CATHARS

Heretical sect, also known as the Good Men, as they followed the teachings of Jesus Christ as set out in the Gospel of John. Dualists who believed in the eternally warring forces of Good (things spiritual) and Evil (things material) - and that this world is, being one of matter, is evil. Purpose of life is to return to the world of the spirit. Believed everyone can speak directly to God, so no need for priests. As teachers women held equal authority with men. Threatened the existence of the Church of Rome so Pope declared a crusade against them and virtually exterminated them, burning at the stake being favoured method of execution.