term "Cathar"

The term "Cathar" refers to members of a religious movement that emerged in 12th-13th century southern France, known as the Cathar or Albigensian movement. They believed in a dualistic worldview, viewing the material world as evil created by a lesser god, in contrast to a spiritual realm created by a good god. Cathars rejected the authority of the Catholic Church, practiced a form of asceticism, and emphasized spiritual purity. Their beliefs led to severe persecution by the church and secular authorities, ultimately resulting in their decline by the 14th century.