East West Schism Essay

Schism is referred to as a split or separation between two oppositing parties which is caused by a difference in their beliefs or thoughts or ideas. The East-West schism and the Catholic-Protestants’ division occurred in the year 1054 and 1517 respectively. It is believed that the Eastern and Western church were wrong about each other’s ideas of service and were misled to the point of separation to avoid more misunderstanding between them. The east-west schism which is generally known as the ‘Great Schism’ is the break of the bond between what is now called the eastern orthodox and the western Roman Catholic churches. The split began in the 11th century, as a result of disagreement and quarrels between the Byzantium (orthodox) and the Roman Catholics. Their separation grew wider apart from each other over the century. The cause of the split of the east-west church are numerous, ranging from the filioque doctrine to the crowning of Charlemagne by pope Leo III and the excommunications of the representatives of popes. The filioque doctrine; signifies that the Holy Spirit comes from the father, and from the son, and not just from the father alone. This doctrine

The East-West schism was caused by the different belief in the fillioque doctrine, different theologies and geographical areas and finally the refusal of papal legates. The outcome of this schism led to excommunications and final separation between the two churches. In respect to the Catholic-Protestant schism, the split was caused by the church and the teaching authority. The Protestants were not ready to succumb and agree to the teachings of the Catholic Church and their past leaders who Christ ordained by himself. This led to the disagreement of the Catholic-Protestant teaching authority and brought about self-constructed doctrines, rebellious act against God and finally their split and