catharism
/ˈkæθərɪzəm/
noun
- The beliefs and practices of the Cathari, a medieval Christian group that saw the material world as evil and emphasized spiritual purity.
- Many books have been written about the rise and fall of Catharism in Europe.
- The spread of Catharism in the 12th century worried church leaders.
- Catharism taught that the soul was trapped in a physical body created by an evil force.