Talk: Mandaeanism
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I'm puzzled by the pre-Christian thing. According to the article, Mandaeans have been around since the 1st century AD, which at best gives them a couple decade lead on Christainity. Furthermore, the only historical sources cited are Christian and Islamic. And St. John is a central figure. Is there anything whatsoever to support the pre-Christian thing? Might not "originated at the same period as early Christianity" or something similar be more accurate? Bacchiad
Question:
Mandaeaism (the religion) is different than Mandaeans (the people) . Which data you want on this page? Both?
If you prefer, you can make a separate article for Mandaean or Mandaeans. I'd certainly like to read one! - Mustafaa 07:00, 23 Jun 2004 (UTC)
Perhaps I did not make myself clear in the question.
Was this entry titled Mandaeanism intended to cover both the religion and the culture of the Mandaean people. Mandaeanism is more the theology, sacred literature, comparative analysis and rituals. Whereas the word Mandaean indicates the culture that would include for example demographics, history, or language. A Mandaean practices the religion of Mandaeainsm not vice versa If I know what is intended, I can offer more details.
usamandaean (mandaeanworld.com)
This is an obscure area, regarding which we have little expertise. Any help from you is appreciated. If there is to be one article, it should focus on both the people and religion, I presume. If there are to be two articles (which means a bit more work of course ;) than one could be for the people, and the other for the religion. In that case Mandaeanism would be for the religion, and Mandaean or Mandaeans would be for the people (I assume, other opinions are welcome). Of course we would love a dozen other related pages, but only if someone writes them. We can't ask more from you than you will give, this being volunteer work, a charity for the public good. You will do what you will do, and we will be grateful (hopefully ;). My preferences are both for quantity and quality, but I understand that all human endeavors tend toward finite results. One thing that would be nice is that if you find more to be done than suits your time or interest, you might refer other knowledgeable persons. The more the better of course! I know almost nothing of this subject, and am here rather to read and to learn :) Thanks again, Sam [Spade] 18:18, 23 Jun 2004 (UTC)
