[TigerLikesRooster]

It is a Persian religion. Pity that it has been almost wiped out in Iran. Iran is a birth place of two major religion, Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism. Now pockets of worshipers survive mostly in foreign lands, while Iran is overrun by Islam.

I read somewhere that vast amount of Manichean documents were found in China. Followers of Manichaeism were instrumental in bringing down Yuan Dynasty of Mongols and ushering in Ming Dynasty of Han Chinese. They were later purged by Ming Dynasty. The enduring Chinese religious cult, White Lotus, was heavily influenced by Manichaeism.

I think people in Mid-East should reconnect with their ancient roots, if they want Mid-East to be a great civilization it once was.

[odds]

Manicheanism came centuries after Zoroastrianism, during Parthian (Arsacid) dynasty, was invented by an Arsacid “Iranian” (not Persian) named Mani. Its theology draws upon & mixes elements from Zoroastrianism, Christianity & Buddhism.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2717607/posts#44

Actually, there are many Zoroastrians by birth in Iran at present. Problem is that because the regime is an Islamic theocracy, those converting from Islam to Zoroastrianism cannot openly admit to it, because they’ll be thrown in prison or executed.