Historical-Critical Dissertation on the Ancient and New Manichaeans

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Chapter I. Concerning the ancient pagans who were the precursors of the Manichaeans. original: "Gentilibus." This refers to non-Christian, polytheistic peoples whose dualistic philosophies the author believes influenced the development of Manichaeism. Page 1

II. Concerning the ancient philosophers and heretics who were the precursors of the Manichaeans. 6

III. Concerning Scythianus, the precursor of the Manichaeans. Scythianus is a semi-legendary figure described in early Christian polemics as an Arab merchant who traveled to India and Egypt, allegedly bringing back the dualistic doctrines that Mani would later adopt. 10

IV. Concerning Terebinthus and Zaranes, the precursors of the Manichaeans. In the traditional anti-Manichaean narrative, Terebinthus was a disciple of Scythianus who took the name "Buddas." 14

V. Concerning Mani, who was first called Curbicus, and afterwards was named Manichaean. original: "Manete... Curbicus." Curbicus is the name given to Mani in the "Acts of Archelaus," a 4th-century fictionalized account of a debate with Mani. Hostile sources often claimed he was a former slave who changed his name to hide his origins. 18

VI. Concerning the disciples of Mani, and the directors and administrators of the Manichaeans. 30

VII. Concerning the entire Manichaean mythos. original: "fabula." This refers to the complex cosmogony of Manichaeism involving the struggle between the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness. 35

VIII. Concerning the life, customs, and religion of the Manichaeans. 53

IX. Concerning the laws passed under Imperial law against the Manichaeans. original: "jure Cæsareo." These are the legal codes issued by the Roman Emperors, such as Diocletian and Justinian, who treated Manichaeism as a capital offense. 68

X. Concerning the laws passed under Pontifical law against the Manichaeans. original: "jure Pontificio." This refers to Canon Law and the decrees issued by the Popes. 74

XI. Concerning the Paulicians, the successors of the Manichaeans. The Paulicians were a dualist Christian sect that emerged in the 7th century; medieval writers often categorized them as "new Manichaeans." 80

XII. Concerning the Albigensians, the successors of the Manichaeans. Also known as Cathars, these were members of a dualist movement in Southern France during the 12th and 13th centuries. 88

XIII. Concerning the Predestinarians, the successors of the Manichaeans. 95

XIV. Concerning the Lutherans, the successors of the Manichaeans. The author, a Jesuit, is framing the Protestant Reformation as a revival of ancient heresy. 106

XV. Concerning the Calvinists, the successors of the Manichaeans. 126

XVI. Concerning the Jansenists, the successors of the Manichaeans. Jansenism was a controversial movement within the Catholic Church during the 17th and 18th centuries; opponents often accused them of Manichaeism because of their strict views on predestination and the corruption of human nature. 140

XVII. Concerning Saint Augustine, formerly a "Hearer" of the Manichaeans. Augustine of Hippo was famously a member of the Manichaean sect for nine years at the lower rank of "Auditor" (Hearer) before his conversion to Catholic Christianity. 165

XVIII. Concerning the writings and acts of Saint Augustine against the Manichaeans. 174

XIX. Concerning the doctrine of Saint Augustine against the new and old Manichaeans. 186