The Great Schism

Summary

The video script explores the complex history behind the Great Schism of 1054, which divided the Eastern and Western Churches. It discusses cultural, theological, and political factors that contributed to the split, including language barriers, differing practices, and the rise of the Pope's authority. Highlighting key events like the filioque controversy and the First Crusade, the script emphasizes the gradual nature of the division and the ongoing efforts towards reunification, including modern gestures of peace and theological dialogues.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Great Schism of 1054, where the Eastern and Western Churches excommunicated each other, is often seen as the definitive cause of division, but it was part of a long history of conflict.
• 🌐 Cultural differences, including language barriers and social structures, contributed to the early discord between the two Churches.
• 📜 Mistranslations, such as the word 'venerate' being translated as 'adore', led to significant misunderstandings and tensions.
• 🔄 Theological differences, including the role of clerical celibacy and the nature of the Trinity, further strained the relationship between the Churches.
• 🍞 Disputes over practical matters like the use of leavened or unleavened bread in worship added to the theological disagreements.
• 🏰 Political factors, including the rise and fall of empires and the changing role of the bishop of Rome, played a crucial role in the development of the schism.
• 🌀 The filioque controversy, where the West added 'and the son' to the Nicene-Constantinopolitan creed, was a significant point of contention reflecting political and ecclesiastical authority struggles.
• 🛑 The actions of Western soldiers during the First Crusade, including their behavior and the installation of a Latin Patriarch, brought the conflict to the people and deepened the division.
• 🕊️ Since the mid-20th century, there have been significant steps towards reconciliation, including mutual visits by Popes and Patriarchs and theological consultations.
• 📜 The removal of the filioque as a 'Church-dividing' issue by the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation in 2003 was a key step in moving towards unity.
• 🙏 Pope Francis's explicit desire for communion with the Orthodox Churches in 2014 signifies a continued commitment to reunification efforts.

Q & A

What event in 1054 is often cited as the definitive cause of the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western Churches?

The mutual excommunication of the Patriarch of Constantinople and a delegate of the Pope after an unfortunate fight is often considered the definitive cause of the Great Schism.

Why is it not accurate to say that the event in 1054 was the sole cause of the Schism?

While the event in 1054 was dramatic, the script indicates that the Schism's roots go deeper, with disharmony and conflict present for centuries due to a variety of issues.

What cultural factors contributed to the division between the Eastern and Western Churches?

Cultural factors included different social structures, philosophical influences, and language barriers, which made communication and cooperation difficult and led to misunderstandings.

How did the issue of translating 'venerate' as 'adore' in the context of icon veneration contribute to the tension between the two Churches?

The mistranslation of 'venerate' as 'adore' implied idolatry, which was condemned by Charlemagne's council in Frankfurt, thus causing anger and tension with the Eastern Church.

What theological differences existed between the Eastern and Western Churches regarding the nature of the Trinity and the use of bread in worship?

Theological differences included the role of clerical celibacy, the definition and emphasis on the nature of the Trinity, and the use of leavened or unleavened bread in worship, as well as varied fasting rules.

How did political changes and the rise of the bishop of Rome's authority contribute to the Schism?

Political changes, including the fall of Rome and the rise of Islam, led to Rome becoming more isolated and the bishop of Rome asserting more independent authority, eventually seeing himself as the shepherd of all Christendom.

What was the filioque controversy and why was it significant in the context of the Schism?

The filioque controversy arose from the addition of 'and the son' to the Nicene-Constantinopolitan creed, which the East could not accept due to its implications on the Pope's authority over ecumenical councils.

How did the actions of Western soldiers during the First Crusade in 1098 impact the relationship between the Eastern and Western Churches?

The Western soldiers' behavior during the First Crusade, including fighting against the East and acting rudely and greedily, brought the conflict to the level of the people, causing a deep and personal animosity.

What steps have been taken since the 1960s to mend the relationship between the Eastern and Western Churches?

Steps include Pope Paul VI's symbolic embrace of Patriarch Athenagoras I, the establishment of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation, and Pope Francis's explicit statement of seeking communion with the Orthodox Churches.

What conclusion did the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation reach regarding the filioque in 2003?

In 2003, the Consultation concluded and recommended to their respective bishops that the filioque was no longer a 'Church-dividing' issue.

What does the script suggest about the process of unification between the Eastern and Western Churches?

The script suggests that unification, like division, will take time and will require addressing a wide variety of issues, but it is a task worth undertaking if both sides believe they are part of the body of Christ.