Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Manes, also known as Mani, was a third-century Persian prophet and the founder of Manichaeism, a syncretic religious movement that sought to integrate elements of Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Buddhism. Although Manichaeism is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its influence and the challenges it posed to early Christianity warrant its inclusion in a Bible encyclopedia. Manes' teachings were considered heretical by orthodox Christians, and his movement was ultimately condemned by the early Church. Historical Context: Manes was born in 216 AD in the region of Persia, which is modern-day Iran. He claimed to have received divine revelations and presented himself as the Paraclete, or the "Comforter," whom Jesus promised to send in John 14:16-17: "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." Manes' teachings spread rapidly across the Roman Empire and beyond, attracting followers with its dualistic worldview. Teachings of Manes: Manichaeism posited a cosmic struggle between the forces of light and darkness, good and evil. Manes taught that the material world was inherently evil, created by a malevolent deity, while the spiritual realm was good. This dualism was in stark contrast to the biblical teaching of a single, sovereign God who created the world and declared it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). Manes also claimed that Jesus was not truly incarnate but only appeared to have a physical body, a view known as Docetism. This contradicted the biblical affirmation of the Incarnation, as stated in John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." Impact on Early Christianity: The spread of Manichaeism posed a significant challenge to early Christianity. Church Fathers such as Augustine of Hippo, who was a former adherent of Manichaeism, wrote extensively against its teachings. Augustine's works, including "Confessions" and "Contra Faustum," provided a robust defense of orthodox Christian doctrine and refuted the dualistic and docetic claims of Manes. The Apostle Paul warned against false teachings and heresies in his epistles. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, he cautioned: "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." Although Paul wrote these words before the rise of Manichaeism, they reflect the early Church's vigilance against heretical movements. Condemnation and Decline: The early Church councils and Christian leaders condemned Manichaeism as heretical. The movement faced persecution from both Christian and secular authorities, leading to its decline in the West by the fifth century. However, it continued to have a presence in the East for several more centuries. Conclusion: While Manes and his teachings are not directly mentioned in the Bible, the challenges posed by Manichaeism to early Christianity highlight the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and the biblical revelation of God's nature and the person of Jesus Christ. The early Church's response to Manichaeism serves as a testament to the enduring commitment to preserving the truth of the Gospel. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n. pl.) The benevolent spirits of the dead, especially of dead ancestors, regarded as family deities and protectors.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MANESma'-nez (Manes): One of those who put away their "strange wives" (1 Esdras 9:21). It represents the two names Maaseiah and Elijah of the parallel Ezra 10:21. The real equivalent is probably Maaseiah, Elijah being dropped. the Revised Version margin and the King James Version margin give Harim of Ezra 10:21 as identical-apparently incorrectly, for the words "and of the sons of Harim" (Ezra 10:21) are simply omitted. the King James Version blunders strangely here in reading Eanes after a misprint Eanes (for Manes) in the Aldine edition. Library Archelaus Said to Manes: Give us a Statement Now of the Doctrines ... Manes Said: You are Caught in the Charge You Yourself Bring ... Manes Said: Let it First be Allowed on Your Side that There is an ... Manes Said: is not that Word Also to the Same Effect which Jesus ... Then Manes Made the Following Reply to Him: and what Manner of God ... None of Your Party, O Manes, Will You Make a Galatian... The Age of Manich??us, or Manes; his First Disciples; the Two ... Manes, the Founder of the Manich??an Heresy, and on his Origin. The Judges Said: Tell Us, O Manes, who Designated the Boundaries ... Manes Said: not all Receive the Word of God... Thesaurus Manes... protectors. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MANES. ma'-nez (Manes): One of those who put away their "strange wives" (1 Esdras 9:21). It ... /m/manes.htm - 7k Manger (7 Occurrences) Maneh (1 Occurrence) Eanes Do (21637 Occurrences) Henna (2 Occurrences) Nineveh (23 Occurrences) Resources Manes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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