MANDAEISM Meaning and
Definition
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Mandaeism is a religious and ethnoreligious group that emerged in the Middle East during the first century CE. It is considered one of the oldest continuously existing Gnostic religions. The term "Mandaeism" is derived from the Mandaic word "Manda" which means "knowledge" or "gnosis." The adherents of Mandaeism are known as Mandaeans or Sabians.
Mandaeism is centered around the teachings of John the Baptist, whom they revere as their primary prophet. Mandaeans believe in a dualistic cosmology, with a supreme deity known as "Haiyi" and a malevolent being called "Ptahil." They consider the material world to be the result of a cosmic conflict between these two opposing forces.
Key aspects of Mandaeism include the veneration of water, which is seen as a symbol of life and purification, and a complex ritual of baptism known as "masbuta." They also place a strong emphasis on individual spiritual development, seeking to attain knowledge of the divine and liberation from the material world.
Mandaeans have historically faced persecution and discrimination due to their distinct beliefs and small population. They primarily reside in Iran and Iraq, with smaller communities found in Jordan and Syria. Today, Mandaeism is considered endangered, as many Mandaeans have been forced to migrate due to political instability and religious persecution. Efforts are being made by Mandaeans and scholars to preserve their ancient religion and cultural heritage.
Common Misspellings for MANDAEISM
- nandaeism
- kandaeism
- jandaeism
- mzndaeism
- msndaeism
- mwndaeism
- mqndaeism
- mabdaeism
- mamdaeism
- majdaeism
- mahdaeism
- mansaeism
- manxaeism
- mancaeism
- manfaeism
- manraeism
- maneaeism
- mandzeism
- mandseism
- mandweism
Etymology of MANDAEISM
The word "Mandaeism" is derived from the term "Mandaean", which refers to the followers of the Mandaeism religion. The origins of Mandaeism itself can be traced back to the Aramaic word "manda", which means "knowledge" or "gnosis". The Mandaeans believe that their religion was founded by a high priest named John the Baptist, whom they refer to as "Yahia Yuhana". The term "Mandaeism" is commonly used in academic and scholarly circles to classify this ancient Gnostic religion.
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