Which of the following was a political cause of the East-West Schism? (1 point)
• disputes over the language of religious service
• disputes over the role of religious icons
• disputes over the nature of God and the Nicene Creed
• disputes over the leadership of the Christian Church
disputes over the leadership of the Christian Church
The political cause of the East-West Schism was disputes over the leadership of the Christian Church.
To determine the political cause of the East-West Schism, let's analyze each option and see which one aligns with the political aspect of the conflict:
1. Disputes over the language of religious service: While language played a role in the overall divide between the Eastern and Western Churches, it was primarily a theological and cultural aspect, rather than purely political.
2. Disputes over the role of religious icons: This issue, known as the Iconoclastic Controversy, was indeed a factor in the schism. However, it primarily revolved around religious and theological differences, rather than political motives.
3. Disputes over the nature of God and the Nicene Creed: These theological disagreements were certainly present and contributed to the schism. However, they were not the central political cause of the divide.
4. Disputes over the leadership of the Christian Church: This option aligns most directly with the political aspect of the schism. The main issue was the question of who held ultimate authority over the Christian Church, with the Pope in Rome and the Patriarch in Constantinople both claiming supremacy. This dispute over leadership played a significant role in the schism.
Therefore, the correct option regarding the political cause of the East-West Schism is: disputes over the leadership of the Christian Church.