The Rise and Fall of Manichaeism

The history of a religion that spread across the world from the Middle East to Europe and China before going extinct.

Founded by the Iranian prophet Mani in the 3rd century AD, Manichaeism was a successful world religion for over a millennia and was briefly (before the founding of Islam) Christianity’s chief rival in the West. We’ll look at the teachings of Mani and the spread of his religion from Europe to China, along with its eventual decline and extermination.

[kamiabghorbanpour]

I know I'm super late to the party but just wanted to mention that the Iranian perception of Mani differs from other Muslim countries. I remember vividly reading about him in novels and books as a child and teenager in a very positive light. His death is always portrayed as very tragic akin to the crucifixion of Christ. And the majority of people would see Mani in a very positive way, even our school books that are written under regressive and highly conservative Islamic state don't consider Mani as 'heretical' or a 'madman' but another prophet of God.

[sebolddaniel]

Thank you. I am going to become a Manichaean and travel around central Asia trying to convert people. I will let you know on my progress.

[jameswaterhouse-brown]

I hasn’t heard of it .
Thanks so much for your work. It helps to take my mind off what’s going on in this period of world events.

[TheLkoler]

I want to thank you very much for these lectures. You are one of the best teachers in this field of comparative religions.

[thomasallen]

Mani also went to the West. He treated the sister of Queen Zenobia of Palmyra.

[nathangale]

Great video, Manichaeism also reminds me a lot of the Baha’i faith. I wonder if there was any influence on them, although the timeline probably doesn’t work.

[shipmate]

Never heard about this before; thank you

[CateplaRazor]

I just found your channel and I have been fascinated to see the breadth of content you cover. I truly wish I was near the area to enjoy the content and participate in person. Truly enjoy this content and feel it penetrates the “mush” produced by many others!

[maxsonthonax]

Same read of "continually learn & grow" every time! 😃

[albeit]

Fascinating lectures. You do a great job.

One atheist’s opinion.

[watermelonlalala]

I went to the main library in my city and asked where is the section that would have books on Manichaeism. Ha-ha. The librarians looked kind of sad and amused. No books like that.

[philipjeevan]

Some of the ancient Christian settlements now known as apostolic Christianity originated as a Manichaean church

[UnderstandTheFundamentals]

There are some research telling that was rooted in Manicheanism.

[thomasallen]

Mani debates Archelaus in the city of Carcharae in northern mesopotamia.

[kikum]

"Manu" in Hindhuism may be influenced by Mani....Manudharmashasthra and Bhagvathgeeta may be written with Manichaeism writings...if so it is still in India. Bhagvathgeeta by Krishna, lotus Sutra by Avalokeswara etc were of their time writing influences

[alanpennie]

The most notable Christian contemporary of Mani was Cyprian of Carthage (nowadays best remembered for giving his name to The Cyprianic Plague) but their interests were too different for any conversation between then to have been very fruitful.

[johnmcgrath]

Very interesting. Aware of Manicaeism as as big influence on western Christianity.

[zephlodwick]

I've heard the reason other religions hated them so much was because manichees would tailor their message to whichever religious group they preached to. To christians, they preached like christians; to buddhists, they preached like buddhists; to muslims, they preached like muslims; and to zoroastrians, they preached like zoroastrians.

This lead religious leaders to see manichees as kind of sleezy and insidious, as they didn't keep to themselves.

[shawnstoudt]

Manichaeism should be Taught about more in the United States and have places to gather to learn about it like a Religious temple

[TB-dwgz]

Wait, I thought Manichees were endangered, swam very slowly and lived in Florida...