The Oath and Motto of the Knights Templar

The Templar motto, "Non Nobis Domine, Non Nobis, Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam"—translated as "Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give the glory"—captures the essence of their mission. This phrase, from Psalm 115 in the Hebrew Bible (or Psalm 113 in the liturgical Bible), reflects the Templars' belief that their actions were not for personal glory but for the glory of God. The motto underscores the Templars’ dedication to serving a higher purpose, a principle that guided their every action.

The oath taken by the Knights Templar was a solemn pledge to uphold the Christian faith, protect fellow knights, and obey the highest authorities. It encapsulated their commitment to defending the faith and their readiness to sacrifice their lives in the service of their beliefs. Here is an excerpt from their oath:

"In the name of the Most Holy, Blessed and Glorious Trinity and in the presence of the Knights here assembled, I solemnly promise and swear never to reveal the secrets of a Knight of the Temple to anyone who has not received that rank... I further solemnly promise that I will faithfully maintain and defend the holy Christian faith against all unprovoked attacks by its enemies... I will protect, to the best of my ability, the closest and dearest relatives and friends of any Temple Knight... I swear to respect all these points faithfully, without hesitation, mental restriction, or false evasion of any kind. May Christ help me and arm me with firmness to fulfill this solemn obligation."

This oath highlights the Templars' unwavering devotion to their mission, their readiness to defend the faith, and their strong sense of duty to their fellow knights.

A Knight's Dual Purpose: Soldier and Christian

The Knights Templar embodied a dual identity, both as warriors and as devout Christians. Their motto and way of life reflected this duality, urging them to always remember their ultimate goals: to fight valiantly as soldiers and to live righteously as Christians.

Historically, the Knights Templar were seen as defenders of the holy places and fighters against what Saint Bernard de Clairvaux called the "dark forces." They were known for their austere lifestyle, living without personal possessions and dedicating themselves entirely to their mission. Saint Bernard described them as warriors who armed themselves with faith and iron, fighting with courage and trusting in God's strength.

The Templars’ mission was one of ultimate devotion, where death was not seen as an obstacle but as a meaningful part of their commitment. Today’s Templars continue to uphold these principles, promoting the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, enriched by a deep spirituality. They honor the legacy of the original Templars, who gave their lives to ensure the endurance of the Christian faith.

The Enduring Legacy of the Knights Templar

The Knights Templar's influence can still be seen today in the lasting architectural monuments they left behind, such as the fortresses in Palestine and the commanderies across Europe. These structures, like the chapel of the Dognon commandery in Cressac, south of Angoulême, with its murals depicting the first Crusade, serve as reminders of the Templars' historical significance.

The motto of the Knights Templar, "Non Nobis Domine, Non Nobis, Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam," continues to resonate as a testament to their dedication to a higher purpose, reflecting their dual identity as both soldiers and devout Christians. The Templars' legacy endures, inspiring those who seek to live by the values they championed centuries ago.