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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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Manichaeism
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INFOTEXT
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1992-09-03
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Religion founded by the prophet Mani
(Latinized as Manichaeus, c. 216-276).
Despite persecution Manichaeism spread and
flourished until about the 10th century.
Based on the concept of dualism, it held that
the material world is evil, an invasion of
the spiritual realm of light by the powers of
darkness; particles of divine light
imprisoned in evil matter were to be rescued
by messengers such as Jesus, and finally by
Mani himself. He proclaimed his creed in 241
at the Persian court. Returning from missions
to China and India, he was put to death at
the instigation of the Zoroastrian
priesthood.