The Great Schism

Definition

The Great Schism refers to the division of the Christian church into the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church in 1054. This significant event was marked by political, cultural, and theological differences that had been developing over centuries, impacting the representation of religious figures and themes in literature, including works like The Canterbury Tales.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Schism was not an abrupt event but rather a culmination of growing disagreements over theology, church governance, and cultural practices between the Western and Eastern churches.
2. Key issues leading to the schism included the authority of the pope, the filioque controversy regarding the Holy Spirit's procession, and differing views on the use of icons in worship.
3. The excommunication of mutual leaders, Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael I Cerularius, symbolized the official split and solidified the divide between the two branches of Christianity.
4. The Great Schism had profound effects on Christianity, creating distinct religious identities that influenced art, literature, and societal values across Europe and beyond.
5. In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer reflects the complexities of religious life during this period, showcasing characters who embody different aspects of these diverging traditions.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Schism influence the portrayal of religious figures in The Canterbury Tales?
  • The Great Schism impacted how religious figures were depicted in The Canterbury Tales by highlighting their diverse beliefs and practices. Chaucer's characters often represent various aspects of both Catholicism and Orthodoxy, showcasing their differing approaches to faith and morality. For instance, figures like the Pardoner may be seen as critiques of corruption within the Church, reflecting the skepticism that arose from this significant division in Christianity.
• What are some religious themes present in The Canterbury Tales that can be linked to the controversies surrounding the Great Schism?
  • In The Canterbury Tales, themes such as hypocrisy, moral corruption, and the quest for true faith resonate with the controversies stemming from the Great Schism. Characters like the Monk or Friar illustrate how some religious figures exploited their positions for personal gain, echoing criticisms leveled at both sides during the schism. These themes reflect a broader discontent within Christianity during a time when doctrinal divisions were becoming more pronounced.
• Evaluate how Chaucer’s writing might be interpreted differently through the lens of both Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox perspectives stemming from the Great Schism.
  • Interpreting Chaucer’s writing through both Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox lenses reveals differing understandings of his critiques and celebrations of faith. From a Roman Catholic perspective, Chaucer's emphasis on moral integrity may be seen as a call for reform within a corrupt Church. Conversely, an Eastern Orthodox interpretation might view his work as a reflection on Western excesses, critiquing practices not aligned with their theological views. This duality emphasizes how The Canterbury Tales serves as a dialogue between two branches of Christianity formed by the Great Schism.

Related terms

Papal Authority: The doctrine that the pope has supreme power and authority over the entire Christian church, which became a point of contention between the Eastern and Western churches.

Iconoclasm: The rejection or destruction of religious images, which became a key issue leading to tensions between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions.

Ecumenical Councils: Assemblies of church leaders aimed at addressing issues of doctrine and practice; these councils sought to unify beliefs but often highlighted existing divisions, such as those leading to the Great Schism.