Sabiah
Theosebeia (Θεοσεβεια) is known as tsab't (صابئة) by Arabic speakers and according to modern research is believed to be synonymous with what Rabbinic Judaism calls Noahism. Linguistic research has indicated that the word TheoSeBeia is derived from ger ToShaB (גר תושב). In The Hellenistic-Roman world Noahites were thus called sebeis (σεβείς) while under Islamic Hegemony they were later known as tsabi'un (صابئين) (NB not sabaen سبأيين) making Sabi the best historically attested and widespread term for a multi/non-denominational Noahite. Modern "Sabis" are better known in the English-speaking world as Noahites though some still prefer to call themselves Sabi. These "Sabi" words have commonly, though not completely accurately, been translated as "Godfearers" to designate kinds of Quasi-Proselytes. All of these words are supposed to ultimately have the same origin as the Hebrew תושב. For a detailed introduction to this concept please read through the intensive research of Alberto Fratini and Carlo Prato posted at http://www.ricerchefilosofiche.it/.
The word Sabian has been used to refer to a spectrum of believers ranging from the Sabiah Mushrikun (Harranians) at one end to the Sabiah Hunafa (Petrine Nizariun) at the other. Although "Sabi" groups may share some common concepts or heritage, it is also possible that they refer to completely different groups of people. Sabi'ism is a spectrum from semi-paganism at one end to perfect enlightenemnt at the other. Thus the Harrian Yazdaeans are sabians at one end of the sabian spectrum but it is not the be all and end all of the story. Sabi'ism is a journey from that end to the enlightened end. It is exactly the same way we have to look at Noahide observance. At one end of the spectrum Trinitarians might have a place according to some authorities, while at the other there is no longer any need to think in such terms.
Theosebeia.org
- Main Website: theosebeia.org -- an UNC educational project.
Theosebeia.org (theosebeia.com, godfearers.com, godfearers.org), is an educational project of Kazik Libey who is researching the history of Noahism from Late Antiquity at Cardiff University's Postgraduate School of Religious and Theological studies, and volunteering his time for the UNC. It dedicated to investigating the manifestation of "Noahism" throughout the ages from an historical perspective. It is similiar to wikinoah.org, which covers the same information from a Rabbinical perspective.
Kenite Noahism
Kazik Libey will also be directing a website about Kenite Sabiism for Kenites affiliated with the UNC. Kenite Sabiism is possibly the oldest continual manifestation of Noahism. (Kenites are another name for the people of Jethro who HaShem sent to Midian).
