Manichaeism
Proper noun A major Gnostic religion, founded by the prophet Mani in the 3rd century AD, characterized by a strict dualistic cosmology of a perpetual cosmic struggle between the irreconcilable forces of good (light, spirit, God) and evil (darkness, matter, the devil).
As a proper noun (the name of a religion): * Manichaeism was one of the main rivals to early Christianity in the Roman Empire. * The core doctrine of Manichaeism is a radical dualism between light and darkness. * Scholars study Manichaeism to understand ancient Gnostic thought.
- Manichaean (adjective): Pertaining to Manichaeism. More commonly used in modern contexts to describe a worldview that sees things in absolute terms of good versus evil.
- The politician's Manichaean rhetoric divided the world into allies and enemies.
- Manichaean (noun): A follower of Manichaeism.
- Augustine of Hippo was a Manichaean for nine years before converting to Christianity.
- Manichaean: (adj) Of or relating to Manichaeism; (n) an adherent of Manichaeism.
- Manichee: (Archaic noun) A follower of Mani; a Manichaean.
- Manichean: A common alternative spelling for .
Core Concepts: * Cosmic Dualism: The fundamental belief in two co-eternal opposing principles. * Gnosticism: The belief that salvation comes through special knowledge (gnosis) of spiritual truth. * Asceticism: The practice of severe self-discipline, as matter was considered evil.
Related Philosophical/Religious Terms (Contextual Synonyms): * Dualism: A system of thought that recognizes two independent, opposed principles (e.g., mind/body, good/evil). * Gnosticism: A broad category of ancient religious movements emphasizing secret knowledge for salvation. * Zoroastrianism: An ancient Persian religion featuring a dualistic cosmology that influenced Manichaeism.
Antonyms (in terms of worldview): * Monism: The doctrine that reality is a unified whole. * Non-dualism: The belief that fundamental distinctions (like good/evil) are illusory.
- a religion founded by Manes in the third century; a synthesis of Zoroastrian dualism between light and dark and Babylonian folklore and Buddhist ethics and superficial elements of Christianity; spread widely in the Roman Empire but had largely died out by 1000