ARTICLES
Ρέα Ματσάγγου PhD (Leiden)
Μέλος ΕΔΙΠ, Τμήμα Ιστορίας, Αρχαιολογίας και Κοινωνικής
Ανθρωπολογίας, Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας
Abstract: This article investigates the confusion surrounding the origins of Manichaeism and the possibility of its classification as a form of early Christianity—an issue that preoccupied fourth‑century authors and remains open in current scholarly debate, provoking theoretical controversies. It first highlights the causes of this confusion within the scientific metalanguage as well as the internal contradictions of the sources. It then comparatively examines the similarities between the two traditions in order to assess whether they suffice to justify the inclusion of Manichaeism within the Christian framework or whether it should instead be approached as an autonomous religious entity.
