GREAT SCHISM Meaning and
Definition
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The Great Schism refers to a significant historical event that occurred within Christianity during the 14th and 15th centuries, resulting in the division of the Roman Catholic Church and the creation of separate Western and Eastern branches: the Western Schism and the East-West Schism, respectively. This division stemmed from theological disputes, power struggles, cultural differences, and growing regional tensions within the Church.
In particular, the Western Schism, also known as the Papal Schism, originated with the election of two competing popes in 1378. The French cardinals selected Clement VII as pope, who established his papacy in Avignon, while the Italian cardinals chose Urban VI, based in Rome. This conflicting papal authority led to a rupture within Western Christianity, as various monarchs, clergy, and theologians supported different claimants.
Meanwhile, the East-West Schism had already occurred in 1054, separating the Latin-speaking Western Christianity led by the Pope and the Greek-speaking Eastern Christianity led by the Patriarch of Constantinople. This schism was primarily a result of theological and cultural differences between the two regions, metaphysical disputes, the authority of the Pope, and the Byzantine Empire's territorial decline.
Overall, the Great Schism represents a significant rift in Christian history, as it divided the faith into different factions with distinct beliefs, practices, and leadership structures. While subsequent efforts have been made towards reunification, the effects of this schism continue to resonate within Christianity to this day.
Common Misspellings for GREAT SCHISM
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- grezt schism
- grest schism
Etymology of GREAT SCHISM
The etymology of the term "Great Schism" originates from the Latin word "schisma", which means a division or rift. In the context of Christianity, it refers to the division that occurred within the Catholic Church in the 14th and 15th centuries. The "Great Schism" is also commonly referred to as the "Western Schism" or the "Papal Schism". The split resulted in the existence of two, and eventually three, rival popes, each claiming the legitimate seat of the papacy. Thus, the term "Great Schism" is used to describe this significant division and split of the Catholic Church during that era.
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