The Origins of the Druze People and Religion

In the Commission of the League of Nations, the question was raised as to whether there was anything in the Druze teachings that was hostile original: "inimical" to organized government and to state authority.

A study of the Druze religion original: "Druzism" is especially valuable and interesting, not only because its followers—unlike those of other sects—have shown remarkable vitality and have repeatedly drawn the world's attention (as seen in recent events in Syria This likely refers to the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925–1927.), but also because of its historical connection with Christianity and Eastern original: "Oriental" Christian sects. Although it grew from Muslim original: "Moslem" soil, the Druze system maintained a close relationship with Christianity and inherited traditions from several Zoroastrian An ancient Persian religion., Judeo-Christian, Hellenistic Greek-influenced., and Persian philosophies. Many of those original sects and schools of thought have since disappeared, but the Druze faith is still with us; through it, their ideas have survived to the present day. The religious and philosophical concepts of many Shiite original: "Shī'ite" Muslim and a few semi-Christian sects have been preserved for us through the Druze, even though the original groups and their followers original: "votaries" have long been extinct.

As we analyze and investigate the seemingly strange dogmas and beliefs original: "tenets" of Druze faith in the following pages, we will find—in addition to Neo-Platonic A philosophy based on the teachings of Plato that emphasizes the spiritual over the material. and Manichaean An ancient dualistic religion focusing on the struggle between light and darkness. influences—clear traces of Jewish and Christian influences that have flowed into it through Muslim layers. The basic foundations of Druze theology, as we shall see, are mirrored by corresponding Christian doctrines. One of the founders of the Druze faith was a former Christian, and many of its early leading converts belonged to tribes from various Eastern churches.

Ultimately, there is nothing truly mysterious about this "Asian mystery," and the "great enigma" can indeed be solved.