jessewaugh.com Centuries after the brutal slaughter of the Cathars by papally endorsed Northern French forces,and their suppression by the Inquisiton 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 12th and 14th centuries, offering a sympathetic yet critical examination of its beliefs and practices. As well as investigating the origin of the Cathars, their relationship to the ancient Gnostics of the early centuries AD and the possibility that they survived the Inquisition in some way, the author also addresses recent renewed interest in Catharism. Eccentric esotericists initiated a neo-Cathar revival in the Languedoc which inspired the philosopher Simone Weil. The German Otto Rahn, who has been called the real-life Indiana Jones, believed that the Cathars were protectors of the Holy Grail and received support from Heinrich Himmler. Arthur Guirdham, a psychiatrist from the West of England, 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's timeslip novel Labyrinth continue to fascinate readers. But what did the Cathars really believe and practice?

RADIO - Jesse Waugh

JESSE WAUGH RADIO

Andrew Phillip Smith - Lost Teachings of The Cathars

MAR 11, 201689 MIN
RADIO - Jesse Waugh

Andrew Phillip Smith - Lost Teachings of The Cathars

MAR 11, 201689 MIN

Description

Andrew Phillip Smith is the author of several books and articles on Gnosticism, early Christianity and esoterica. His books include A Dictionary of Gnosticism, The Gnostics: History • Tradition • Scriptures • Influence, The Lost Sayings of Jesus: Annotated & Explained, Gnostic Writings on the Soul: Annotated & Explained, and The Gospel of Philip: Annotated & Explained. He's also editor of The Gnostic: A Journal of Gnosticism, Western Esotericism and Spirituality.

More about Andrew Phillip Smith: http://www.andrewphillipsmith.com

Lost Teachings of the Cathars: Their Beliefs and Practices By Andrew Phillip Smith Buy on Amazon The Secret History of the Gnostics By Andrew Phillip Smith Buy on Amazon

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