Week 22 Review Essay

1) What was the Great Schism? What factors brought it on?
The Great Schism was a separation that occurred in 1054, between the Eastern Orthodox churches and the Western Catholic churches. There was a terrible rift with the two denominations over who should hold religious authority. The main source of division was the Orthodox people's dire need for increased reverence and position. They were adamant that their city, Constantinople, should take first place in the seat of church dominance. Especially they wanted to be the prevailing power over Rome, as second best or even as their equal. In the past, Rome had been realized because it was the Capital of Italy, and also where Saint Peter founded the church. But the eastern people were still persistent that their city was just as important. They wanted Constantinople to be the new Rome. Their persuasive thesis was that Constantinople had also been founded by a Saint, Saint Andrew. This was only one of a number of factors that contributed to the dissension within them. There was also issues because of differences in language. The Catholics used Latin in their documents and the Orthodox used Greek. Also the geographical placement of the churches caused problems, with the Western church in Rome and Eastern church in Constantinople.
Other distinctions were in the practices of each church. For instance, the Orthodox allowed clerical marriage and used leavened bread, during the Eucharist. (Note:The Eucharist is a ceremony in memory of the Last Supper). The Catholics advocated for clerical celibacy and would only use unleavened bread. In the East, they were very submissive to the Byzantine emperor. The Western Catholics were not required to be under the political control of the emperor.

 The last straw, so to speak, that sparked a permanent end, was the excommunication of the Patriarch of Constantinople. Michael I Cerularius was promptly dismissed, forbidden from performing sacraments by Pope Leo IX in 1059 B.C. This act signified a final divide between the two churches, that lasted for over three decades.
 

3) What are the sacraments?

The sacraments are signs of invisible grace, that can be perceived by one of the five senses. There are 7 in total, that are administered within the church, by the bishops. They include baptism,confirmation, the Eucharist, healing(which comprises Penance & Healing of the Sick), and the Sacraments of Service:Holy Order and Matrimony. According to traditional Catholic belief, these sacraments were put in place by Christ himself and are given by his servants the priests. The spirit of grace can be seen in baptism, with the physical appearance of water on a person's head. In penance, your sins after baptism are forgiven by a priest. The evidence of this can be heard, when the priests pronounces you clean. These are two examples of how the sacraments are implemented in literal terms. They are regarded as holy and sacred by the Catholic church and very symbolic and serious. 


4)What is an indulgence?
An indulgence lifts the burden of temporal punishment for sins from a person. Temporal punishment is the earthly consequences a sinner would normally have for wrongdoing. Indulges would lesson the severity of the penalty that was imposed. There is, however, some common misconceptions about indulgences that should be clarified. Many people think indulgences are the purchase of forgiveness of sins. This is not the case at all, contrary to popular belief. You can't buy your way into restitution. In order for the indulgence to be valid, you have to already have your sins forgiven in confession.After repenting of them, you are granted absolution by a priest.
Indulgences can also be used for the deceased by eliminating a person's time in purgatory.