Catharan

/ˈkæθərən/ noun

Definition

A follower of Catharism, a heretical Christian movement of the Middle Ages that rejected the material world and Catholic authority.

Etymology

From 'Cathari' (the name of the sect in Greek/Latin) plus the suffix '-an' (meaning 'follower of'). The Cathari believed in a dualistic religion with good and evil principles.

Kelly Says

Catharan heretics were so threatening to the medieval Church that they sparked the first major inquisition and crusades against European Christians—the Albigensian Crusade actually killed thousands of believers!

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