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6 - Worship and ethic

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 December 2009

By
Iain Gardner  and
Samuel Nan-Chiang Lieu
Edited by
Iain Gardner  and
Samuel N. C. Lieu
Iain Gardner
Affiliation:
Chair and Senior Lecturer, Department of Studies in Religion, Sydney University
Samuel Nan-Chiang Lieu
Affiliation:
Professor of Ancient History and Co-Director of the Ancient History Documentary Research Centre, Macquarie University
Iain Gardner
Affiliation:
University of Sydney
Samuel N. C. Lieu
Affiliation:
Macquarie University, Sydney
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Summary

For a summary of the principles and practice of Manichaean religious life see Introduction (pp. 21–5). The following extracts again give emphasis to Manichaean writings in Coptic that are not widely known, supplemented by some classic descriptions by Augustine.

The essential precepts of the elect and the catechumens

This ‘Chapter of the Commandments of Righteousness’ (kephalaion 80, 192.3–193.22) contains a summary of the essential precepts held by the elect and the catechumens; arranged in two sets of two by three.

The first righteousness of the elect has three parts: to refrain from all sexual activity; to take great care not to harm the light-soul trapped everywhere in matter and especially vegetation (the Cross of Light), for instance by plucking fruit; and not to consume meat or alcohol (192.8–13). These correspond to the three seals of mouth, hands and breast discussed by Augustine (signacula oris, manuum et sinus; de mor. Manich. VII.10; IX.18); and also referred to in eastern Manichaean texts.

The second: to multiply wisdom, faith and grace.

The first righteousness of the catechumenate: fasting, prayer and alms-giving. The catechumens had to support the elect who could do no labour, farming or cooking.

The third: to give someone to the church; to share in their good works; to donate some church structure. The catechumens were allowed to marry and procreate, but were expected to compensate in this way.

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Manichaean Texts from the Roman Empire , pp. 231 - 258
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2004

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  • Worship and ethic
    • By Iain Gardner, Chair and Senior Lecturer, Department of Studies in Religion, Sydney University, Samuel Nan-Chiang Lieu, Professor of Ancient History and Co-Director of the Ancient History Documentary Research Centre, Macquarie University
  • Edited by Iain Gardner, University of Sydney, Samuel N. C. Lieu, Macquarie University, Sydney
  • Book: Manichaean Texts from the Roman Empire
  • Online publication: 10 December 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511616891.010
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  • Worship and ethic
    • By Iain Gardner, Chair and Senior Lecturer, Department of Studies in Religion, Sydney University, Samuel Nan-Chiang Lieu, Professor of Ancient History and Co-Director of the Ancient History Documentary Research Centre, Macquarie University
  • Edited by Iain Gardner, University of Sydney, Samuel N. C. Lieu, Macquarie University, Sydney
  • Book: Manichaean Texts from the Roman Empire
  • Online publication: 10 December 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511616891.010
Available formats
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  • Worship and ethic
    • By Iain Gardner, Chair and Senior Lecturer, Department of Studies in Religion, Sydney University, Samuel Nan-Chiang Lieu, Professor of Ancient History and Co-Director of the Ancient History Documentary Research Centre, Macquarie University
  • Edited by Iain Gardner, University of Sydney, Samuel N. C. Lieu, Macquarie University, Sydney
  • Book: Manichaean Texts from the Roman Empire
  • Online publication: 10 December 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511616891.010
Available formats
×