Refutation of the Sects (1959) - Page 12

Description
α' Manichaeans and Magi: dualists Dualists believe in two opposing, co-eternal principles of Good and Evil. 147.	53	60
β' Separated only in form by their customs 148.	53	61
γ' United as one in religion 149.	53	61
δ' Reasons for the death of Mani Mani was the 3rd-century founder of Manichaeism, eventually executed by the Sasanian Empire. 150.	53	61
Conclusion 151.	54	61

β. FIRST REFUTATION 152-169

Description
(β) 1. Dilemma: Was Zurvan perfect or imperfect? Zurvan is the personification of "Infinite Time" in a specific branch of Zoroastrianism, portrayed as the father of both the good god and the evil spirit. 152-156.	54	61
First interruption of the Magi: this sacrifice was offered to "Glory" original: "la Gloire"; refers to the Khvarenah, a divine radiance or force in Iranian mythology. 153.	54	61
Response. This sacrifice is impossible 154-156
Rep. 1. "Glory" is not a personal being 154.	54	61
Rep. 2. How to count the thousand years without sun or moon? 155.	54	62
Rep. 3. What did Zurvan use for his sacrifice when creation did not yet exist? 156.	54	62
(β) 2. Zurvan’s doubt shows his imperfection, and the consequences are absurd 157.	54	62
(β) 3. Zurvan was a man 158.	55	63
(β) 4. What the Divine Being is compared to the man that is Zurvan 159.	56	63
(β) 5. Four incoherent stupidities 160-163.	56	64
Second interruption of the Magi: But Ormizd was king over Ahriman! Ormizd (Ohrmazd/Ahura Mazda) is the spirit of Good; Ahriman is the spirit of Evil. 161.	56	64
Response 162-163
Rep. 1. If Ormizd is king, he must have compassion for his creatures 162.	57	64
Rep. 2. If he does not, is it through powerlessness or a will to do evil? 163.	57	64
(β) 6. Once kingship is surrendered to his sons, what becomes of Zurvan? 164.	57	65
(β) 7. Zurvan never existed 165-168.	57	65
Third interruption of the Magi: Ormizd knew his father’s secret thought (therefore Ormizd was omniscient) 166.	57	65
Response 167-168
Rep. 1. Since he knew his father’s thought, Ormizd should have known the thought of his brother Ahriman 167.	57	65
Rep. 2. Since he knew there were two sons in the womb, Zurvan should have known the characteristics of each 168.	57	65

TABLE OF CONTENTS

β. FIRST REFUTATION 152-169