The Moral Code of the Templar Knights

The Knights Templar remains one of the most fascinating orders history has ever known.

They were warrior-monks and the precursors of banks!

In order to stay loyal to the order amidst all the pressure and brutality of their calling, they needed a strict moral code.  

This code was designed to kill the ego and get a knight to totally submit to God and the Order.

There was an actual book that dictated their daily life, and we’re going to explore some of the most important rules.

1. The Templar Vow of Surrender

Becoming a Templar meant choosing a life of absolute servitude. When a man joined the Order, he swore a triple vow that would define his life from that moment on.

First, he vowed 贫穷. That meant giving up all personal ownership of land or money, and even clothes. Everything a knight had actually belonged to the Order.

Second, he took the vow of chastity to ensure his loyalty wouldn’t be divided between family and the Order.

And third, he swore 服从 to the Grand Master. 

Templars had to follow orders instantly and without question, even when it meant certain death. 

These oaths were meant to strip away any individuality and create a unified fighting force. 

2. To Believe in God and the Church

The very first rule of the Templar code was the foundation of everything: unshakable faith.

They had to believe in the Holy Trinity and the Catholic Church with their whole being. They were the spiritual rock, never giving in to other denominations or religions.

This rule was vital for the Order to last because it provided the moral justification for all the violence. 

The knights believed they were fighting God’s war, so their faith had to remain pure.

Without the veil of faith, they would be little more than mercenaries, fighting for gold and land. 

3. To Live Modestly

Though we imagine knights as rich and powerful noblemen, Templars were also monks. As such, they had to live a simple life.

This is demonstrated in their legendary garment; it’s just a white robe with the red cross. 

They weren’t allowed to wear pointed shoes or any decoration that was considered unnecessary. 

Modesty eliminated jealousy and pride within the ranks. A Templar from a noble family and one of humble beginnings looked exactly the same once they joined the Order.

It kept them focused on their mission rather than appearance and riches. 

4. To Eat in Silence and Moderation

Even mealtime was a ritual of discipline for the Knights Templar. 

When they gathered to eat, one brother would read the scripture aloud while the rest ate in silence. 

With this, they made sure to feed both their bodies and their souls. 

They were forbidden from eating meat more than three times a week, though exceptions were made for holidays. 

Most of the time, their diet consisted of vegetables, grains, and water. 

Gluttony, as one of the seven deadly sins, couldn’t be tolerated. 

5. To Sleep Fully Clothed and Ready

A Templar’s duty didn’t end at sundown. He had to be ready to serve at a moment’s notice, no matter what.

Now, they didn’t have to sleep in chainmail, but they always had to be fully dressed. Their shirts and breeches remained on to make sure they could get ready as quickly as possible.

This rule was born out of necessity during the Order’s mission in the Middle East. 

Surprise attacks were a constant threat, and hesitation meant death. It’s more than likely that they’ve learned this lesson the hard way.

This rule also stripped away their comfort, reinforcing the idea that they were soldiers, first and foremost. 

6. Never to Swear Falsely

In the medieval world, your word was your bond. However, for Templars, this rule was absolute.

They were strictly forbidden from lying or making promises they couldn’t keep. Lying under oath was seen as a direct offense against God.

Honesty protected their reputation and made the connection between the brothers stronger.

If they couldn’t trust each other, how were they supposed to watch each other’s backs in battle? 

Also, the Knights Templar were bankers and diplomats; they couldn’t afford a bad reputation.

7. To Own No Property

The concept of personal possession didn’t exist among the Templars. Everything belonged to the Order, from their horses and weapons, down to the clothes they wore.

If a brother was found with money hidden in his bags, he faced severe punishment, and sometimes even expulsion.

This rule was crucial for preventing corruption. The order managed huge amounts of wealth and couldn’t afford the knights getting greedy.

Brothers relied on each other, living a communal lifestyle. 

The detachment from material goods only made them more dangerous in conflict because they didn’t have much to lose. 

8. To Speak Wisely

The Templars, like all monks, believed in the power of silence. 

They were encouraged to speak little, and when they did speak, it had to be wise and to the point. Idle chatter wasn’t allowed.

This rule was important for maintaining discipline and secrecy. 

Silence was also seen as a way to control oneself. The tongue is prone to sin and anger, so the knights were taught to master their thoughts.

Their silence created a solemn atmosphere and intimidated their enemies and the common people.

It was another way for the Order to earn respect. 

9. To Never Retreat Unless Outnumbered

The Templars were taught to never retreat in battle unless they were outnumbered by at least three to one.

Even then, they were required to keep facing their enemy instead of running away.

This fearlessness cemented their military reputation. They were always on the front lines, always in the most dangerous position.

As monks, they fought with an understanding that death would earn them martyrdom. 

This made them reckless and scary, ensuring they fought like they had absolutely nothing to lose… because they truly didn’t.

10. To Love the Brotherhood

The Templars were required to love God, their brothers, and the Order. 

This rule commanded them to love their fellow knights spiritually, but to reject the love of the world.

Upon entering the Order, they weren’t allowed to touch any women, including those they were related to. 

If a man’s heart was tied to a woman or his family, he might hesitate in a crucial moment or decide to walk away from the Order.

By severing these ties, the Order made sure the knights only had each other. It created a brotherly dynamic and made sure their loyalty was undivided.

11. To Obey Without Hesitation

The hierarchy within the Templars was absolute.

Every knight had to obey the orders of his commander as if he were obeying Christ Himself. 

There was no room for democracy or debate. Once an order was given, it had to be executed.

This also helped their military success.

War created enough chaos, and if each knight followed his own judgment, the entire Order would have fallen apart.

So, it was very clear who created the strategy, who gave the orders, and who made them happen.

It also humbled the knights, teaching them that pride had no place in the Order. 

12. To Hunt No Wild Beasts

Interestingly, the Templars were forbidden from hunting wild beasts. 

Hunting was a favorite pastime of the nobility and a way to demonstrate skill and status. But the Templar code considered it a frivolous distraction. 

Also, it involved killing for sport, and the knights were only meant to fight for the sake of their faith.

Hunting is a solitary activity, and, as mentioned, the knights were discouraged from separating themselves from the brotherhood in any way.

13. To Protect the Weak 

Protecting the pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land was the core mission of the Order.

They were sworn to protect Catholic Christians from bandits, enslavements, robbery, etc.

This mission gave Templars their moral legitimacy. It separated them from common mercenaries.

Every time they escorted a group of travelers safely to Jerusalem, they were fulfilling their vows. 

This is rule is why they’re mainly remembered as chivalrous knights rather than warlords, although history has recorded much of their unnecessary violence. 

14. To Keep Watch and Pray

The Templars were also tasked with keeping watch over the Order and the common people, guarding them from any physical and spiritual threat.

Also, they attended canonical prayer every day. This motivated them to stay loyal to their mission.

Prayer cleansed their souls and kept them humble before God.  

By praying constantly, they acknowledged that their strength came from above. So, this was another way to make sure they didn’t give in to pride.