What kind of religion is Manichaeism?

At its core, Manichaeism was a type of Gnosticism—a dualistic religion that offered salvation through special knowledge (gnosis) of spiritual truth. Like all forms of Gnosticism, Manichaeism taught that life in this world is unbearably painful and radically evil.

Who did Manichaeism worship?

The four primary prophets of Manichaeism in the Manichaean Diagram of the Universe, from left to right: Mani, Zoroaster, Buddha and Jesus.

Is Manichaeism an Abrahamic religion?

Buddhism is to some extent an outgrowth of Hinduism, and Zoroastrianism is to some extent an outgrowth of Zervanism and Mithraism. But the Christianity part of Manichaeism does flow from the Abrahamic religions’ continuum and so it can be said that Manichaeism is an Abrahamic religion in part but not in whole.

What was the original language of the Manichaeism religion?

These original books have since been lost, but not before being widely translated to help spread the religion of Manichaeism. Translations included Middle Persian, Parthian, Sogdian, Tocharian, Uyghur, Chinese, Greek, Coptic, and Latin.

Who are the five Shekhinas of the Manichaean religion?

Manichaean Diagram of the Universe, depicting the Manichaean cosmology. ( Public Domain ) The five Shekhinas provided the Original Man with five shields of light, which were used to trick the Darkness.

When did the religion of Manichaeism fade away?

Manichaeism spread very quickly through the Syriac Aramaic region, ultimately becoming one of the most widespread religions in the world. It’s most prosperous time was between the third and seventh centuries, before it faded away in the 14th century. It was considered the main rival to Christianity at one point.

How did Manichaeism influence the writings of Bardaisan?

Mani was also influenced by writings of the Assyrian gnostic Bardaisan (154–222), who, like Mani, wrote in Syriac, and presented a dualistic interpretation of the world in terms of light and darkness, in combination with elements from Christianity.