The Knights Templar

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the Knights Templar, a military and religious order, founded in the early 12 century, for the purposes of protecting Christian pilgrims who were traveling to holy places after the Catholic conquest of the Holy Land. In particular it analyzes whether the Knights Templar, condoned by the Catholic Church, represents a religious order committed to the seemingly opposing principles and ideas of Christian peace and brotherhood of man while remaining dedicated to war and death. It also attempts to document the manner in which the Catholic Church has justified this order in spite of its' allegiance to opposing principles.

Outline
Historical Overview
Criticisms of the Knights Templar
Persecution and Destruction of the Templars
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"When considering the history and traditions of the Knights Templar, it is important to note that these men virtually left no written record by which their own thoughts and actual behavior could be examined. The recorded history of others has suggested that the members' lifestyle was much like that of ordinary monks, with the order's rule having laid down a strict regime on clothing, diet, charitable giving and other living arrangements. While the Knights Templar was the first military order, the order was soon followed by others including the Hospitallers and the Teutonics."

More papers on The Knights Templar:

• Term Paper # 120499 : "The Knights Templar"
• Term Paper # 149422 : "The Fall of the Knights Templar"
• Term Paper # 113074 : "The Knights Templar"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: