[[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 ==have been noted:
Manicheanism (Manichaeism)* One is that this dualistic [[religion]] was founded by [[Mani]], a belief system that teaches that there exists two separatePersian sage, opposite and equally ultimate Principles: in the Light third century after [[Christ]]. Mani synthesised [[Christian]], [[Buddhist]] and the Darkness[[Zoroastrian]] elements into his religion. This concept is known as dualismHe taught that there were two gods, and it is the heart and soul of Manicheanismone good, one evil.
Several origins * The second is that the founder of M have been notedManicheanism was [[Manicheus]], who lived in [[Mesopotamia]]. Manicheanism assimilated much of the Christian message, re-interpreting it to fit the [[Gnostic]] belief system.
One is tath this dualistic religion Manicheanism was founded by Mani, once a Persian sagemajor world religion, but has since completely vanished. Although it faded out in Europe before the third century after Christ. Mani synthesised Christian[[medieval era]], Buddhist and Zoroastian elements into his religionthe movement gave rise to the [[Cathars]] (also known as the [[Albigensians]]). He taught that there Manichaeans were divided into two godsorders, one good, one evilthe elect and the auditors.
The second is that the founder [[St. Augustine]] of Manicheanism Hippo was Manicheus, who lived in Mesopotamiaa Manichee before he converted to Christianity. He became disillusioned with Manicheanism assimilated much of the Christian message, re-interpreting it to fit the Gnostic belief systemfor several reasons.
Manicheanism was once a major world religion, but even though it A revival has completely vanished, it continues to have an effect on western Christian theologybeen attempted under the name of Neo-Manicheanism.
St. Augustine of Hippo was a Manichee before he converted to Christianity. He became disillusioned with Manicheanism for several reasons.==See also==[[Syncretism]]
A revival has been attempted under the name of Neo-Manicheanism==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.
Reference[[Category: Charles E. Curran, “Natural Law and Contemporary Moral Theology,” in ContraceptionHeresies]][[Category: Authority and Dissent, ed. Charles E. Curran (New York: Herder & Herder, 1969), pp. 151-175.Religion]]