Zoroastrianism: Virtual Diaspora and Transformations of Religious Identity
(University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
This paper addresses the role of the Internet in the process of transformations of ethno-religious identity within the Zoroastrian Diaspora. As part of a wider investigation, this is a case study focusing on the fragmentary potential of the Internet on Zoroastrian identity and global community solidarity. Online resources offer isolated voices among a widely dispersed population virtual spaces that have become communities of affirmation. Here individuals with similar viewpoints freely express passionately held beliefs in a supportive atmosphere on what the future direction of the religion should be. Should it be preserved as an ethno-religious community or ‘restored’ to a universal religion that welcomes all converts or a compromise of limited conversion? This is critical in a global community of strongly held and opposing interpretations of the founder’s teachings. Online growth is laity driven with an unlimited set of voices exercising free agency in defining and creating their perceptions of Zoroastrian identity. What is emerging is a wealth of sites supporting ideological orientations from orthodox to liberal to reformist that daily discuss events such as the attacks in Mumbai in 2008 and their impact on the Zoroastrian community, cultural events, doctrine, ritual, and often comments deriding individuals and opposing viewpoints from other segments of the community. This study draws on qualitative techniques of online participant interviews and observations through participation in several Zoroastrian discussion groups. The dramatic rise in Zoroastrian websites gives testimony to a third wave of Diaspora and community building in a virtual world.