History is rife with examples of dualistic thinking—black and white, good and evil, light and dark. Few frameworks encapsulate this philosophical dichotomy more vividly than Manichaeism, a religious movement born in 3rd century Persia. At its heart lies the concept of the “Manichaean Struggle,” an eternal cosmic battle that defines existence itself.
Though the religion has long since disappeared, its ideas about duality and morality resonate in ways both subtle and overt, shaping not just theology but how we think about human nature and ethics today. If anything, the modern world is more black and white now than at many times in the past.
Historical Context
Manichaeism was founded in 3rd century CE Persia by a prophet named Mani. Claiming to synthesize the wisdom of previous religious traditions—Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Christianity—Mani positioned his teachings as the ultimate revelation. The religion rapidly gained a foothold across diverse regions, from the Roman Empire to the Silk Road, even reaching as far as China.
Yet, despite its initial success, Manichaeism faced relentless persecution from state powers, including the Roman Empire and the Sasanian rulers of Persia, alongside internal schisms. By the 14th century, the faith had all but disappeared, leaving behind traces in historical records and theological debates.
Core Beliefs of Manichaeism
At its core, Manichaeism proposed a dualistic cosmology: the world is a battleground between two primordial forces—good, symbolized by light, and evil, represented by darkness. Mani’s teachings divided cosmic history into three stages:
- Past Separation: A time when light and darkness existed apart.
- Present Mixture: The current era, in which the two forces intermingle, with particles of light trapped within the material world.
- Future Resolution: A prophesied time when light will be liberated and returned to its source, restoring cosmic balance.
This worldview emphasized the imprisonment of light particles within physical matter, including within human beings. The struggle to free these fragments of light became the central spiritual endeavor of every adherent.
