The origins of the Crusades was a call by the Pope. From that speech, I'm sure the mobilization of forces took time and were centered in many places. The Templars are one group among many.
The first knights of templer if am not mistaken, got tired and stop serving papacy and it's quest, and they went into hiding since being wanted by the papacy for treason.
Therefore while residing in certain country around Europe that was safe, they became investors and business merchants controlling the trade, as per to my knowledge.
Yes, when they say they are a religion of peace, that is in their world view that Islam is a house of peace and all others are in the house of war. In other words, they blame infidels existence for war. There can only be peace in Islam when all submit to its ideology. But this does not hold up to scrutiny because Muslims fight amongst themselves also.
Very true, since it is written that, 'The god of this world have blinded the minds of unbelievers.'
Sadly being deceived by the devil who lies and have no truth in him, that's one big fat excuse and lie from the muslims themselves unknowingly, that islam can make the world a better place.
For one, witness their own nations fully controlled by Islam both state and religion, and in what condition it is, ruins, devastated, torture, murder, division etc.
Besides the rich nominal outwardly muslim nations which closely collaborate with the West, compromised with modernized infidel structures and living
To them who are true muslims and live by the quran in context, such muslims who collaborate with the West and it's way of life, are 'infidel' themselves, and to be put to death.
Like how the Jews themselves as blind guides made a mess handling and practicing the Law and the Prophets, even having injustice prevailed among the citizens, until Christ came to straighten it.
The same the muslims as blind guides will make a mess worldwide handling and practicing the quran, islam and syaraiah law on everybody.
Even when what was 'wheat' sown by GOD HIMSELF, in sin and while deceived by satan, the Jews themselves as leaders of GOD's people apparently made a mess.
What about 'tares' sown by satan himself, in sin and since satan have blinded the minds of unbelievers including muslims, imagine will make worldwide?
Chaos!
Remember the 'nolocaust', just because of one man's genius ideology to make the world a better place that caused the lives of 6 milion Jews by paper alone.
When GOD punishes and take lives by HIS right and fair judgement but He's still able to give them a second chance and bring them back to life.
But when a likewsie sinner man punishes and take lives by his self right and fair judegment, but he's not able to do like GOD, but rather burn in hell himself.
Shalom in the name of Jesus Christ