What is the difference between Catholicism and Manichaeism?

Answer 1

The two religions share some characteristics, like dualism (good vs. evil), angels, and individual choice, but their differences far outweigh their similarities. Manichaean's believe the earth was created by the devil (Angra Mainyu), not God (Ahura Mazda). An angel was sent to defeat him, but was captured. When the angel finally escaped, part of his light remained in the hands of Angra Mainyu, who created the earth to trap it. It is the goal of all people to gather as much light into themselves as possible, so it can be returned to the sun, domain of god, his consort, and sub-deities. So Manichaeaism differs from Catholicism in that: 1.) God is not omnipotent or all-powerful 2.) All earthly matter is inherently evil because it was created by the devil 3.) Manichaeism is not technically monotheistic (though that can be debated) 4.) No procreation, because that scatters the light and makes it harder to gather 5.) Manichaeans proselytized by co-opting the language of other religions in order to reach its adherents. So the prophet Mani was described to Christians as Jesus, Buddhists as Buddha, etc. You can also find more answers to your question by studying the life of St. Augustine of Hippo. Although raised as a Catholic, Augustine left the Church to follow the controversial Manichaean religion, much to the despair of his mother.

Answer 2

Both the early Catholic-Orthodox Church and Manichaeism thought of themseleves as 'orthodox' Christianity, but they were vastly different in their beliefs.
Mani (216-276CE), the founder of Manichaeism, understood himself to be a "prophet of light", the latest in a line of prophets that included the Old Testament prophets, Buddha, Jesus, Paul and the disciples of Jesus. Manichaeism seems to have contained definable Zoroastrian, Buddhist and possible Taoist influences, as well as core Christian beliefs. Their beliefs about creation differed from those taught by the Catholic Church from in the Hebrew Bible.

Manichees were strictly moralistic and advocated sexual abstinence. They were also strict vegetarians. However, their love of beauty and the principles the faith was based upon did attract many converts. Beginning in Persia, Manichaeism spread to Syria, North Africa, France, Italy and the Balkans, as well as Tibet and China.

Unlike the Catholic Church, Manichaeism never represented a majority of the people in any region. It was therefore always at risk of persecution, and eventually faded from history.