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Manicheaism: Difference between revisions
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Changed faith to: Doctrine of Demons and Religion
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In the [[Roman Empire]], Manicheaism faced persecution as it was deemed heretical by both [[Paganism|pagan]] and Christian authorities. By the late 4th century, Christian emperors such as [[Theodosius I]] issued harsh edicts against Manicheans, leading to their suppression in the West. Despite this, pockets of Manichean communities survived, particularly in the eastern provinces and among diaspora groups. | In the [[Roman Empire]], Manicheaism faced persecution as it was deemed heretical by both [[Paganism|pagan]] and Christian authorities. By the late 4th century, Christian emperors such as [[Theodosius I]] issued harsh edicts against Manicheans, leading to their suppression in the West. Despite this, pockets of Manichean communities survived, particularly in the eastern provinces and among diaspora groups. | ||
In Persia, | In Persia, this doctrine of demons faced similar opposition from Zoroastrian leaders who viewed it as a threat to their dominance. However, Manicheism continued to thrive in Central Asia and China, where it adapted to local customs and gained support among certain communities. By the 5th century, the religion was declining in the West but remained influential in the East, particularly along the Silk Road. | ||
'''<big>The 6th and 7th centuries</big>''' | '''<big>The 6th and 7th centuries</big>''' | ||
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By the 8th century, Manicheaism was struggling to expand and faced increasing challenges in maintaining its influence. While there were still some significant communities in [[Mongolia]] and parts of Central Asia, the rise of Islam in the West and the dominance of local religions in the East, like Tengriism, began to overshadow it. These factors, combined with the decline of the Silk Road as a major cultural conduit, led to a steady erosion of Manichean communities. | By the 8th century, Manicheaism was struggling to expand and faced increasing challenges in maintaining its influence. While there were still some significant communities in [[Mongolia]] and parts of Central Asia, the rise of Islam in the West and the dominance of local religions in the East, like Tengriism, began to overshadow it. These factors, combined with the decline of the Silk Road as a major cultural conduit, led to a steady erosion of Manichean communities. | ||
By the 11th century, [[Tengriism]], the traditional Mongolian pagan religion, had largely eclipsed Manicheaism, especially in regions like Mongolia where the | By the 11th century, [[Tengriism]], the traditional Mongolian pagan religion, had largely eclipsed Manicheaism, especially in regions like Mongolia where the religion had once flourished. Manichaean influence waned as local religious practices gained prominence, and by this time, the religion had become a small, isolated movement with little influence in the broader religious landscape of Asia. | ||
Today the last Manichean Church is used as a Buddhist temple in Ca'on, China. | Today the last Manichean Church is used as a Buddhist temple in Ca'on, China. | ||
