Catharism refers to a religious movement that emerged in medieval Europe, particularly in the 12th and 13th centuries. It was characterized by dualistic beliefs, which posited a distinction between a good spiritual god and an evil material god, often associated with the teachings of the Cathars, a group that rejected the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Catharism emphasized personal spirituality, asceticism, and the pursuit of purity, leading to a conflict with the established church, which ultimately resulted in persecution and the Albigensian Crusade aimed at eradicating the movement.
