What If the Knights Templar Had Never Been Abolished?
- Templar Webmaster
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
History is full of “what ifs,” but few are as intriguing as this: What if the Knights Templar had never been disbanded in 1312?
Imagine a world where this medieval military-monastic order survived the political intrigue of the 14th century. Where no inquisitions, no papal pressure, and no King Philip IV brought their downfall. Instead of vanishing into myth, the Templars thrived — adapting, evolving, and shaping the modern world in surprising ways.
Let’s take a walk through that alternate timeline, shall we?
A Surviving Order: Medieval Minds in a Modern World
If the Templars had endured, they likely would have undergone a transformation similar to other religious and chivalric orders — think the Sovereign Military Order of Malta or the Jesuits. But the Templars had something those groups did not: massive land holdings, military organisation, and what was arguably the world’s first international banking network.
By the 17th century, they might have resembled a cross between the Vatican and a multinational defense contractor. By the 21st century? Well…
Welcome to the 21st-Century Templar Order
The Templar Bank of Europe
Forget Swiss banks. In this world, the Templar Treasury would be the oldest — and perhaps the most powerful — financial institution on the planet. Secure, ethical, and rooted in a centuries-old code of honour, it might be the go-to banking service for humanitarian organisations, charities, and even governments.
Their motto? “Fides et Securitas” — Faith and Security.
Templar Aid Corps
Imagine a global humanitarian branch of the Order — a kind of spiritual Red Cross with armoured vehicles. The Templar Aid Corps might be seen in conflict zones, natural disaster sites, and war-torn regions, offering protection to civilians and safeguarding sacred sites.
They’d be part monks, part medics, part peacekeepers.
Templar Knights in Cybersecurity?
It’s not just swords anymore. In the modern world, the Templar mission could involve digital warfare — defending the weak from online exploitation, protecting privacy rights, and combating misinformation. Picture a team of white-hat hackers operating under a digital Rule, bound by ethics and discipline, tracing their mission back to Jerusalem.
Knight-programmers in hooded cloaks? Why not.
Architecture and Global Presence
In cities across Europe and the Middle East, Templar architecture — grand, fortress-like churches and commanderies — would still be operational. But instead of war rooms and stables, these might now house:
Schools of ethics and leadership
Templar universities (offering degrees in theology, diplomacy, and counterterrorism)
Retreat centres for veterans, trauma victims, or spiritual seekers
Imagine seeing a red cross banner flying proudly from historic buildings in London, Paris, Lisbon, and even New York.
Politics, Religion, and Culture
Would the Templars have taken political power? Possibly — but likely as advisors rather than rulers. Their charter always placed them under direct papal authority, but had they evolved independently, they might function like a sovereign NGO with religious roots. Their neutrality in war, similar to the Knights Hospitaller, could have made them a powerful moral voice in international diplomacy.
In pop culture? Move over Marvel. A real-life Order of warrior-monks with centuries of history, futuristic gear, and spiritual gravitas would be every filmmaker’s dream.
But… Would They Still Take Vows?
Here’s the fun twist. Would modern Templars still live by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience?
Maybe. But reinterpreted:
Poverty as minimalism and ethical stewardship of wealth.
Chastity as integrity in relationships and public life.
Obedience as loyalty to a higher cause, not just hierarchy.
In short, the 21st-century Templar might wear a tailored suit by day, armour (or a flak jacket) by night, and live by an ancient code in a high-tech world.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Endures
Even though the Order was officially disbanded over 700 years ago, its mythos has never died. From whispers of hidden treasure to modern Templar-inspired societies, the flame still flickers.
Maybe that’s because the idea of the Templars — men who served with discipline, courage, and sacred purpose — speaks to something timeless.
And who knows? In a parallel timeline, they’re still out there — defending pilgrims, guarding the innocent, and ensuring the light never goes out in the darkest corners of the world.
If you’d would like more information on joining our autonomous order of modern Knights Templar, please visit our “join us” page.
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