History of Armenian Christianity Free Essay Example, 1750 words

Considering himself the last prophet, Mani wrote a book, Erdengi Mani, claiming that it was dictated to him in heaven. His doctrine taught that there were two opposite initial elements in the universe God, and Matter, of which God is superior. According to this teaching people could be divided into the Elect, the Hearers and the Wicked. After death, the Elect easily ascended to the moon to be admitted to paradise. The Hearers had to pass through long purifying wandering before they could join the Elect. The Wicked had no chances for paradise, being condemned to roam in the Universe until the realm of darkness took them. Mani was prosecuted as a heretic, eventually being crucified and flayed in 227. However, his teaching was very influential and had many followers. From Persia, it spread to Syria and Palestine, Egypt and North Africa, Gaul and Spain, Turkey and Greece. It was popular in Arabia and Iran, India and China. Both Iranian and Roman rulers persecuted the Manichaeans. The t eaching was announced an insane heresy , a dangerous and wicked faith in Syria, Iraq, Italy, Greece, and Armenia. We will write a custom essay sample on History of Armenian Christianity or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page