Manichaeism

British  

/ ˈmænɪkiːˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the system of religious doctrines, including elements of Gnosticism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Buddhism, etc, taught by the Persian prophet Mani about the 3rd century _ad . It was based on a supposed primordial conflict between light and darkness or goodness and evil

2. RC Church any similar heretical philosophy involving a radical dualism

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Other Word Forms

• Manichee noun

Etymology

Origin of Manichaeism

C14: from Late Latin Manichaeus, from Late Greek Manikhaios of Mani

Example Sentences

Outside this elite circle, however, Zoroastrianism had long been declining in popularity, while other religious traditions, including Nestorian Christianity and Manichaeism, grew.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

In 779 C.E., rebels opposed to Manichaeism killed Bögü Qaghan.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 13, 2023

And so the show’s refusal to give in to the Manichaeism that animates most fantasy stories is both refreshing and crushing.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2015

There’s plenty of bleak to go around in “Broken City,” yet there is also more tonal variation and a worldview that hews toward human complexity rather than toward comic-book Manichaeism.

From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2013

He detected in his bishop Gnosticism, Manichaeism and Sabellianism, and was convinced that he himself was the champion of pure doctrine against heresy.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 5 "Arculf" to "Armour, Philip" by Various