The 11thcentury dawned with a new religion spreading rapidly across northern Italy and southern France, creating such a hub-bub and raising caution with Catholic leadership. The papacy labeled this religion’s claim to authority from Christ, and their profoundly different theology, as heretical. The Church saw its growth as a threat, and sent priests to the Languedoc to bring these lost souls back into the fold. Sincere preachers taught and debated with the Cathars for decades, finding some success, but most heretics resisted converting or denouncing their faith.
During these thriving years, this new religion was not particularly known as Cathars, but asBons Hommes,or the Good Men. The term Cathar has become popular to distinguish them since their demise. This religion attracted new believers because Cathar preachers were tradesmen and their own neighbors, and taught in the language the people understood. They charged no taxes, and lived peaceful lives of self-discipline.
After years of fruitless persuasion, in 1209 the papacy abandoned its converting tactics and declared war against the Cathars.
The pope charged the Dominican and Franciscan orders to track them down in what became known as the Albigensian Crusade--the beginnings of the Inquisition. The cry changed from “Convert them!” to “Exterminate them!” These priests who previously had preached with love and sincere intent on converting souls, almost overnight became the executioners of the Inquisition.
The most horrendous act that began the crusade happened at Beziers. In July 1209, the papal legate ordered to kill all in the city. But the objection was made that half the population were Catholics. “Kill them all. God will know his own!” the leader answered. Nearly twenty-thousand people died that day, as many Catholics as Cathars.
Crusades had been going on for centuries, but warriors had always fought in far off countries and with those considered heathens and enemies to Christianity. But now, reluctant soldiers were required to fight against neighbors and their own families who were Cathar believers. The war was too close to home.
The Inquisition was initially meant to be temporary, but after Catharism was well under control, the killing went on for at least five more centuries to include Jews, Muslims, and anyone who dared to go against the established beliefs of the Church. One could not stand up for what he believed without being arrested, and even tortured until death. Millions died at the Inquisitors’ hands—ironically, by priests charged with teaching the Gospel of Love. |
Shadows of Montsegur tells of the Cathars' last days at the fortress of Montsegur.
