The Order of the Temple was founded in 1119 with the limited aim of protecting pilgrims around Jerusalem. It developed into one of the most powerful corporations in the medieval world which lasted for nearly two centuries until its suppression in 1312. Despite the loss of its central archive in the sixteenth century, the Order left many records of its existence as the spearhead of crusading activity in Palestine and Syria, as the administrator of a great network of preceptories and lands in the Latin west, and as a banker and ship-owner. Because of the dramatic nature of its abolition, it has retained its grip on the imagination and consequently there has developed an entirely fictional 'after-history' in which its secret presence has been evoked to explain mysteries which range from masonic conspiracy to the survival of the Turin Shroud. This book offers a concise and up-to-date introduction to the reality and the myth of this extraordinary institution.

The monk and the knight -- the two quintessentially medieval European heroes -- were combined in the Knights Templar and in the other military orders founded in the era of the Crusades. With characteristic eloquence, Bernard of Clairvaux voices the cleric's view of knights, warfare, and the conquest of the Holy Land in five chapters on the knights' vocation. Then the cistercian abbot who never visited Palestine and discouraged monks who proposed doing so, in another eight chapters, provides a spiritual tour of the pilgrimage sites guarded by this 'new kind of knighthood and one unknown to ages gone by.'

Barber's classic account endeavours to tackle the unresolved controversies surrounding the consequences of the trial.

America! That is what this book is all about. It is a vision, a journey, a quest, as seen through the eyes of this American, a member of the New Knighthood. I began this book as a reflection on my race for Congress, and my unique political encounters along the way, but it has evolved into much more than that. It eventually expanded to include my experience in post-election Florida to support the Bush-Cheney ticket. And, finally, following America's second "Day of Infamy," it blossomed to include an analysis of America's birth as the Champion of the 8th Great Crusade in the history of man. It is, I pray, a call to action, and a source of hope and encouragement. "Hal Moroz made history in the 2000 Election. He is America's knight in shining armor!" -Dr. James H. Burnham, Chairman, First Congressional District, Georgia GOP "This book should be read by all Americans! Its ability to unify our focus on the originally constituted vision, and I dare say, divine destiny for America, is inspiring!" -Paul E. Hafer, President, Lighthouse Christian Broadcasting, WECC Radio "Welcome to the World of a Guerilla Candidate." -Capital News Service

This new book has proven to be a key component in getting many people; parents, teens, priests, religious educators, men and women of all ages excited about the true meaning of Confirmation as Knighthood in the Kingdom of God. Backed by Sacred Scripture, the Catechism and the writings of the Church Fathers, this book is sure to re-ignite interest in what it means to be a Soldier of Christ in God's Kingdom on earth and how Confirmation accomplishes that. This is an excellent tool for evangelization for both your family and your friends. Get your copy right now and begin to raise up and strengthen the Soldier of Christ in your life.

The true knights of the Middle Ages were passionate about their faith, their relationship with Christ, and their dedication to living by the virtues of Scripture. The order of knighthood was esteemed by all, pursued by many, yet held by only few. The lifestyles, virtues, and commitments held by these knights who were half warriors and half priests were second to none in the medieval era, as well as today. The order of knighthood provided a code to live by a set of guidelines and practices that instilled honor, strength, and valor. This same order also served to set their lives on a track that helped safeguard them against self-inflicted trouble and heartache, insuring they could enjoy God's best for their lives.