Talk:Cantonese opera and Mandaeanism: Difference between pages
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[[sv:Mandaeanism]][[nl:Mandaeërs]] |
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Fellows, is it possible to provide also the chinese terms for the frequently used terms? [[User:02jefferyng|02jefferyng]] 05:55, 20 Feb 2004 (UTC)02jefferyng |
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'''Mandaeanism''' is a [[Middle East]]ern [[religion]] with ancient [[Gnosticism|Gnostic]] origins, though from the Gnosticism that predated [[Christianity]]. While a millennium or more ago Mandaeans were found throughout [[Persia]] and [[Babylonia]], today they remain only in isolated pockets of [[Iran]] and [[Iraq]]. Many have fled the region during the unstable political climate since the 1990s, and ended up as refugees all over the world. They are most often confused with [[Sabians]] by outsiders to both religions. |
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The [[Aramaic language|Aramaic]] word ''manda'' translates into the [[Greek language|Greek]] word [[gnosis]] and ''Mandaean'' or ''Mandaeanism'' can thus literally be translated into ''Gnostic'' or ''Gnosticism''. It is the only remaining Gnostic church still in practice. |
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==Mandaean beliefs== |
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The Mandaean religion has a more strict [[dualism|dualistic]] nature than Gnosticism. Instead of a large pleroma, there exists a more clear division between ''light'' and ''darkness''. The ruler of darkness is called ''Ptahil'' (similar to the Gnostic [[Demiurge]]) and the originator of the light (i.e. God) is only known as "the great first alien Life from the worlds of light, the sublime one that stands above all works". This being [[emanationism|emanated]] other spiritual beings which became increasingly corrupted, and their ruler Ptahil created our world. |
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Mandaeans believe that [[Jesus]] and [[Moses]] were false [[prophet]]s; instead they follow [[John the Baptist]]. It is uncertain whether the origin of the Mandaeanism is among followers of John the Baptist, or whether they merely adopted him. Their scripture contains the book of [[John the Baptist]] which includes dialogue between him and [[Jesus]]. They have a hierarchical clergy, practice frequent [[baptism]], and hold public worship on Sundays. They deplore fasting, [[monasticism]], and the [[clerical celibacy|celibacy]] of Christian nuns, monks and (in some Christian denominations) priests and bishops. |
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The main Mandaean [[scripture]] is the [[Ginza Rba]]. It is written in '''Mandaean''', a language closely related to the [[Aramaic language]]. |
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==Influences== |
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According to the ''Fihrist'' of ibn al-Nadim, [[Mani]], the founder of [[Manichaeism]], was brought up within the Elchasaite sect. The members of this sect, like the Mandaeans, wear white, perform baptisms, and dwelled in the marshes of Southern Mesopotamia; [[Mani]] later left them to found his own religion. |
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==External Links== |
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*http://www.mandaen.org/ - Official homepage for many practitioners of this religion, especially Swedish members. |
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Revision as of 04:12, 20 February 2004
Mandaeanism is a Middle Eastern religion with ancient Gnostic origins, though from the Gnosticism that predated Christianity. While a millennium or more ago Mandaeans were found throughout Persia and Babylonia, today they remain only in isolated pockets of Iran and Iraq. Many have fled the region during the unstable political climate since the 1990s, and ended up as refugees all over the world. They are most often confused with Sabians by outsiders to both religions.
The Aramaic word manda translates into the Greek word gnosis and Mandaean or Mandaeanism can thus literally be translated into Gnostic or Gnosticism. It is the only remaining Gnostic church still in practice.
Mandaean beliefs
The Mandaean religion has a more strict dualistic nature than Gnosticism. Instead of a large pleroma, there exists a more clear division between light and darkness. The ruler of darkness is called Ptahil (similar to the Gnostic Demiurge) and the originator of the light (i.e. God) is only known as "the great first alien Life from the worlds of light, the sublime one that stands above all works". This being emanated other spiritual beings which became increasingly corrupted, and their ruler Ptahil created our world.
Mandaeans believe that Jesus and Moses were false prophets; instead they follow John the Baptist. It is uncertain whether the origin of the Mandaeanism is among followers of John the Baptist, or whether they merely adopted him. Their scripture contains the book of John the Baptist which includes dialogue between him and Jesus. They have a hierarchical clergy, practice frequent baptism, and hold public worship on Sundays. They deplore fasting, monasticism, and the celibacy of Christian nuns, monks and (in some Christian denominations) priests and bishops.
The main Mandaean scripture is the Ginza Rba. It is written in Mandaean, a language closely related to the Aramaic language.
Influences
According to the Fihrist of ibn al-Nadim, Mani, the founder of Manichaeism, was brought up within the Elchasaite sect. The members of this sect, like the Mandaeans, wear white, perform baptisms, and dwelled in the marshes of Southern Mesopotamia; Mani later left them to found his own religion.
External Links
- http://www.mandaen.org/ - Official homepage for many practitioners of this religion, especially Swedish members.