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Manichaeism was an heretical dualist movement of Persian origin present throughout late antiquity, between approximately A.D. 240 and 800. The first Manichaean texts were found in 1905 in Turfan, [[Mongolia]]. These source texts consist mainly of fragments, and have the unique virtue of being accompanied by illustrations. Most of these texts are preserved in Berlin. Since 1930 an enormous number of almost entirely Manichaean texts has been found in Fayum, in Egypt. Written in [[Egyptian language|Coptic]], these texts include the ''Manichaean Homilies'', the ''Psalm-book'' and the ''Kephalaia''. New discoveries are still being made. The Cologne ''ManiCodex '', discovered in 1970, contains autobiographical passages by Mani (A.D. 216-274). All these texts have now been made accessible in the CFM (''Corpus Fontium Manichaeorum''), initiated by the International Association of Manichaean Studies (IAMS). These have made it possible to study Manichaeism without relying on the interpretations of the [[Early Christianity|Church Fathers]].

Manichaeism was an heretical dualist movement of Persian origin present throughout late antiquity, between approximately A.D. 240 and 800. The first Manichaean texts were found in 1905 in Turfan, [[Mongolia]]. These source texts consist mainly of fragments, and have the unique virtue of being accompanied by illustrations. Most of these texts are preserved in Berlin. Since 1930 an enormous number of almost entirely Manichaean texts has been found in Fayum, in Egypt. Written in [[Egyptian language|Coptic]], these texts include the ''Manichaean Homilies'', the ''Psalm-book'' and the ''Kephalaia''. New discoveries are still being made. The Cologne ''ManiCodex '', discovered in 1970, contains autobiographical passages by Mani (A.D. 216-274). All these texts have now been made accessible in the CFM (''Corpus Fontium Manichaeorum''), initiated by the International Association of Manichaean Studies (IAMS). These have made it possible to study Manichaeism without relying on the interpretations of the [[Early Christianity|Church Fathers]].

Paul of Samosata, Bishop of Antioch from 260 to 268, was a believer in [[Monarchianism]], a nontrinitarian doctrine; his teachings reflect adoptionism, arousing strong opposition in the Church, and accusations of [[corruption]] on a grand scale.  

Paul of Samosata, Bishop of Antioch from 260 to 268, was a believer in [[Monarchianism]], a nontrinitarian doctrine; his teachings reflect adoptionism, arousing strong opposition in the Church, and accusations of [[corruption]] on a grand scale. Adoptionism in all its forms proclaims that Christ was only the "adopted" son of God the Father (see [[Nestorianism]]).

300 - 4th century

300 - 4th century

The doctrine of the Council of [[Council of Nicaea|Nicaea 325]] condemned [[Arianism]] and declared the Son ''homoousios'' "consubstantial" with the Father.

The doctrine of the Council of [[Council of Nicaea|Nicaea 325]] condemned [[Arianism]] and adoptionism, and declared the Son ''homoousios'' "consubstantial" with the Father.

 

The heresy of Macedonianism began in 360 with some Arian bishops, taking its name from one of them, Bishop Macedonius of Constantinople. They taught that the Second Person of the [[Trinity]] is inferior to the First Person, and the Holy Spirit inferior to the First and Second. The [[Constantinople I|Council of Constantinople 381]] condemned the Macedonians and their doctrine of Macedonianism, and declared the Holy Spirit "consubstantial" with Father and Son.

Up to 1930, our knowledge of Manichaeanism was based mainly on information from its opponents, such as the great Apostolic Father, [[Saint Augustine]] (354-430), who, according to his ''Confession'' had been a fervent Manichee before his conversion to orthodox catholic Christianity under the influence of the preaching of [[Saint Ambrose]].  

Up to 1930, our knowledge of Manichaeanism was based mainly on information from its opponents, such as the great Apostolic Father, [[Saint Augustine]] (354-430), who, according to his ''Confession'' had been a fervent Manichee before his conversion to orthodox catholic Christianity under the influence of the preaching of [[Saint Ambrose]].