The Morals of the Manichaeans
388
| Name and Summary | Pages |
|---|---|
This chapter emphasizes that questions of right and wrong are rooted in moral science, which requires a clear understanding of the highest good. | 1 |
This chapter explores the nature of evil and argues that evil is contrary to the true nature and essence of beings, not an actual substance or substance itself. | 3 |
This chapter explores the true nature of evil, asserting that evil is simply the absence of good and cannot exist where there is perfect good. | 2 |
This chapter emphasizes the Catholic Church's teaching that there is one supreme good in itself and other goods that are good by participation or creation. | 1 |
This chapter explores the nature of evil, primarily questioning the common association of evil with corruption, and clarifies that corruption pertains to the perversion or disorder in a substance that originally possesses goodness. | 1 |
This chapter explains that true, uncreated substance cannot be corrupted and that corruption leads to non-existence or disorder. | 2 |
This chapter explains that God's goodness governs all things, ensuring they exist in the most appropriate order until they return to their proper state. | 2 |
This chapter argues that evil is not a substance but rather a disagreement with nature, which is harmful precisely because it deviates from what is beneficial and true. | 4 |
This chapter argues that many perceived evils in the natural world are actually good or harmless, challenging the Manichaean view that such elements are inherently evil. | 5 |
This chapter critically examines the Manichaean symbols of purity associated with the mouth, hands, and breast, highlighting their inadequacies and contradictions. | 2 |
This chapter argues that Manichaeans' teachings about God's mutability and corruption are incompatible with the divine nature of immutability and goodness. | 4 |
This chapter explores the perplexity and difficulties in understanding the nature of God's involvement in the battle against evil, particularly in the context of Manichaeism. | 2 |
This chapter criticizes the Manichaean view that external symbols and visible signs are of primary importance, emphasizing that the true measure of morality lies in the underlying purpose and end of one's actions. | 3 |
This chapter emphasizes that Christians should abstain from eating flesh and drinking wine not out of a belief that such foods are inherently unclean, but out of love, consideration for weaker believers, and the desire to prevent offense or stumbling. | 6 |
This chapter explains the Manichaean view that the mixture of good and evil within creation results from divine elements becoming entangled with matter, leading to their partial entrapment in physical form and pollution. | 2 |
This chapter critiques the Manichaean practices and beliefs regarding the presence of divine goodness in material objects and bodily substances. | 14 |
This chapter critiques the Manichaean view on the morality of killing animals and destroying plants, arguing that such practices are inconsistent and cruel. | 9 |
This chapter critiques the Manichaeans’ claims about chastity, marriage, and the nature of the soul, arguing that their practices and teachings are inconsistent and hypocritical. | 2 |
This chapter condemns the Morianachaeans' immoral customs and behaviors, highlighting widespread hypocrisy, corruption, and misconduct among their so-called elect. | 5 |
This chapter argues that the Manichaean sect's members fail to genuinely uphold their own moral precepts, as evidenced by scandalous cases of misconduct among their followers. | 3 |