Historical-Critical Dissertation on the Ancient and New Manichaeans

AND THE NEW MANICHAEANS

This header refers to the Manichaeans, a religious group that believed the universe was a struggle between a good realm of light and an evil realm of darkness. The "New Manichaeans" likely refers to later groups the author considers heirs to this dualistic philosophy.

...how brilliantly Chrysostom (1) speaks: "For what reason," he says, "do many know that man Zoroaster, and likewise Zamolxis A legendary social and religious reformer of the Getae people in Thrace, often compared to Pythagoras., by name, yet in truth almost no one—or only a very few—actually knows them? Is it not because everything circulated about them was a fabrication?"

Zoroaster, a Persian-Mede and philosopher of the Persians in the time of Darius Hystaspes Darius I, King of Persia (r. 522–486 BCE)., taught there were two Gods: a good one, whom he called Oromazas original: "Oromazam," referring to Ahura Mazda, the supreme creator god in Zoroastrianism., and an evil one, whom he called Arimanius original: "Arimanium," referring to Angra Mainyu or Ahriman, the destructive spirit.; and between these he placed Mithra, namely the Sun.

Yet it seems certain and well-investigated, as many writers record, that a certain man existed who was celebrated by the name of Zoroaster. Jacobus Burckhard original: "Burkerius." Likely refers to Johann Jakob Brucker (1696–1770), a pioneering historian of philosophy. thinks it not improbable, nor to be rashly rejected (2), that this man was a Persian-Mede who flourished in the times of Darius Hystaspes. To him are usually attributed the introduction of Magic among the Persians and the restoration of the religion of the Magi, as well as the writings praised under Zoroaster’s name. Indeed, Clement of Alexandria (3) identifies Zoroaster as a Mede-Persian. Laertius (4) writes: It is recorded that the Magi were the authors of philosophy among the Persians, and that their leader was Zoroaster the Persian. Plutarch (5) follows Zoroaster’s opinion and his teachings regarding two principles—one the author of all good things, the other the author of all evil—with these words:

Some believe there are two Gods, as if devoted to contrary arts, such that one effects good works and the other evil. Others call the better one "God" and the worse one a "Demon." This was the opinion of Zoroaster the Magus, who they say existed five hundred years before the Trojan War. This Zoroaster, then, gave the name Oromazas to the better one and Arimanius to the worse. The former he considered most like light, and the latter like darkness and ignorance. Between these is Mithra (the Sun). This is why the Persians call Mithra "Mesites" original: "Meſiten," a Greek term for "Mediator.", that is, the Mediator or intermediary. And he taught that votive offerings and victims offered for the sake of giving thanks should be sacrificed to him...

(1) Chrysostom, Book on Saint Babylas, Against the Gentiles, page 732, letter B, volume 1, Fronton du Duc edition. (2) Jacobus Burckhard, History of Philosophy, book 2, chapter 2, "On Chaldean Philosophy," page 122, volume 1. (3) Clement of Alexandria, Stromata, book 1, page 334. (4) Laertius, On the Lives of the Philosophers, page 7. (5) Plutarch, On Isis and Osiris, column 1, page 212.