„Jak aniołowie w niebie” – stosunek średniowiecznych dualistów (bogomiłów i katarów) do cielesności i jego doktrynalne podstawy

Abstract

Like the Angels in Heaven": The Attitude of Medieval Dualists (Bogomils and Cathars) towards Carnality and its Doctrinal Background The article rises a question of the attitude towards carnality in the religious doctrine and practice of medieval dualists (Bogomils and Cathars). Its main aim is to answer the questions: why did the adherents of these heresies consider sexual intercourse as the worst of all the sins? What was the doctrinal justification of such position and how did it determine their attitude towards women, marriage and procreation? The article also shows how this severe condemnation of sexuality influenced the ways of life of the cathar perfects, and what the simple believers (credentes) thought about it.