Great Schism

Definition

The Great Schism, also known as the East-West Schism, was the break of communion between the Christian churches of the East and West, which occurred in the 11th century. This event marked a major division in the history of Christianity, leading to the establishment of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church as separate entities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Schism was primarily caused by theological and political differences between the Eastern and Western churches, including disputes over the role of the Pope and the Filioque clause.
2. The immediate trigger for the schism was the mutual excommunication of the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Pope of Rome in 1054 CE.
3. The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church have different traditions, liturgies, and understandings of the role of the Pope and the nature of the Holy Spirit.
4. The Great Schism led to the establishment of separate ecclesiastical jurisdictions, with the Eastern Orthodox Church centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and the Roman Catholic Church centered in Rome.
5. The Great Schism had long-lasting consequences, as it led to the permanent division of Christianity into two major branches, with each side developing distinct theological, liturgical, and administrative traditions.

Review Questions

• Explain the key factors that led to the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western Christian churches.
  • The Great Schism was primarily caused by a combination of theological and political differences between the Eastern and Western churches. Theological disputes, such as the Filioque clause and the role of the Pope, were central to the conflict. The Eastern Orthodox Church rejected the Western addition of the Filioque clause to the Nicene Creed, which stated that the Holy Spirit proceeded from both the Father and the Son. Additionally, the Eastern churches challenged the Pope's claim of universal authority over the entire Christian community, known as papal primacy. These theological disagreements were exacerbated by political tensions and power struggles between the ecclesiastical centers of Constantinople and Rome, leading to the mutual excommunication of their respective leaders in 1054 CE and the permanent division of Christianity.
• Analyze the long-term consequences of the Great Schism on the development of Christianity.
  • The Great Schism had far-reaching consequences for the development of Christianity. The permanent division between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church led to the establishment of distinct ecclesiastical jurisdictions, each with its own traditions, liturgies, and understandings of theological doctrines. This separation hindered the ability of the Christian churches to coordinate and respond to challenges, such as the rise of Islam and the Protestant Reformation. The Great Schism also contributed to the decline of the Byzantine Empire, as the political and religious tensions between Constantinople and Rome weakened the Eastern Christian world. Furthermore, the schism fostered an environment of mutual suspicion and hostility between the two branches of Christianity, which persisted for centuries and continues to shape the relationship between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches to this day.
• Evaluate the significance of the Great Schism in the context of the broader changes taking place in Europe during the 11th century, as described in the topic '1.2 Europe on the Brink of Change'.
  • The Great Schism occurred during a period of significant change and upheaval in Europe, as described in the topic '1.2 Europe on the Brink of Change'. In the 11th century, Europe was undergoing a series of transformations, including the rise of feudalism, the growth of cities and trade, and the increasing power of the Catholic Church. The Great Schism, with its theological and political dimensions, was both a product of and a contributor to these broader changes. The division between the Eastern and Western churches weakened the overall influence of Christianity in Europe, at a time when the Church was seeking to consolidate its authority. Additionally, the Great Schism exacerbated tensions between the Byzantine Empire and the emerging powers of Western Europe, such as the Holy Roman Empire, which were vying for political and religious dominance. In this context, the Great Schism can be seen as a significant event that shaped the trajectory of European history, as the continent moved towards the transformative changes of the High Middle Ages.

Related terms

Patriarch: A patriarch is a senior bishop in Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Christianity, with authority over an ecclesiastical jurisdiction known as a patriarchate.

Filioque Clause: The Filioque clause is a phrase added to the Nicene Creed by the Western Church, stating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. This became a major point of contention between the Eastern and Western churches.

Papal Primacy: Papal primacy is the doctrine that the Pope, as the successor of Saint Peter, has a unique and universal authority over the Church, making him the head of the entire Christian community.