'Was the Order of the Knights Templar actually fathered by the Essay

'Was the Order of the Knights Templar actually fathered by the POLITICS of Bernard of Clairvaux (St.Bernard) If so, what were his (possibly hidden)intentions - Essay Example In this age of turmoil, Bernard de Fontaine, or St. Bernard of Clairvaux, emerged as a man of religious fervor and political acumen who devoted his considerable talents to advance the cause of the Church. Motivated by his perception of the Church’s need in the prevalent political and ecclesiastical climate, St. Bernard used the Order of the Knights Templar to further his vision of an independent, secure Church. St. Bernard of Clairvaux was the embodiment of religious devotion coupled with political astuteness. Bernard was born at Fontaine, near Dijon, France, to Champagne nobility. Even in his formative years, â€Å"Piety was his all† (Bousset, qtd. by Gildas, Catholic Encyclopedia). In 1113, Bernard joined the Benedictine Order at Citeaux. He founded a new House in June, 1115 at Clairvaux, the ‘Valley of Light,’ and served as its’ Abbot for the rest of his life. Bernard practiced a rigid austerity and advocated the revival of the original regularity and devotion of monasticism. Under his charismatic influence, men flocked to his Order. Bernard founded 163 monasteries in different parts of Europe (Gildas, Catholic Encyclopedia). He spurned all opportunities to attain high ecclesiastical office and lived a life characterized by holiness and reputed miracles. His mystical theology deeply influenced Catholic spirituality. He authored about 330 sermons, 500 existing letters and thirteen treatises, whose commendable style secured for him the title, ‘Mellifluous Doctor.’ Bernard’s erudition, eloquence and devotion made him â€Å"the most powerful religious influence in France, and, in time, in all Western Europe† (Questia, Encyclopedia). Bernard died in August 1153 and was canonized in 1174 as St. Bernard of Clairvaux. In addition to his piety, Bernard was a consummate politician, as evidenced by the innumerable occasions on which he played the role of