== [[Image:Yin_yang.jpg|thumb|right|600px|The diagram of the yin and yang as illustrating the Manichean doctrine of separate, opposite and equally ultimate Principles of Light and Darkness.]]'''Manicheanism ==''' (Manichaeism), was a belief system that teaches that there exists two separate, opposite and equally ultimate Principles: the Light and the Darkness. This concept is known as [[dualism]], and it is the [[heart]] and soul of Manicheanism.
Several origins of Manicheanism (Manichaeism), a belief system that teaches that there exists two separate, opposite and equally ultimate Principleshave been noted: the Light and the Darkness. This concept is known as dualism, and it is the heart and soul of Manicheanism.
Several origins of Manicheanism have been noted* One is that this dualistic [[religion]] was founded by [[Mani]], a Persian sage, in the third century after [[Christ]]. Mani synthesised [[Christian]], [[Buddhist]] and [[Zoroastrian]] elements into his religion. He taught that there were two gods, one good, one evil.
One * The second is that this dualistic religion the founder of Manicheanism was founded by Mani, a Persian sage[[Manicheus]], who lived in [[Mesopotamia]]. Manicheanism assimilated much of the third century after Christ. Mani synthesised Christianmessage, Buddhist and Zoroastian elements into his religion. He taught that there were two gods, one good, one evilre-interpreting it to fit the [[Gnostic]] belief system.
The second is that the founder of Manicheanism was Manicheusonce a major world religion, who lived in Mesopotamiabut has since completely vanished. Manicheanism assimilated much of Although it faded out in Europe before the Christian message[[medieval era]], re-interpreting it the movement gave rise to fit the Gnostic belief system[[Cathars]] (also known as the [[Albigensians]]). Manichaeans were divided into two orders, the elect and the auditors.
Manicheanism was once a major world religion, but even though it has completely vanished, it continues to have an effect on western Christian theology. [[St. Augustine ]] of Hippo was a Manichee before he converted to Christianity. He became disillusioned with Manicheanism for several reasons.
A revival has been attempted under the name of Neo-Manicheanism.
==See also==[[Syncretism]] ==Sources== Reference: Charles E. Curran, “Natural Law and Contemporary Moral Theology,” in Contraception: Authority and Dissent, ed. Charles E. Curran (New York: Herder & Herder, 1969), pp. 151-175 151–175.
[[categoryCategory:religionHeresies]][[Category:Religion]]