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Manicheism
A catechumen is a candidate for Christian baptism. Catechumens underwent a period of instruction that usually lasted a couple of years and then joined the church. However, in Augustine’s day, it wasn’t unheard of for people to maintain catechumen status for most of their lives, only receiving baptism near death. Augustine was enrolled as a catechumen as a child but didn’t profess Christian faith and undergo baptism until his early 30s.
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Catechumen Term Timeline in Confessions
The timeline below shows where the term Catechumen appears in Confessions. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Book 5
...he decided to leave the Manichees. For the time being, he chose to remain a catechumen in the Church, “until I could clearly see a light to guide my steps.”
(full context)
