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Manichaeanism

Manichaeanism

9.9
An ancient religion founded by Mani that taught the world is a battle between light and darkness
  • noun
  • /ˌmænɪˈkiːənɪzəm/
  • Specialized
: maniqueísmo
  • The ancient religion of Manichaeanism was founded by the prophet Mani.

Examples

  • The dualism of light and darkness is central to the teachings of Manichaeanism.

  • Scholars study Manichaeanism to understand its impact on early Christian thought.

  • Manichaeanism spread from Persia to the Roman Empire and influenced later religious movements.

  • Many scholars study Manichaeanism to understand its dualistic beliefs.

  • The dualism of light and darkness is central to the teachings of Manichaeanism.

  • Scholars study Manichaeanism to understand its impact on early Christian thought.

  • Manichaeanism spread from Persia to the Roman Empire and influenced later religious movements.

Synonyms

Manichaeism
vsManichaeanism
1 9.9

An ancient religion that teaches a struggle between light and darkness

is identical in meaning but uses a longer more traditional spelling

Surface Forms

Manichaeanism singular

Morphology

Manichaeanism = Manichaean (transparent) = Manichaean + ism

Formed by the adjective 'Manichaean' plus the productive noun-forming suffix '-ism', yielding a doctrine/tendency meaning that is recoverable.

Etymology

Manichaeanism comes from the name Mani, a third-century teacher who said the world was a fight between 'light' and 'darkness', and the ending -ism which means 'a belief' (as in Buddhism). So Manichaeanism is literally the 'belief of Mani' and is known for its strong idea of two opposite forces.