zeal for fighting for faith (2019)
• Heavy taxation and humiliation contributing to conversions in Iran (2020)
• Iranians under the Sasanian rule versus early Arab rule (2020)
• Did the early Arab conquerors resort to conversions? (2020)
• Reasons for conversion to Islam (2020)
• Iran and Shi'aism (2020)
• Conversions to Islam after the Arab conquest (2020)
• Beginning the process of conversion to Islam (2020)
• The lot of dhimmis under the early Arab rule (2020)
• Conversions in Iran (2020)
• Arab views of Persians (2020)
• Mongol invasion of Iran shattering the Arab pride (2020)
• The fallacy that Persians willingly embraced Arab rule or even welcomed it (2020)>
• Zoroastrian continuity in Iran after Arab conquest (2020)
• An Iranist's Views on the Shu'ubiyas (2020)
• Iranians' reaction to forced conversions (2020)
• Reasons for Dwindling of Zoroastrians (2020)

Zoroastrianism and Christianity

• Dualism in Christianity and Zoroastrianism (2018)
• Treatment of Christians in Sasanian Iran (2018)
• Khushrow II – The Sasanian king who was closest to the Christians (2018)
• Zoroastrianism and Christianity (2019)
• Joseph Wieshoffer’s views on Christians under the Sasanian rule (2019)
• Similarity between Zoroastrian and Christian dualism (2020)
• The Devil in Christianity (2020)
• Geoffrey Herman’s finds on the Sasanians’ tolerant attitude to Christians (2020)
• Further evidence for the Sasanian tolerance of Christians (2020)
• More on Christian Dualism (2020)
• The story of Marutha and Saint Sergius and the Christians in Sasanian Iran (2020)

Zoroastrianism and Judaism

• Jewish and Zoroastrian monotheism (2018)
• Oral Tradition Has A Place In Zoroastrianism and Judaism (2019)
• Emphasis on human action in Ezra and Nehemiah as an at least partly possible result of their exposure to the Persian ideas culture (2018)
• Influence on Judaeo-Christian Traditions (2018)
• Jewish Zoroastrian relations in the Sasanian period (2020)
• Condition of Jews and Zoroastrians in post-Sasanian Iran (2018)
• Theodicy in Judaism and Zoroastrianism (2018)
• Jews and Zoroastrians (2018)
• Exchanges between Persia and Israel (2019)
• Zoroastrian polemics against Jews in the Sasanian and early Islamic period (2019)
• Zoroastrian Iran's unique relations with the Jewish race (2019)
• Linguistic evidence for close relations between Jews and Zoroastrians in post-Sasanian era (2019)
• Similarity between some Zoroastrian and Jewish themes
• Khaetvadatha and the Babylonian Rabbinic culture (2020)
• The concept of Jewish impurity and its reflection in Persian and Judeo-Persian traditions (2010)
• Peter Ackroyd’s views on Persian influence (2020)
• Unearthing of connections between the Talmud and Sasanian Zoroastrianism (2020)
• The Nature of the Jewish Apocalypse (2020)
• The Agricultural Life of the Jews in Babylonia (2020)
• Contribution of Persian kings Cyrus and Darius to the preservation and progress of ancient Israel (2020)
• Concordances between Judaism and Zoroastrianism (2020)

Parsis and the British

• Parsis’ allegiance to Parsihood and Parsi religion as a boundary that far superceded their allegiance to the English (2019)
• Parsis and the positive side of the British rule (2019)
• The English often needed Parsis more than the Parsis needed them, as they had survived well without them for a long time (2019)
• Evident affinities between the Parsis and the British leading them to close relations (2019)
• Relations between Parsis and the British (2019)
• European views of Parsis in Zanzibar (2020)

Other articles:

• Zoroastrianism and Women's Issues (with Dilshad Antia).
• Health and healing in the religion of Zarathushtra.
• Dealing with loss in Zoroastrianism — A conversation between Dr. Lucinda and Dr. Kersey Antia, 2006.
• We are Ancient Zoroastrians.
• A brief Exposition of Spirituality in Zoroastrianism.
• Humanitarianism as the Cornerstone of Zoroastrianism.
• Fire and Fire-temples in Zoroastrianism Through the Ages. (2018, used with permission).
• Dasturji Khurshed Shapurji Dabu (April 20.1889 - October 30,1979) - A Life Sketch & Reminiscences.
• A Brief Biographical Sketch of Dastur Bode.
• God’s Good Rule, Vohu Kshathra. (To be Chosen by Man). Originally published in An Introduction to the Gathas of Zarathushtra, No. 5, edited by Dina G. McIntyre. Pittsburgh: February, 1990. Copyright © 1990 by Kersey Antia, used with permission.
• Gathic Thought East of Persia — A Quest Long Overdue.
• The Omnipotence of Ahura Mazda, as depicted in the Gathas.
• Romano Persian Rivalry for the East-West Trade: Trade relations between Iran and India from prehistoric times as a contributing factor to the Parsi pilgrims settling in India.
• Sensible solutions for surviving transformation in Zoroastrianism by adhering to the basic precepts of the Prophet.
• Fundamentals of Zoroastrianism.
• Zoroastrian Elements in the Syncretism that Prevailed in Asia Minor Following the Achaemenian Conquests.
• Acculturation of Zoroastrian ritual heritage.
• Introduction to the Gathas — Good and Evil (with Ali A. Jafarey).
• Dr. Kersey Antia’s presentation at the 50th Anniversary celebration in San Francisco on June 20, 1995.
• God's expression of love for man (1998).
• Enigmatic Response of Three Dasturjis to the United Zarthoshti Calendar.
• The Importance of Making the Right Choice in the Gathas.
• The Need for a Generally Accepted Definition of Zoroastrianism and for a Permanent Religious Body to Resolve Religious Issues.
• Philosophical Justification of the Concept of Free Will as Taught by Zarathushtra.
• Zarathushti view of death and the afterlife.
• Some stray observations about the Parsi (Zoroastrian) settlers in North America.
• The State and the Individual.
• Evidence of Zoroastrian Presence in Iran Long After Arab Invasion. (2018)
• "Life" After Life According to Zarathushtra. (2018)
• Did Persian rule lead to the emphasis on action by humans rather than on the Lord for happiness on Earth?. (2018)
• Abu Muslim (2018)
• Iranian resistance to the Arab rule (2018)
• Additional notes based on Zoroastrian rebellions in Abbasid period (2018)
• Factors leading to the fall of the Sasanian army (2018)
• Orality in Zoroastrianism (2018)
• Shu'ubia Movement as a Defense Against Islam (2018)
• Did the Conquered Ultimately Absorb and Conquer the Arab Conquerors? (2018)
• Were the Achaemenians Zoroastrian? (2018)
• Alarming trends in the Gathic studies of late (2019)
• True facts about Parsis' migration to India (2109)
• Status of Ahriman in the Pahlavi dualism (2019)
• Recent reappraisals of the Greek accounts of Persia (2019)
• Alexander in Iran (2019)
• Khaetvadatha marriage in Iran (2019)
• Was early Zoroastrianism a scriptural religion? (2019)
• Monotheism or dualism? (2019)
• More observations on the real character of Zoroastrian dualism (2019)
• Farohar or Khvarenah on the Winged Figure? (2019)
• Skjaervo’s doubts about Zarathushtra on academic grounds (2020)
• John Hinnells’ Views Contradicting Luhrman’s (2019)
• Torries Versus Parsis (2019)
• Darmesteter on Dualism (2019)
• Spread of dualistic beliefs among the Bogomils of Eastern Europe (2019)
• Khvarenah as the only (but neglected) link with khaetvadatha (2019)
• Khaetvadatha inspired by Elamite influence (2019)
• Richard Frye’s views about Darius and Gaumata on the Bahistun inscription (2019)
• H.-P. Schmidt’s scholarly criticism of Kellens’ view (2019)
• Further evidence for the Achaemenians being Zoroastrians (2019)
• Reasons for the fall of Roman and Sasanian empires (2019)
• Minorities under non-Sasanian rulers (2019)
• Gujarat's long link with Iran (2019)
• Albert de Jong’s views on women’s status (2019)
• Free Will versus Fatalism (2020)
• Was Ferdowsi, the author of the Shah Nameh, a Zoroastrian in secret? (2020)
• J. D. Nadershah’s critique of the Kisseh-i Sanjan (2020)
• Validity of Kisseh-i Sanjan: (2020)
• Roman versus Persian attitude for territorial conquests (2020)
• Orality has its own place in ancient cultures (2020)
• Reliability of the spoken word against the written word (2020)
• Significant Parsi involvement in Indian classical music and dance (2020)
• Benefits and logic of oral tradition (2020)
• Post-Sasanian Pahlavi texts as reflecting Sasanian and Pre-Sasanian cosmological and eschatological beliefs (2020)
• Zoroastrians in China (2018, 2020)
• History of the Parsi migration to India (2020)
• Philip Pettit: A theory of freedom (2020)
• A review of what Encyclopaedia Iranica opines on Firdausi’s views on Zoroastrianism (2020)
• Logic of incest in other societies (2020)
• Rejection of alien influence on Zoroaster (2020)
• Zoroaster in Classical Western Music (2020)

Prayers and observances:

• My God and Me — Perspectives on Prayer.
• Dr. Antia's recordings of the Gathas, or sacred hymns of Zarathushtra.
• Basic Zoroastrian prayers.
• A Prayer Guide: Suggested prayers for all occasions.
• The Navjote Ceremony — A Zarathushti Initiation.
• The Gist of the Jashan celebration.
• A Guide to Prayers for Departed Loved Ones.
• A guide to funeral ceremonies and prayers.
• Commentary on disposal of the dead.
• Prayer (for our abodes and community).
• Spenta Armaiti — a prayer.
• Celebration of love and marriage.
• The Wedding Ceremony — Ashirwad.
• Wedding blessing (tan-darosti, introduction to the Zoroastrian religion, and naan prayers).
• Prayer: Joy Zarthosht.
• Prayer for the day — Oh Ahura Mazda rise up to us.
• A Brief Review of Ahunavaiti Gatha (2020)
• Meditation the Zoroastrian way – a theological basis plus a practicum (2020)
• A brief explanation of the Jashan ceremony (2020)
• Balancing body-mind-spirit the Zoroastrian way (2020)

Book reviews

• Book Review. Bruce Lincoln, Religion, Empire, and Torture: The Case of Achaemenian Persia, with a Postscript on Abu Ghraib, 2014. (reviewed 2019)
• The Talmud in its Iranian Context, Bakhos, Carol, and M. Rahim Shayegan. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2012.
• Book Review. Zoroastrian Rituals in Context, edited by Michael Stausberg, Leiden: Brill, 2004..
• The Question of Assyrian Influence — a review of Simo Parpola: "The Originality of Teachings of Zarathustra in the light of Yasna 44" (2004).
• Book Review. The Death of Ahriman, Culture, Identity, and Theological Change Among the Parsis of India by Susan Stiles Maneck, 1997. (This review was first published in FEZANA Journal, Summer 1998.)
• Book Review. The Parsis of India -- Preservation of Identity in Bombay City by Jess S. Palsetia, 2001.
  
• Book Review. Godrej – A Hundred Years, 1897-1997, by B. K. Karanjia. (This review was first published in FEZANA Journal, Winter 1998.)
• Book Review. Conflict and Cooperation — Zoroastrian Subalterns And Muslim Elites In Medieval Iranian Society by Jamsheed K. Choksy. (This review was first published in FEZANA Journal, Winter 1998.)
• Book Review. THE PARSIS, Vol. III, by Delphine Menant. (This review was first published in FEZANA Journal, Fall 1997.)
• Book Review. The Iranians — Persia, Islam, and the Soul of a Nation, by Sandra Mackey (1998). (This review was first published in FEZANA Journal, Fall 2001.)
• Book Review. A Prince without a Kingdom: The Exilarc in the Sasanian Era, by Geoffrey Herman.
• Book Review. The Zoroastrian Diaspora, by John Hinnells (2005).
• An Appraisal of Amelie Kuhrt's Attempt at Demystifying King Cyrus' Image in History.
• Book Review. The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered, by Robert Eisenman & Michael Wise, Pen­guin Books, 1992.