Catharism

Catharism was a religious movement that emerged in medieval Europe, particularly in southern France, during the 12th and 13th centuries. It was characterized by dualistic beliefs, positing a struggle between good and evil forces. Cathars rejected the material world, viewing it as the creation of an evil deity, and emphasized spiritual purity, asceticism, and direct personal experience of God. They opposed the Roman Catholic Church, which they believed was corrupt. The movement led to the Albigensian Crusade, an effort by the Church to eradicate Cathar beliefs and regain control over the region. Catharism ultimately declined by the 14th century.