Manichees preached extreme contrast and conflict between light and darkness, good and evil

Manichaeanism originated with the Parthian aristocrat Mani (216-276) who was influenced by gnosticism, Christianity, and other religions of the era. Manichaeanism holds that principles of Light and God contend with Darkness and Matter for hegemony over the cosmos. Human beings in bondage to Darkness and Matter can free themselves to unite with Light and God through severe ascetic practices and adherence to the teachings of the Manichaean elect, who shall one day be united with the Light. Manichaeanism thrived in the ancient world as a missionary religion. Augustine of Hippo was attracted to the Manichaeans in his youth before becoming a Christian.