What major difference between the eastern and western churches lead to their SCHISM
The major difference between the Eastern and Western churches that led to their schism was the dispute over the primacy of the Bishop of Rome, also known as the Pope.
In the Eastern Church, the patriarchs of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem held equal authority, and they did not recognize the supremacy of the Bishop of Rome. They believed that the authority and decision-making power should be shared among several leaders.
On the other hand, the Bishop of Rome in the Western Church, who became known as the Pope, claimed primacy and authority over the entire Christian church. The Pope saw himself as the successor of Saint Peter and argued that he had the right to make definitive theological decisions and have jurisdiction over all other bishops.
This difference in the power structure between the Eastern and Western churches led to increasing tensions and disagreements between the two sides. The Western Church saw the Pope as the ultimate authority, while the Eastern Church rejected this claim and believed that each patriarch should have equal standing.
There were also other theological and cultural differences between the two churches that contributed to the schism, such as the use of different languages in religious services (Greek in the East and Latin in the West) and different liturgical practices. However, the primary cause of the schism was the dispute over the authority of the Bishop of Rome. The formal schism between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church occurred in 1054, marking the final separation between the two.
The major difference between the Eastern and Western churches that led to their schism is known as the Filioque controversy.
1. The Eastern Church, known as the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Western Church, known as the Roman Catholic Church, had slight differences in their theological beliefs. One key difference was related to the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith that was agreed upon during the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.
2. The original version of the Nicene Creed, which was accepted by both the Eastern and Western churches, stated that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father. However, in the West, a phrase known as the "Filioque" was added to the Nicene Creed, stating that the Holy Spirit also proceeds from the Son. This addition was made in the Western Church around the 6th or 7th century.
3. The Filioque controversy arose when the Eastern Orthodox Church strongly disagreed with this addition to the Nicene Creed. They believed that altering the creed without a consensus from an ecumenical council was inappropriate. They argued that the Holy Spirit only proceeds from the Father, not from both the Father and the Son.
4. The Western Church, on the other hand, held onto the addition of the Filioque, seeing it as a valid theological development and an important part of their understanding of the Trinity.
5. Over time, the Filioque controversy became one of the major points of contention between the Eastern and Western churches, contributing to their growing rift. The Eastern Orthodox Church viewed the Western Church's addition as a theological error and a violation of church tradition.
6. Despite efforts to resolve the controversy through various ecumenical councils, including the Council of Florence in 1439, no consensus was reached, and the schism between the Eastern and Western churches became official in 1054 AD.
The major difference between the Eastern and Western churches that led to their schism can be attributed to a combination of theological, cultural, and political factors. However, one key difference that played a significant role in the schism was the issue of papal authority.
In the Western Church, the Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, held a position of great authority and claimed supremacy over all other bishops. This belief in the Pope's universal jurisdiction and his role as the final authority in matters of faith and doctrine became a prominent feature of Catholicism.
On the other hand, the Eastern Church, also known as the Orthodox Church, did not recognize the Pope's supremacy or universal jurisdiction. Instead, the Eastern Churches maintained a more decentralized structure, with each patriarchate (such as Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem) having its own autonomy and authority. These patriarchates were considered equal in status, and no single bishop held authority over all others.
This difference in the understanding of the papal authority gradually created tension between the Eastern and Western Churches. Political and cultural differences further exacerbated the divisions, such as the rivalry between the Roman Empire (with its capital in Rome) and the Byzantine Empire (with its capital in Constantinople).
Attempts to resolve these differences were made, but ultimately, the schism became official in 1054 when the Pope in Rome and the Patriarch of Constantinople excommunicated each other.
To summarize, the major difference that led to the schism between the Eastern and Western churches was the question of papal authority, with the Western Church recognizing the Pope's supremacy, while the Eastern Church maintained a more decentralized structure. However, it is important to note that the schism was a complex event influenced by a combination of theological, cultural, and political factors over several centuries.