Around her there also sprang up many sects, deemed heretical, yet containing true traditions of the sacred secret learning, the Cathari and many others, persecuted by a Church jealous of her authority, and fearing lest the holy pearls should pass into profane custody.
"Esoteric Christianity, or The Lesser Mysteries"
Annie Besant
The Templars, as far as can be discovered, were anti-Christian deists; Loiseleur considers that their ideas were derived from Gnostic or Manichean dualists-Cathari, Paulicians, or more particularly Bogomils, of which a brief account must be given here.
"Secret Societies And Subversive Movements"
Nesta H. Webster
A common persecution brought them nearer to the Cathari and favored the fusion of their ideas.
"Life of St. Francis of Assisi"
Paul Sabatier