Augustine of Hippo
Much of the knowledge of Manichaeism comes from its critics, and perhaps one of the more prominent of those was Augustine of Hippo (354-430 CE), one of the prominent thinkers in Christianity. Augustine, before his conversion to Christianity, was a Manichean "hearer", that is, a layperson, in North Africa. After becoming disenchanted by Manichaeism, Augustine converted to Christianity and began to write fiercely against the religion. [1]
However, it seems that Augustine, despite his relentless attacks on Manichaeism, was heavily influenced by it as a Christian. Manichaeism teaches much about the use of birth control during marriage as a hearer, or layperson, but for the Elect, that is, the Manichaean clergy, celibacy was strictly enforced. Augustine himself wrote against this practice of birth control amongst Manichean laypeople, arguing that Manichaeism therefore promotes sex, and not marriage. For Augustine, the only reason for marriage is for procreation. Augustine's views were unique in the Christian world at that time, as no other Christian writer had seriously insisted that marriage was strictly for procreation and argued that contraception was sinful. [1]
However, at the same time, Augustine also celebrates celibacy amongst those unmarried. This viewpoint resonates with Manichean teachings against wanton procreation, illustrating a subtle link between Manichean doctrine and Augustine's Christian writings. This dichotomy between Augustine's polemics against Manichaeism and his associated Christian writings shows that Augustine was probably influenced by the very same religion he abhorred. [1]
However, it seems that Augustine, despite his relentless attacks on Manichaeism, was heavily influenced by it as a Christian. Manichaeism teaches much about the use of birth control during marriage as a hearer, or layperson, but for the Elect, that is, the Manichaean clergy, celibacy was strictly enforced. Augustine himself wrote against this practice of birth control amongst Manichean laypeople, arguing that Manichaeism therefore promotes sex, and not marriage. For Augustine, the only reason for marriage is for procreation. Augustine's views were unique in the Christian world at that time, as no other Christian writer had seriously insisted that marriage was strictly for procreation and argued that contraception was sinful. [1]
However, at the same time, Augustine also celebrates celibacy amongst those unmarried. This viewpoint resonates with Manichean teachings against wanton procreation, illustrating a subtle link between Manichean doctrine and Augustine's Christian writings. This dichotomy between Augustine's polemics against Manichaeism and his associated Christian writings shows that Augustine was probably influenced by the very same religion he abhorred. [1]
Bibliography
- J. Kevin Coyle, ed., Manichaeism and Its Legacy (Leiden: Koninklijke Brill, 2009).