Causes of the Schism
Cultural, linguistic, political, and theological differences grew between the Western (Latin) Church centered in Rome and the Eastern (Greek) Church centered in Constantinople.
Disputes over papal authority, the wording of the Nicene Creed (Filioque clause), and liturgical practices intensified tensions.
The Formal Split
In 1054, mutual excommunications formalized the split into the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East, representing a major mutation in Christianity’s unity.
The Protestant Reformation: 16th Century Transformation
Background and Causes
By the late Middle Ages, criticisms of the Catholic Church’s corruption, sale of indulgences, and doctrinal issues grew.
Martin Luther and 95 Theses
In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to a church door in Wittenberg, challenging church practices and advocating justification by faith alone.
Spread and Diversification
The Reformation led to the creation of multiple Protestant denominations: Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, and others.
This mutation radically altered Christian theology, worship, and ecclesiastical structures shutdown123