Manichaean Biblical Interpretation

Abstract

Mani, the founder of Manichaeism, represents the third-century Mesopotamian outgrowth of second-century Christianity in its pre-canonical character and valuation of the logia of Jesus over gospel narrative. He followed Marcion in his special esteem for Paul, critique of gospel authorship and transmission, and antithetical contrast of Jesus to Torah. He cited Jesus and Paul as the basis for many of his distinctive teachings, and this use of biblical material was transmitted across Asia by the Manichaean mission. In the Roman Empire, later generations of Manichaeans developed a rich exegetical tradition in dialogue and rivalry with orthodox Christians. Some Manichaean interpretative readings, particularly of Paul, influenced Augustine of Hippo, and through him subsequent Catholic and Protestant exegesis.