Manichaeism

=== Later movements associated with Manichaeism ===
During the Middle Ages, several movements emerged that were collectively described as "Manichaean" by the Catholic Church, and persecuted as Christian heresies through the establishment of the [[Medieval Inquisition|Inquisition]] in 1184.<ref>[[Guy Stroumsa|Stroumsa, Gedaliahu G.]], "Anti-Cathar Polemics and the Liber de duobus principiis", in B. Lewis and F. Niewöhner, eds., ''Religionsgespräche im Mittelalter'' (Wolfenbütteler Mittelalter-Studien, 4; Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 1992), 169–183, p. 170</ref> They included the [[Cathar]] churches of Western Europe. Other groups sometimes referred to as "neo-Manichaean" were the [[Paulicianism|Paulician]] movement, which arose in Armenia,<ref name="Fortescue-1911">Fortescue, Adrian (1 February 1911). "[https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11583b.htm Paulicians]". ''[[The Catholic Encyclopedia]]''. Vol. 9. New York: The Encyclopedia Press, Inc.</ref> and the [[Bogomilism|Bogomils]] in Bulgaria and Serbia.<ref name="Runciman"/> An example of this usage can be found in the published edition of the Latin Cathar text, the ''Liber de duobus principiis'' (''Book of the Two Principles''), which was described as "Neo-Manichaean" by its publishers.<ref>Dondaine, Antoine. O. P. ''Un traite neo-manicheen du XIIIe siecle: Le Liber de duobus principiis, suivi d'un fragment de rituel Cathare'' (Rome: Institutum Historicum Fratrum Praedicatorum, 1939)</ref> As there is no presence of Manichaean mythology or church terminology in the writings of these groups, there has been some dispute among historians as to whether these groups were descendants of Manichaeism.<ref>Weber, Nicholas (1 March 1907). "[https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01267e.htm Albigenses]". ''[[The Catholic Encyclopedia]]''. Vol. 1. New York: The Encyclopedia Press, Inc.</ref>

Manichaeism could have influenced the Bogomils, Paulicians, and Cathars. However, these groups left few records, and the link between them and Manichaeans is tenuous. Regardless of its accuracy, the charge of Manichaeism was leveled at them by contemporary orthodox opponents, who often tried to make contemporary heresies conform to those combatted by the church fathers.<ref name="Runciman"/>

Whether the [[Dualistic cosmology|dualism]] of the Paulicians, Bogomils, and Cathars and their belief that the world was created by a Satanic [[demiurge]] were due to influence from Manichaeism is impossible to determine. The Cathars apparently adopted the Manichaean principles of church organization. [[Priscillian]] and his followers may also have been influenced by Manichaeism. The Manichaeans preserved many [[apocrypha]]l Christian works, such as the [[Acts of Thomas]], that would otherwise have been lost.<ref name="Runciman">Runciman, Steven, ''The Medieval Manichee: a study of the Christian dualist heresy''. Cambridge University Press, 1947.</ref>

==== Legacy in present-day ====
Some sites are preserved in [[Xinjiang]], [[Zhejiang]], and [[Fujian]] in [[China]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jnsy.com.cn/old/show.asp?id=150 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130825155322/http://www.jnsy.com.cn/old/show.asp?id=150 |script-title=zh:明教在温州的最后遗存 – 温州社会研究所 |trans-title=The Last Remains of Mingjiao in Wenzhou – Wenzhou Institute of Social Research |language=zh |date=25 August 2013 |archive-date=25 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cxsz.cixi.gov.cn/art/2012/10/8/art_46137_948467.html |script-title=zh:崇寿宫记 |website=Cxsz.cixi.gov.cn |date=8 October 2012 |access-date=14 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513222832/http://cxsz.cixi.gov.cn/art/2012/10/8/art_46137_948467.html |archive-date=13 May 2013 }}</ref> The [[Cao'an]] temple is the most widely known, and best preserved Manichaean building,<ref name="SNC Lieu" />{{rp|256–257}} though it later became associated with [[Buddhism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mq.edu.au/research/centres_and_groups/ancient_cultures_research_centre/research/cultural_ex_silkroad/zayton/ |title=Manichaean and (Nestorian) Christian Remains in Zayton (Quanzhou, South China) ARC DP0557098 |publisher=Mq.edu.au |access-date=27 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808000234/http://www.mq.edu.au/research/centres_and_groups/ancient_cultures_research_centre/research/cultural_ex_silkroad/zayton |archive-date=8 August 2014}}</ref> Other temples in China, solely associated with Manichaeism also exist, such as the [[Cangnan Stele|Xuanzhen Temple]] noted for its stele.

[[Chinese Manichaeism|Chinese Manichaeans]] continue to practice the faith, mainly in Fujian and Zhejiang.<ref name="Li-2004" /><ref name="Chen-2004" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=钱库竟有明教遗址-选真寺，就在… |url=https://www.sohu.com/a/165729040_361562 |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=sohu.com}}</ref> Some platforms on the [[internet]] and social media are trying to spread some of its teachings. Some people are registered in these electronic sources, and some scholars and students in the field of religious studies and the arts continue to study Manichaeism.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hajianfard |first1=Ramin |title=Mani and the Foundation of Manichaeism: Great Events in Religion: An Encyclopedia of Pivotal Events in Religion History |date=2016 |publisher=CA, ABC-CLIO |location=Santa Barbara |isbn=978-1-61069-566-4 |id={{ISBN|978-1-61069-566-4}} <!--DUPLICATE |pages= 188–193--> |page=193}}</ref>