Lost Teachings of the Cathars

Their Beliefs and Practices

Andrew Philip Smith

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English

Watkins Publishing
01 November 2018

Popular beliefs & controversial knowledge

Popular authors from Dan Brown to Kate Mosse have touched on the mysterious Cathar sect in their writings.

A deep-dive into the history, culture, and legacy of the medieval Christian dualist movement, Catharism-as seen in popular novels by Dan Brown and Kate Mosse

Centuries after the brutal slaughter of the Cathars by papally endorsed Northern French forces, and their suppression by the Inquisition, the medieval Cathars continue to exert a powerful influence on both popular culture and spiritual seekers. Yet few people know anything of the beliefs of the Cathars beyond vague notions that they believed in reincarnation, were vegetarians, were somehow Gnostic, and had some relation to Mary Magdalene. The Lost Teachings of the Cathars explores the history of this Christian dualist movement between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, offering a sympathetic yet critical examination of its beliefs and practices.

In addition to investigating the Cathars' origin, their relationship to Gnosticism, and their possible survival of the Inquisition, author Andrew Philip Smith also addresses theories and figures from the Cathars' recent past. Eccentric esotericists initiated a neo-Cathar revival in the Languedoc which inspired the philosopher Simone Weil. The German Otto Rahn-the real-life Indiana Jones-believed that the Cathars were protectors of the Holy Grail and received support from Heinrich Himmler. Meanwhile, English psychiatrist Arthur Guirdham became convinced that he and a circle of patients had all been Cathars in previous lives.

Tourists flock to the Languedoc to visit Cathar country. Bestsellers such as Kate Mosse' timeslip novel Labyrinth continue to fascinate readers. But what did the Cathars really believe and practice?

By: Andrew Philip Smith
Imprint: Watkins Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: New edition
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 135mm, Spine: 20mm
Weight: 306g
ISBN: 9781780287157
ISBN 10: 1780287151
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 01 November 2018
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Andrew Phillip Smith is editor of The Gnostic and the author of several books on Gnosticism, esotericism and early Christianity, including the first ever Dictionary of Gnosticism. He has also written for New Dawn, Fortean Times and, The Guardian. Originally from Wales, he now lives in Dublin and has also lived in London and California.

Reviews for Lost Teachings of the Cathars: Their Beliefs and Practices

How refreshing to move from our contemporary culture of Christian literalism to a spiritual world alive with symbol, metaphor and the poetry of the Divine. Ron Miller, Religion Department chair, Lake Forest College, author of The Gospel of Thomas: A Guidebook for Spiritual Practice Provides us with a wealth of insightful annotations, and the translation is the most accessible to date. All of those with an interest in Gnostic tradition and its sacraments will be happy to receive this splendid work! Stephan A. Hoeller, author of Gnosticism, Jung and The Lost Gospels and The Gnostic Jung An excellent new translation and annotation that brings a fascinating Gnostic text to life. A valuable contribution to our ongoing efforts to understand the richness of early Christianity. Timothy Freke, coauthor of The Jesus Mysteries, Jesus and the Lost Goddess and The Laughing Jesus