Manichaeism, << MAN uh `kee` ihz uhm, >> was a philosophical and religious system based on the teachings of a Babylonian prophet named Mani, who lived during the A.D. 200’s. According to Manichaeism, two opposing forces govern the universe—the kingdom of light (good) and the kingdom of darkness (evil). The soul, which is a part of the kingdom of light, is trapped inside the body, a part of the kingdom of darkness. The soul yearns to escape the body. This escape can only occur in death, when the soul returns to God.
Manichaeans believed that while living on earth in a mortal body, people must lead lives of self-denial and avoid lusts of the flesh. Only through wisdom can a person hope to avoid the evils of material and sensual things. Wisdom and knowledge will come from a savior who will reveal a plan for salvation and redemption. This savior appears as the prophets Zoroaster, Buddha, and Jesus, and finally as Mani. Manichaeism taught several sacraments necessary for self-denial, such as vegetarianism, simplicity in daily activity, and refraining from sexual intercourse.
