What major difference between the Eastern and Western churches led to their schism?
A.
They disagreed about the use of icons.
B.
They disagreed about the divinity of Christ.
C.
They disagreed about Church leadership and authority.
D.
They disagreed about the language in which scripture should be written and read.
C. They disagreed about Church leadership and authority.
What major difference between the Eastern and Western churches led to their schism?
A.
They disagreed about the use of icons.
B.
They disagreed about the divinity of Christ.
C.
They disagreed about Church leadership and authority.
D.
They disagreed about the language in which scripture should be written and read.
C. They disagreed about Church leadership and authority.
The major difference between the Eastern and Western churches that led to their schism was their disagreement about Church leadership and authority. This difference was known as the East-West Schism, which occurred in 1054 AD and resulted in the formation of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
To understand why Church leadership and authority became a major point of contention, it is important to provide some historical context. The Roman Catholic Church (Western Church) believed in the primacy of the Pope, who held authority over all other bishops. The Pope was seen as the ultimate authority in matters of doctrine and had the power to make decisions for the entire Church.
On the other hand, the Eastern Orthodox Church (Eastern Church) did not accept the Pope's universal authority. They believed in a more decentralized structure, with each bishop having a certain degree of autonomy within their own region. The Eastern Church recognized the authority of the ecumenical councils, where bishops from different regions would gather to make important decisions for the Church.
This difference in understanding of Church leadership and authority gradually led to conflicts and tensions between the Eastern and Western churches. The final breaking point came with the mutual excommunication of Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael Cerularius in 1054 AD. This event marked the formal separation between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. They disagreed about Church leadership and authority.