The Christian Church Divides
The Christian Church Divides is a Grade 7 history skill from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 1: The Roman and Byzantine Empires. Students learn how differences in language, authority, and practices between Western and Eastern Christianity led to the Great Schism of 1054, permanently splitting Christianity into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Key Concepts
Over time, Christians in the West and East developed different practices. In the West, the Pope in Rome claimed authority over all Christians. In the East, the Byzantine emperor and patriarchs held power. The churches also used different languages—Latin in the West and Greek in the East.
These disagreements led to the Great Schism of 1054 . This was a formal split that divided Christianity into two main branches. The Roman Catholic Church formed in the West, and the Eastern Orthodox Church formed in the East, each with its own leadership and rituals.
Common Questions
Why did the Christian Church divide in 1054?
Eastern and Western Christians disagreed over papal authority, language (Latin in the West vs. Greek in the East), and practices like the use of icons. These differences culminated in the Great Schism of 1054, splitting Christianity into two churches.
What was the Great Schism of 1054?
The Great Schism was the formal split that divided Christianity into the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East. It resulted from long-standing differences in authority, language, and religious practices.
What is an icon in Christianity?
Icons are holy images of Jesus and saints used in religious practice. They became a source of controversy in the Byzantine Empire — some believed using icons was idol worship, while others saw them as aids to prayer.
What chapter in myWorld Interactive Grade 7 covers the Great Schism?
Chapter 1: The Roman and Byzantine Empires in California myWorld Interactive Grade 7 covers how the Christian Church divided.
What is the difference between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christianity?
The Roman Catholic Church is led by the Pope in Rome and uses Latin traditions, while the Eastern Orthodox Church is led by patriarchs in Eastern cities and uses Greek traditions. They split officially in 1054 after centuries of growing differences.