manichaeanism

/ˌmænɪˈkiːəˌnɪzəm/
noun
  1. A dualistic religious system founded by the prophet Mani in the 3rd century AD, teaching that the world is a battlefield between the forces of light/good and darkness/evil.
    • Manichaeanism spread rapidly from Persia to China and Rome.
    • The core belief of Manichaeanism is that matter is evil and spirit is good.
    • Scholars debate the influence of Manichaeanism on later Christian heresies.
  2. A worldview or philosophy that sees everything in terms of a stark opposition between good and evil, with no shades of gray.
    • The general's Manichaeanism led him to view every nation as either an ally or an enemy.
    • Modern political Manichaeanism often prevents compromise and dialogue.
    • The novel criticizes the Manichaeanism of those who see the world in black and white.
Synonyms
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