Manichseans

Manichseans, Manicheans, Manichees, heretics who in the 3rd century followed an Oriental mystic, Mani or Manichaaus. Their tenets were a strange mixture of Christianity with Gnosticism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and other systems. They worshipped the principle of darkness and evil as well as that of light and goodness. They were ascetics, but are charged with gross immorality.' The sect did not die out until the 7th century, and much of its doctrine survived in the sects of the Paulicians, Albigenses, etc., grouped as New Manichseans.