Difference between revisions of "Great Schism"
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== The Name of the Event == | == The Name of the Event == | ||
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"The Great Ecumenical Schism" is the preferred term to succinctly explain what happened and to capture the complexity of the event itself. This is especially so because the term "The Great Schism" is often used to refer to a 14th century schism involving the Avignon [[Papal|Papacy]] (an event also sometimes called the "Babylonian Captivity"). | "The Great Ecumenical Schism" is the preferred term to succinctly explain what happened and to capture the complexity of the event itself. This is especially so because the term "The Great Schism" is often used to refer to a 14th century schism involving the Avignon [[Papal|Papacy]] (an event also sometimes called the "Babylonian Captivity"). | ||
| − | == | + | == Doctrinal Issues: The Filioque == |
While there were many other factors at work in the split, the central idea that caused a separation in the place was dogmatic. As soon as the See of Rome endorsed the idea of the [[Filioque]], there is a split between the true faith and a schismatic faith. Also, as long as the See of Rome continues to make it official dogma, there is still a schism. | While there were many other factors at work in the split, the central idea that caused a separation in the place was dogmatic. As soon as the See of Rome endorsed the idea of the [[Filioque]], there is a split between the true faith and a schismatic faith. Also, as long as the See of Rome continues to make it official dogma, there is still a schism. | ||
To summarize an already [[Filioque|extensive article on the matter]], the Filioque is a word that changes the [[Nicene Creed]] into "[Spiritus Sanctus] ex Patre Filioque procedit" or "[Holy Spirit] proceeds from the Father and the Son." The first appearance into the Creed happened in Spain when Latin theologians were trying to refute a brand of the Arian heresy. The theologians had better access to the writings of Latin theologians, particularly of St. [[Augustine of Hippo]]. Augustine had the notion that the Holy Spirit proceeded from the Father and the Son but that neither were subordinate to each other. So the Creed was changed by a local synod of bishops and the justification was that it both asserts the divinity of Christ (refuting [[Arianism]]) and the unity of the [[Holy Trinity|Trinity]]. | To summarize an already [[Filioque|extensive article on the matter]], the Filioque is a word that changes the [[Nicene Creed]] into "[Spiritus Sanctus] ex Patre Filioque procedit" or "[Holy Spirit] proceeds from the Father and the Son." The first appearance into the Creed happened in Spain when Latin theologians were trying to refute a brand of the Arian heresy. The theologians had better access to the writings of Latin theologians, particularly of St. [[Augustine of Hippo]]. Augustine had the notion that the Holy Spirit proceeded from the Father and the Son but that neither were subordinate to each other. So the Creed was changed by a local synod of bishops and the justification was that it both asserts the divinity of Christ (refuting [[Arianism]]) and the unity of the [[Holy Trinity|Trinity]]. | ||
| − | == | + | == Ecclesiological Issues: The Bishop of Rome == |
| − | == | + | == Other Doctrinal Issues == |
| − | == | + | == Extra-Ecclesial Factors == |
| − | == | + | == Dating the Schism == |
| + | The Great Schism was a gradual estrangement to which no specific date can be assigned although it has been conventionally dated to the year 1054. This date is misleading since it seems to imply that there was peace and unity before 1054, animosity and division afterward. The schism actually took several centuries to crystalize. Some would place the split in the time of Saint Photios, for example -- or even earlier -- or as late as 1204, the year of the Fourth Crusade. | ||
| − | == | + | == Attempts at Reconciliation and Continuing Divergence == |
== The Current Situation == | == The Current Situation == | ||
Revision as of 02:12, August 22, 2005
The Great Schism of 1054 caused a split between the See of Rome (now the Roman Catholic Church) and the other Christian Patriarchates. This division is the subject of many talks between Western and Eastern Christians.
Contents
The Name of the Event
"The Great Ecumenical Schism" is the preferred term to succinctly explain what happened and to capture the complexity of the event itself. This is especially so because the term "The Great Schism" is often used to refer to a 14th century schism involving the Avignon Papacy (an event also sometimes called the "Babylonian Captivity").
Doctrinal Issues: The Filioque
While there were many other factors at work in the split, the central idea that caused a separation in the place was dogmatic. As soon as the See of Rome endorsed the idea of the Filioque, there is a split between the true faith and a schismatic faith. Also, as long as the See of Rome continues to make it official dogma, there is still a schism.
To summarize an already extensive article on the matter, the Filioque is a word that changes the Nicene Creed into "[Spiritus Sanctus] ex Patre Filioque procedit" or "[Holy Spirit] proceeds from the Father and the Son." The first appearance into the Creed happened in Spain when Latin theologians were trying to refute a brand of the Arian heresy. The theologians had better access to the writings of Latin theologians, particularly of St. Augustine of Hippo. Augustine had the notion that the Holy Spirit proceeded from the Father and the Son but that neither were subordinate to each other. So the Creed was changed by a local synod of bishops and the justification was that it both asserts the divinity of Christ (refuting Arianism) and the unity of the Trinity.
Ecclesiological Issues: The Bishop of Rome
Other Doctrinal Issues
Extra-Ecclesial Factors
Dating the Schism
The Great Schism was a gradual estrangement to which no specific date can be assigned although it has been conventionally dated to the year 1054. This date is misleading since it seems to imply that there was peace and unity before 1054, animosity and division afterward. The schism actually took several centuries to crystalize. Some would place the split in the time of Saint Photios, for example -- or even earlier -- or as late as 1204, the year of the Fourth Crusade.
Attempts at Reconciliation and Continuing Divergence
The Current Situation
Related Articles
References
- Vladimir Lossky, The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church
- Philip Sherard, Church, Papacy and Schism
- Timothy Ware, The Orthodox Church
