What question did this study set out to answer?

To create a philosophical and poetic collection inspired by ancient Coptic manuscripts and Manichaean thought.

April 25, 2026Open Access

Fragments & A Manichaean Harmony

Key Points

To create a philosophical and poetic collection inspired by ancient Coptic manuscripts and Manichaean thought.
Compiled philosophical lines and poetry from Coptic fragments
Explored Manichaean harmonies and their historical context
Resembled a proto-gospel structure in the presentation
Presents a unique interpretation of ancient philosophies through poetry
Contributes to understanding Manichaean literature
Highlights the blending of Coptic fragments into contemporary creative work

Abstract

A collection of philosophical/poetry lines as well as a Manichaean Harmony, based primariy on Coptic fragments, by Brian Paul Kaess. Idea for the title came from the various ancient philosophical fragments Brian came across in a book for a master's course on ancient philosophy he took at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. He has written other poems, but many may not be extant. There were harmonies of various kinds by the Manichaeans in antiquity, but the author isn't aware of any lately. Brian's effort resembles a proto-gospel in a raw state, as in the Mani Codex. Though the work presented here may not be perfect, we may yet hope that it breathes good taste.

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