Original scientific paper
The Bogomil reinterpretation of christian cult and morality
Josip Mužić
; University of Split - Catholic Faculty of Theology
Abstract
The application of Bogomil perspectives is logically apparent in their way of
living. From the perspective of cult and morality, their starting point was Christianity,
but they diverge from Christianity reinterpreting it according to their needs. As a result they reduce the sacraments to just two: baptism and confession; and they alter
these in a radical way, giving them completely new meaning. In doing so they not only
break the bond with Christianity but – as seen in their rituals – they develop a deep
hatred toward Christianity. The primary function of prayer and ascetic practices is
the building of the sect, rather than a personal relationship with God. Characteristic
of Bogomil ethics is a dualistic abandonment of the material world and a belief in the
perfection of their teachers here on earth, which makes these teachers immune from
sin. Their orthodoxy, as found in their cult and moral regulations, is illusionary and
serves as a means of proselytism and a form of protection from persecution. It is only
possible to understand their uncoordinated and very often contradictory actions and
their manner of following teachings if we take into account their graduated system of
initiation and affiliation and their esoteric organization. If we view things from their
perspective, it is wrong to call them heretics, because they formed an original religion;
a religion, paradoxically, whose only connection with orthodoxy is its anti-Christianity.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
272018
URI
Publication date:
20.12.2012.
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