| − | '''The Cathars''' were an 11th-13th AD century Gnostic Christian sect that flourished in the Languedoc region of [[France]]. Cathar theology was influenced by the Bogomils and, to an extent, the teachings of the prophet Mani. | + | '''The Cathars''' were an 11th-13th AD century Gnostic Christian sect that flourished in the Languedoc region of [[France]]. Cathar [[theology]] was influenced by the Bogomils and, to an extent, the teachings of the prophet Mani. In the Languedoc, famous at the time for its high culture, tolerance and liberalism, the Cathar religion took root and gained more adherents during the twelfth century. Cathars believed in two principles, a good creator god and his evil adversary. Cathars called themselves Christians, the [[Catholic]] Church called them Albigenses, or less frequently Cathars. |