Paterniani

Paterniani is the name of Manichaean heretics mentioned by St. Augustine and Preedestinatus as believing that the upper and intellectual part of the body was created by God, and the lower or sensual part by the evil one. They were also called Venustians (from Venus, the heathen goddess, who patronized unchastity), and were condemned for their immorality as well as their heresy by Damasus in a council held at Rome in A.D. 367. See Augustine, Haeres. 85; Praedegt. Haeres. 75; Labbe, Concilia, 2:1038.