Manichaeism Faith ID

Overview

The term "Manichean" is derived from Manichaeism, a major religion founded by the Iranian prophet Mani in the 3rd century CE. This dualistic religious system proclaimed a struggle between a good, spiritual world of light and an evil, physical world of darkness. Human beings were seen as a battleground for these powers, and salvation could be achieved through revelations given by Jesus and other figures.

History and Core Beliefs

The Manichean system was adopted widely throughout the ancient world, from the Roman Empire to China. It was perceived as a legitimate threat to Christianity and was eventually suppressed by the Roman government.

Manichaeism promoted an elaborate dualistic cosmology, where good and evil were manifested in the world. The forces of good were represented by light, truth, and life, while the forces of evil were represented by darkness, deception, and death. Mani taught that through living a moral life in a materialistic world, a person could liberate the particles of light trapped within their body, contributing to the eventual defeat of the forces of darkness.

Influence on Culture and Philosophy

Despite its suppression, Manicheanism left a lasting impact on Western thought and culture. Particularly, its dualistic philosophy has inspired writers and philosophers throughout history.

In modern parlance, "Manichean" is often used to describe a viewpoint that simplifies complex issues into a stark dichotomy between good and evil. This oversimplification has influenced politics, with national leaders often employing Manichean rhetoric to mobilize support for different causes.

Decline and Legacy

Manicheanism gradually declined as it was suppressed by both Christian and Islamic authorities. Despite the decline, Manicheanism resonated deep within the medieval culture and was often seen as a threat by the church leading to its heretical association.

Despite many efforts to eliminate the teaching and practices of Manicheanism, some of its teachings were preserved in texts and integrated into other practices. In modern times, interest in Manicheanism has been revived, particularly among historians of religion who see it as a key to understanding the religious climate of the late ancient world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Manicheanism as a religious system is largely extinct, its influence continues to be felt in various forms, particularly in discussions on philosophy, politics, and culture. Its core dualistic concept continues to be a recurring theme in understanding the complex interplay of good and evil in the world.

In-Game Description

The revelations granted to Buddha, Zoroaster and Jesus were incomplete reflections of the real world. The prophet Mani brought the final revelation of the existence of the spiritual world of light and the material world of darkness, and how human souls, as with all light, gradually return to the creator.

Manicheanism was a gnostic dualistic religion that originated in Persia in the 3rd century, founded by the prophet Mani. It taught an elaborate dualistic cosmology describing the struggle between a good, spiritual world of light, and an evil, material world of darkness, and its teachings were spread throughout Asia, Africa, and southern Europe.