Manicheanism

Manicheanism (Manichaeism), 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:

• 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.

• The second is that the founder of Manicheanism was Manicheus, who lived in Mesopotamia. Manicheanism assimilated much of the Christian message, re-interpreting it to fit the Gnostic belief system.

Manicheanism was once a major world religion, but has since completely vanished over time.

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.

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.