Required reading
Ante-Nicene Fathers (Vol 6) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the work of Alexander of Lycopolis.
My summary
This week we read the writing from Alexander, 'Of the Manicheans'. (The editors note at the end of the work that there is some controversy regarding who Alexander was and what he believed himself.)
Alexander gives us an overview of the Manichean heresy, which has two principles: God and matter. God is called good and matter is evil. But God excels more in good than matter in evil.
Alexander also points out weaknesses in the heresy, including its bearing on the incarnation.
What grabbed me
I liked this point about Manichaeus' own position if his heresy is true: 'In general, it is worth while to inquire of these men, "Is it possible for no man to become good, or is it in the power of any one?" For if no man is wise, what of Manichæus himself? I pass over the fact that he not only calls others good, but he also says that they are able to make others such. But if one individual is entirely good, what prevents all from becoming good? For what is possible for one is possible also for all.'
If Manichaeus is matter, what makes him good? Why bother listening to him? His argument is self-defeating.
Next week's reading
Commence the work of Peter of Alexandria by reading the 'Genuine Acts of Peter'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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