Term

Manichaeism

A 3rd-century dualistic system based on a conflict between light and darkness, viewing matter as evil and practicing extreme asceticism.

Filed underHistorical Theology

Definition

A dualistic religious system with Christian, Gnostic, and pagan elements, founded in Persia in the 3rd century by Manes (c. 216–c. 276). The system was based on a supposed primeval conflict between light and darkness. Because matter itself was held to be evil, an extreme asceticism was practiced by its adherents.

Connections

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See also: AsceticismTerm
Influenced: PauliciansTerm

Sources

1.Alan Richardson and John Bowden The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983). 344Original citation: Richardson, Alan, and John Bowden. The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983, 344.
2.Everett Ferguson Church History: Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013). p. 47Discusses Mani (c. 216–277 AD) as the Iranian prophet and founder of the religion.

Last revised August 14, 2026