In ancient Mesopotamia, religions like Manichaeism developed strict codes for sexual behavior that shaped both individuals and communities. Manichaeism was an influential dualistic religion founded by Iranian prophet Mani in the third century CE. It taught that matter is evil and spirit is good. Manicheans believed that humans had a divine spark inside them but were trapped in a material world created by a lesser god. They sought to free their souls from this world through asceticism and adherence to moral laws, which included guidelines for eating, dressing, and living a pious life. Sexual ethics were also part of these rules, and they played an important role in constructing individual identities and social norms.
Manichean religious texts emphasized chastity as a virtue, and sex outside marriage was considered immoral. Marriage itself was regarded as a sacred union between two individuals who agreed to remain faithful to each other until death. Monogamy was encouraged, although polygamy was permitted if necessary for survival or continuation of the family line. Incest, prostitution, and homosexuality were all forbidden. Adultery was seen as particularly grave because it destroyed marriages and threatened the family unit. These values influenced not just individuals' personal lives but also broader societal structures.
Laws governing inheritance were based on patrilineal descent, so extramarital relationships could disrupt the transmission of property from one generation to another.
Celibacy was highly valued within Manichean monastic orders, with some members even castrating themselves to avoid sexual temptation. The most extreme practitioners of celibacy were the Elect, who renounced all earthly pleasures in favor of spiritual purity.
Others chose to marry and raise families while still following Manichaeism's strict sexual ethics. Some scholars argue that Manichaeism may have been more flexible than we know since many writings have been lost over time. Nevertheless, its influence can be seen in medieval Christian and Islamic societies that adopted similar ideas about sexual morality.
Manichaeism played an important role in shaping attitudes towards sex and sexuality throughout ancient Mesopotamia and beyond. Its teachings emphasized chastity, fidelity, and family-centered values that continue to resonate today. While these codes may seem oppressive by modern standards, they reflected a complex set of beliefs and practices that helped shape individual identities and social norms for centuries.
How did Manichean religious ethics construct sexual morality, and how did these codes shape individual and communal conduct?
Manicheans believed that there were two gods (God of Light and God of Darkness) who had created the universe. They taught that good and evil were not absolute, but rather intertwined with each other and therefore had their own opposing forces. Sex was seen as an act of procreation, so they emphasized procreative sex within marriage between man and woman only.