In their travels and experiences, Templars discovered both differences and similarities in the religions of the areas they visited. The differences were seen as mostly cultural and in this way, being collectors of esoteric items and secrets, they began to see things differently than their peers and subjects. Secret deals were made as a result and rifts occurred within the groups. They became esoterics as defenders of the exoteric church which is why they meet in seperate 'chapels'.

This is an immensely fascinating topic and I wish I had the time to go depth here. Many, many people have written extensively on it. The twisted web of politics and intrigue that brought down the Templars was something else. And conspiracy involving the Templars abounds.

From a strictly historical perspective though given the environment. The Church particularly prior to and into the Middle Ages would be more ideal for manipulation and influencing. Constant political intrigue, a revolving door of Popes. Religious Clergymen competing for influence. Comparatively more fluid and bendable Doctrine. And no shortage of willing puppets among the Italian nobility and clergy. It isn’t until the Renaissance that the revolving door situation in the church reached some measure of stability and Popes started routinely lasting a decade or more in office.

Versus a far more Militant, secretive and structured Military Religious Order. Which while technically in service to the Pope. The fact their seat of Power was in the Holy Land originally and then later Cyprus. Which at the time was potentially anywhere from weeks away or potentially months away from Rome, and at the time of their demise Avignon, France. Which was the Papal seat at the time. Which limited the amount of influence the Popes or by extension their string pullers could reliably exert over the Templars.

Senior Templar Leaders were actually apparently in France to meet with the Pope when King Phillip IV. A man heavily envious of and indebted to the Templars ordered their seizure. Some debate exists on just how involved the Pope was at in their demise. Some believe he lured the Templars there knowing their fate. Others believe he was just as surprised as they were.

There’s also the alleged curse of Demolay. The last Grand Master of the order. Who declared that his Murderers would follow him within the year. With both Pope Clement and King Phillip being dead within the year. Some sources say that he actually cursed Phillips bloodline as well. Declaring that they would rule in France no more. By 1328 King Phillip IV line would indeed be ended after all his sons would die childless and in quick succession. Divine punishment? Or a curse from Demon worshippers? There remains some debate.

Many organizations trace a lineage or suspected lineage to Templars. The Freemasons being one of the most prominent.

I wish I was in a position to access my sources. But the files are on a computer that I don’t have in my immediate possession at the moment.

I just thought I’d share some anyway