[FateAmenableToChange]

and even the mummified head of Christ.

Actually, all the legends I've ever heard have referred to the mummified head of John the Baptist, who allegedly really was beheaded, rather than Christ who died on the cross and lives again.

But, hey, if they're going to fantasize about an ancient cult that has little more historical basis than the last Indiana Jones movie, they might as well toss some blasphemy in there too.

[Xenalyte]

But, hey, if they're going to fantasize about an ancient cult that has little more historical basis than the last Indiana Jones movie, they might as well toss some blasphemy in there too.

The Templars aren't at all fictitious. Over the last millennium, they evolved into what we now call Freemasons. (Before y'all flame me, my daddy's a Mason, and I was a Rainbow Girl; this isn't anti-Masonic bigotry, but cultural history.)

Founded in the late 1100s by what-would-become-French nobles to protect travelers on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, they outgrew their mission and became a mercenary army. They're credited with developing the credit system; they acted as bankers to the newborn European powers.

Eventually, as all non-monarchical powers, they were deemed a threat by the French monarchy, and Philippe le Bel had the Order suppressed in the 1300s, burning alive Jacques DeMolay, the head of the Order in France. (That's where the Order of DeMolay comes from today.)

I refer you to the fascinating Holy Blood, Holy Grail (authors: Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln) for more info.

I do concede that much non-historical ink has been spilt on behalf of (or in repudiation of) the Templars, but they did in fact exist.

[Cultural Jihad]

... an ancient cult that has little more historical basis than the last Indiana Jones movie ...

Did you mean to go visit 'come-bash-christianity.com' instead?

[Pearls Before Swine]

Actually, all the legends I've ever heard have referred to the mummified head of John the Baptist, who allegedly really was beheaded, rather than Christ who died on the cross and lives again.

With no disrespect intended, this sentence sounds like something out of "Highlander."

[Jhoffa_]

Actually, all the legends I've ever heard have referred to the mummified head of John the Baptist..

Yes, that would make much more sense..

It's still most likely a crock, but it's a much more believeable crock.