Against the Manichaeans

This episode introduces yet another heretic, the Heresiarch Maines, herald of the Manichaean heresy. Maines’ doctrine bears similarity to Marcion and the Gnostics, as he asserts that there are two eternally existing beings, one good and the other evil. Furthermore, he argues that the physical world was created by the evil deity while the spiritual was made by the good. Thus the old testament description of God references this evil, corporeal deity while Jesus reveals the spiritual, good being. This heresy is perhaps best known for having misled Augustine before he found Christ.

Presented here are two works that refute this heresy. The first, written around A.D. 277, records a series of debates between Maines and the Bishop Archelaus. While it is not clear which city he was the bishop of, beyond the fact that it was somewhere in Mesopotamia, the narrative describes two separate debates in which Maines is thoroughly trounced. Archelaus demonstrates both the incoherent nature of the Manichean doctrine and how it twists the Scriptures.

This episode also contains a work by Alexander, Bishop of Lycopolis, against the Manichaeans. Little is known about Alexander beyond his name, and this work was likely written sometime around A.D. 301. He was born a pagan and joined the Manichaeans, learning their teachings from those who knew Maines himself. After coming to Christianity, he wrote this document to expose the dangers of the heresy with which he had been deceived.

Much like Clement of Alexandria, Alexander employs scientific arguments, historical facts, and discussions about nature to refute the Manichaeans. This serves as a reminder of the impact that Grecian thought and philosophy has had on Christianity. Western Christianity today still values such tools and, living in an age with plenty of conspiracy theories, bogus wellness scams, and heretical spiritualists, it is worth remembering that the Church has always had to fight for truth amidst outlandish claims purported by leaders employing empty philosophy and deceit.

If you would like to read more of the writings of the Early Christian Fathers, please visit ccel.org to view the full collection.