Paulicianism a 7th century religious movement

 Paulicianism a 7th century religious movement

Development

The Paulicians were a heretical sect that began in Armenia in the seventh century. This group was influenced by Gnosticism, Marcionism, and Manichaeism. A man named Constantine started the sect and advocated for a supposed return to Pauline Christianity.

Primary Beliefs

The Paulicians taught a form of Gnostic heresy that combined elements of dualism and Docetism. Their beliefs included:

• Dualism, which posits the existence of two gods: a good god who created the spiritual realm and an evil god who created the earthly and sensual world.
• Docetism, which teaches that Christ did not have a physical body and therefore only appeared to have suffered in the flesh.
• Jesus’ purpose was to free us from the physical realm.
• Asceticism, which urges rejection of the material world.
• The Old Testament is invalid.
• Problematic view of Jesus, which teaches that Jesus was created and adopted as the Son of God at His baptism.

Influence on the World

Paulicianism has not survived into the modern period, but it was around long enough to influence the Bogomils, another heretical sect started in the tenth century.

Conduct of Leaders

The followers of the sect were named “Paulicians” because of their emphasis on Paul’s letters and their belief of returning to the teachings of Paul in the Bible. The Byzantine Church condemned their teaching because of its connection to the Manichean heresy. Constantine Silvanus was eventually executed by stoning, but Simeon Titus revived the Paulician congregation.

Religious Practices

The Paulicians practiced a form of baptism, which involved immersion in water. They celebrated the Eucharist, but rejected the use of bread and wine, considering them corrupt. They emphasized the importance of spiritual knowledge and direct communication with God.

End

The Paulicians were eventually suppressed by the Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Empire, who saw them as heretics. Many Paulicians were persecuted, martyred, or forced to convert to Orthodoxy. The Paulician movement declined in the 13th century.