Joel Bartsch: Zoroastrianism - One of the World’s Oldest Religions

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Zoroastrianism - One of the World’s Oldest Religions

Faravahar, main symbol of persian zoroastrianism on the top of a temple.

Before joining the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where he serves as the president and CEO, Joel A. Bartsch curated exhibitions for natural science museums in Colorado, Hawaii, and California. Joel Bartsch has a master’s degree in history and bachelor’s degree in seminary studies and maintains a strong interest in world religions.

Originating in ancient Persia, Zoroastrianism is considered one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. A prophet born in modern-day Iran, Zoroaster established the faith some 4,000 years ago. Today, approximately 190,000 people still practice the religion.

Zoroastrians believe in a benevolent deity, Ahura Mazda, which translates into Lord of Wisdom. His opponent, Angra Mainyu, represents all evil thoughts, deeds, and beliefs. The ongoing battle between the two reflects the dualistic nature of good versus evil.

According to Zoroastrianism, humans were designed with the ability to choose between the two sides. Zoroastrians can incorporate more good in their lives by being truthful, charitable, and loving and practicing moderation. Good souls are rewarded in the afterlife while those who performed evil deeds are doomed to eternal purgatory.

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About Joel Bartsch

Since 2004, Joel A. Bartsch has led the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) as president and CEO. In this capacity, he coordinates and leads museum staff and curators in the creation and maintenance of immersive exhibits, implements renovation strategies, and promoting museum-wide leadership. Through these efforts and many others, Joel A. Bartsch has nearly doubled both the institution’s annual attendance and membership base. He also oversaw two major expansions at the museum that added more than 250,000 square feet of space.

Mr. Bartsch began gaining experience in museum leadership more than three decades ago, when he joined the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum as a curatorial assistant and assistant to the director. He held this role during his last years as a mining engineering student at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden. From there, Mr. Bartsch took on staff roles at the Texas Memorial Museum and HMNS, curator of earth sciences at Lyman House Memorial Museum in Hawaii, and director and curator of the California State Mining & Mineral Museum.

Through these positions, Joel Bartsch gained extensive experience in everything from managing daily operations and directing fundraising efforts to writing corporate grant requests. He drew on this experience when he returned to HMNS as a curator, project manager, and director of earth sciences, the positions he held immediately prior to his current role as the president and CEO.