Babylonian Exile and Zoroastrian Influence on Christianity

The Babylonian exile significantly impacted the Israelite exiles, particularly through the influence of Zoroastrianism, a mystical monotheistic religion. This influence shaped the development of the Pharisees, a mystical sect of Judaism from which Jesus and Saint Paul emerged. Their beliefs in life after death, heaven, saints, and angels can be traced back to Zoroastrian traditions rather than solely the Torah. This mystical perspective manifested in early Christianity, indicating that its roots contain a layer of Zoroastrian influence, connecting it to a minor, mystical strain of Nazarene Judaism. Moreover, the presence of Zoroastrian figures, such as the wise men who visited Jesus, underscores the intertwined histories of these religious traditions.