CATHARISM Meaning and
Definition
-
Catharism, also known as Albigensianism, was a religious and philosophical movement that emerged during the 12th and 13th centuries in Western Europe. It was considered a Christian dualist sect, reflecting elements of Gnosticism and Manichaeism, and sought to differentiate itself from the established Roman Catholic Church.
Catharism promoted the belief in a cosmic struggle between two opposing forces: a benevolent God of light and a malevolent God of darkness. According to Cathar teachings, the material world was seen as inherently evil and corrupt, while the spiritual world was regarded as pure and good. Cathars rejected Catholic sacraments and rituals and denounced the Church's hierarchical structure, clergy, and wealth.
Essential to Catharism was the concept of the perfecti or "pure ones," who were considered the spiritual elite and held strict ascetic lifestyles, including abstaining from reproduction and adhering to a vegetarian diet. They believed in the transmigration of souls and felt that through a ritual known as the Consolamentum, individuals could receive purification and salvation, liberating them from the cycle of reincarnation and returning them to the divine realm.
Catharism gained significant popularity, particularly in the Languedoc region of France, but was eventually declared heretical by the Church. It faced severe persecution through the Albigensian Crusade, which led to the complete suppression of the movement by the early 14th century.
Today, Catharism is largely studied as an early form of religious dissent and an important chapter in the history of religious movements in Europe.
Common Misspellings for CATHARISM
Etymology of CATHARISM
The word Catharism is derived from the Greek word katharos, meaning pure or clean. This term was used to refer to the religious sect called the Cathars or Albigenses, who emerged in the 11th century in the Languedoc region of southern France. The Cathars were known for their belief in dualism and rejection of the material world, considering it inherently evil. Their dedication to a life of simplicity, poverty, and purity, along with their emphasis on spiritual growth, led to the association of their movement with the concept of purity, hence the name Catharism.
Similar spelling words for CATHARISM
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
