The Cathars: The Most Successful Heresy of the Middle Ages

I think Martin is probably successful in what he is trying to achieve with this book. I suspect this is supposed to be a simple introduction and basic history of the Cathars. The strength of the book is its easy to read writing style that does not require much energy or analysis by the reader. The book gives the overview of the Cathars with some introductions of Christian heresies in an attempt to set this heresy in its context. I have previously read about the Cathars, so was able to fill in some of the gaps in this book. Martin fails to present much depth in his writing of the theological nuances of the Cathars that make it a severe heresy of Christianity. I think he could have written more about their theology and why the Roman Catholic Church was so intent on wiping them out. As Martin explains, the Cathars gained a sympathetic view then and now because of their asceticism and pietism. Their lifestyles and behavior exemplified many positive religious characteristics; however, their theology was heretical and misguided. Martin writes enough about it for readers to see where it differed from orthodox Christianity. I don't think theology is Martin's strong point, as he offers no value judgement on orthodox Christianity versus the heresies that sprouted. Martin shows some of the political constructions of the middle ages that led to the ever-changing alliances between rulers and the Roman Catholic Church that determined the treatment of the Cathars in France. Here again Martin provides the basics but does not go into much depth about the relationships between the Roman Catholic Church and the leaders of France or from where the Inquisition got and sustained its power over people. Despite its weaknesses in scholarship and the fact that he repeats the idea that the apostle Paul as the first Christian heretic, this is a well done primer on the Cathars and on heresies in general. It also shows the worldliness of the Roman Catholic (universal) Church during the middle ages.

If you are going to visit Southern France and want a quick study on the subject of the Cathars, then this book will suffice. You'll probably be able to read it on the plane. From the short stories about Carcassone and Montsegur, and the eventual demise of the Cathars in the midst of the Albigensian crusade, this is a nice "readers digest" version of the sect. If however, you are looking for a deeper understanding of the Cathars, look to The Other God.