What lessons from the Great Schism can believers learn today about schisms and splits in churches and how to prevent them?

Each reply must incorporate at least 2 scholarly citation(s) in Turabian format (note-bibliography or author-date). Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the textbook(s), the Bible, etc.
What lessons from the Great Schism can believers learn today about schisms and splits in churches and how to prevent them?

Student 1 CM
The Great Schism occurred as a result of many years and centuries of growing disagreements, in which attempts to reconcile issues among what would be the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church were never resolved. According to Mark A. Noll, The Great Schism of 1054 was a major turning point in Christian history because it brought to a head centuries of East-West cultural disengagement, theological differences, and ecclesiastical suspicion.[1] Despite some attempts to reconcile disagreements in the previous decades, no resolution could be found. There were too many political and theological issues to overcome, specifically as it related to the seat of the empire and the theological debate over from whence the Spirit proceeded.[2] Bruce Shelley expands on some of the issues as he writes, The doctrines and practices of the two halves of the Christian church drifted slowly apart. They protested insertions in the creed; they insisted on different practices for lent; they disagreed over the types of bread used in celebrating the eucharist.[3] Adding on, church historian Phillip Hughes writes that the Great Schism of 1054 was, a long aftermath of religious feud and civil disorder.[4]
From the Great Schism, believers can learn a number of things. First, and perhaps most importantly, believers can learn to be wary of seeking earthly power. It seems clear that one of the primary reasons for the issues in the Great Schism was emperors and politicians trying their best to extend their own power to influence the church. Likewise, the church leaders during this time desired political power; as one can see, the results were disastrous. Therefore, believers should consistently check their own motives for doing things and should continually seek to humble themselves when given the opportunity (Prov. 11:2). All instances of pride are to be cast aside, as it leads to destruction (Prov. 16:18).
Another thing the church can learn from the Great Schism of 1054 is for the need to reconcile differences among believers. Believers should not allow disagreements to fester and become cancerous within the body of Christ and should instead seek to reconcile issues as soon as possible so that advancement of the Gospel message can continue to be the main priority in their lives. One cannot help but imagine what would have happened to this Schism if the issues were dealt with as soon as they festered and if professing Christians, in a spirt of humble love, immediately sat down to handle their conflicts. Ephesians 4:32 exhorts believers to be kind and compassionate to one another, just as Christ was to us. Christians should be people who are immediately seeking to resolve issues and problems so that God can be glorified. Further, there were many instances in this specific conflict where the people involved seemed to be trying to get back at one another, which is in clear contradiction to the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 12:17.
In conclusion, the best way to prevent church schisms is to have Christians accurately follow the word of God. If the Christians during the time of the Great Schism were committed to knowing and obeying Scripture, they would not have resorted to name calling and general revenge tactics, such as seen in the confrontations between Cardinal Humbert and Patriarch Cerularius.[5] Additionally, they would have understood that they are to do all things for the glory of God (1 Cor.10:31).

Bibliography
Hughes, Phillip. A History of the Church: The Church and the World in Which it Was Founded. Providence, RI: Cluny Media, 2021.

Noll, Mark A. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity. 3rd Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012.

Shelley, Bruce L. Church History in Plain Language. 5th Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2021.

[1] Mark A. Noll, Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012), 125. Logos.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Bruce L. Shelley, Church History in Plain Language, 5th ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2021), 187.
[4] Phillip Hughes, A History of the Church: The Church and the World in Which it Was Founded (Providence, RI: Cluny Media, 2021), 240.
[5] Mark A. Noll, Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012), 124. Logos.

Student 2 CB
The question for the thread this week is What lessons from the Great Schism can believers learn today about schisms and splits in churches and how to prevent them?
In order to plumb this topic, one must first evaluate the problems of the Great Schism. The Great Schism happened around January 1054,[1] and had three main issues. This schism was between the Eastern Church (Constantinople) and the Western Church (Rome). 1) There were 2 leaders. They were, Pope Leo IX, and the patriarch of Constantinople Michael I Cerularius (also known as or Keroularios).[2] 2) Apart from leadership, the major issue was one of simony,[3] the buying and selling of church offices, artifacts, and indulgences. 3) The deity of the Holy Spirit was the public face of the split. This problem is the relationship to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, also known as (filioque).[4] It was publicized as the culprit for the 1054 split between the Western Church and the Eastern Church.[5] Filioque is Latin for and the son or sometimes translated to mean and [from] the son.[6] The thought was that Jesus created the Holy Spirit, rather than the Holy Spirit proceeding or coming from God. Consider, the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth [sic] from the Father (John 15:26, KJV).[7] And also consider, I will send you the Comforter-the Holy Spirit, the source of all truth. He will come to you from the Father and will tell you all about me (John 15:26, TLB). Now two questions: Who is the Holy Spirit? The answer is; the Comforter who is also called the Spirit of Truth. Where does he come from? The answer is; he comes from the Father, God. The scripture does not say or suggest that he is created. While the scripture is clear, this issue was never really resolved. And, 4) there were several other lesser issues ranging from the nature of leaven in communion (eucharist) bread to the use of icons (carvings of Jesus and the like).
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What does the Bible say about these issues?
1) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other (Matt 6:24, KJV). Thus, the church has to have one pope or one leader, not a pope and a patriarch. But, in 1054 there was a pope for the Western Church and a patriarch for the Eastern Church.
2) The idea of the purchase of religious favor (simony) including artifacts, offices in the church (priest and the like), and the remission of sins. These were abhorrent to Cardinal Humbert who wrote Three Books against Simoniacs. [These documents] called on princes and laymen to address the damage that the sale of offices had caused to the church.[8] Humbert was very anti- simoniac and encouraged the faithful to absent themselves from masses celebrated by simoniac priests.[9] (Humbert is illuminated further in this review). The buying of divine favor for a price, gives the wealthy the only opportunity for favor, because only they can make these purchases. This becomes a feature of judgment or lack of it. Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth [sic] gifts, and followeth [sic] after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them (Isa 1:23, KJV).
3) Regarding the Holy Ghost, Jesus states But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26, KJV). Notice that Jesus says I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you (John 14:18, KJV).
4) Regarding Icons Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath (Ex 20:4, KJV).

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The Great Schism of 1054 was a major turning point in Christian history because it brought to a head centuries of East-West cultural disengagement.[10]
Ok, this reviewer has dealt with a cursory summation of the Great Schism. It is prudent to return to the question with the background which has been disclosed. The question is: What lessons from the Great Schism can believers learn today about schisms and splits in churches and how to prevent them.
The following is a listing of tendency issues that the Great Schism participates should have observed, but did not observe.
1) Extremes should be avoided. One can flirt with extremes mentally but, do not use them as must haves or non-starters. Extremes become conversation stoppers, and result in a closed mind. Pope Leo IXs representative negotiator set a rule of It is my way, or it is no way. Then Leo IX died. But his representative pretended that Leo IX was alive. Literally, after the pope was dead the popes segregate could only represent himself. When it turned out that his proposal was not accepted, he hit the highway. The goal is not to find a way to walk out quickly. My way or the highway is an extreme position. It was true during the Great Schism, and it still is today.
2) Do not judge other people in the negotiation. One must identify two authority figures in the negotiation, first is the decision maker, and second, is the decision makers influencer. The issue is what is being negotiated not the people at the table. Thinking about a church today: In the board room, there are always a few personalities. First there is the decision maker. This could be the pastor, although it is often not the pastor. This person will often authorize the money or the plan. There is the influencer. This person will advise the decision maker as to what is understood and the best position or action to take. This could be the pastoral assistant, the administrative assistant, or a trusted friend who is frequently at the pastors close call. The influencer is not always the same person. There is also the naysayer. The naysayer objects to everything, usually because the project is different, unusual, or the naysayer does not understand the benefit. The following is developed from Nole, Turning Points – Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, page 124. This information is presented from a legalistic point of view, rather than from the historical viewpoint, that Nole presented it. As this is read, please understand that the concept of standing is one of ownership of location and/or status as a decision maker. One with standing is one with authority, in the jurisdiction, where physically, the question exists. The reader will note that Humbert starts his journey with standing. Now follow the story.
Consider, Humbert, who was representing Pope Leo IX, after his death. He was running a bluff when, he presented a letter that he had written in the popes name. Humbert, had no legal standing in the matter because his principal, Pope Leo IX, who did have standing was dead. Humbert was offended when he was rebuffed. He judged that he had the authority he did not have. Cerularius, did not know that Pope Leo IX was dead, when he rejected Humberts letter. The popes death is a material fact in the negotiation. However, it was not disclosed. So, Humbert excommunicated Cerularius when Humberts position was rejected. This was also a Humbert bluff. In reality, the only party in the negotiation with standing was Cerularius, and he did not know that he was the only one that had standing. This is a clear case of one does not know, what one does not know, and Cerularius, did not know he did not know it, but he should have discovered it. According to Humberts letter Cerularius, was actually the stronger leader because Leo IX was dead.[11]
3) The leader (pastor) is appointed by God. Respect the leader and do not try to displace him or her (Rom 13:1-2, KJV). From the above, it is clear that Humbert tried to become the Pope, but he was a pretender. He attempted to exercise authority he did not have.
4) Align with the law. The law establishes the legally acceptable boundaries. This is the same as 3 above, except this is secular. All of you must obey the government rulers. Everyone who rules was given the power to rule by God. And all those who rule now were given that power by God (Rom 13:1, ERV). This is true because the governments set the environment in which we operate.
5) Most importantly, do not allow the church to be split. Splits cause confusion. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints (1 Cor 14:33, KJV). The idea is to find common ground to establish unification. Division is not the desired outcome.
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How do these 5 rules apply in the church today? The rules apply directly both in the church and also in business. However, in industry and business where this reviewer spent 27 years, one cannot quote the scripture as a source. On the other hand, if one does not quote the scripture, but simply states it without the sourcing, the people in the room think the one who is talking is brilliant.

So, to target the church directly, please consider a true story. Raleigh Moravian was visited by a gentleman named Steve. Steve asked this reviewer how the church felt about gay couples in their midst. I answered, and he being satisfied with that, asked if he could marry his partner in our church. This question I passed to Craig, the Sr. pastor. I acknowledged Steves concern and told him we, as the church board, were working that issue on the board that same week. I also told him that I was a member of the board. I offered to introduce him to Craig. Steve told me that the Mormon (LDS) Church had marked him to avoid and excommunicated him. Marking one to avoid is devastating, because one looses ones network of friends and many business acquaintances. The Mormon Church (The Church of Latter Day Saints) set themselves up as the severed conduit between Steve, his partner, and God. As it happened two weeks earlier, the US Supreme Court ruled on Gay Rights and LGBTQ was declared a protected group with anti-discrimination rights. The church board voted on three issues. 1) Accepting LGBTQ members. 2) Allowing LGBTQ members to receive sacraments. And, 3) Consecrating LGBTQ leaders. A position proposal was generated and passed to the Moravian Council. A church in a neighboring city split from the Moravian church. The negations for reconciliation began. At that point, I rotated off the board. The issue is now at the Synod level and being considered at Moravian headquarters in Pennsylvania. This reviewer has not seen Steve in over 6 years, and Steve never talked to Craig. Will this issue split the church? It is doubtful. The agreed outcome is biased by letting Christ decide. And, what does Christ say? This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:3-4, NASB). Christ is declared as the elder of the Moravian Church. So, we do not split the church because of this. On the contrary, we pull the church together. Understand, a schism occurs only when the opposing parties want one. If they do not want one, they will not get one. Every one that asketh [sic] receiveth [sic]; and he that seeketh [sic] findeth [sic]; and to him that knocketh [sic] it shall be opened (Matt 7:8, KJV).
This is an interesting knot to untie. I know Craigs heart. I know mine. And I know the heart of the Board since I was on the board. The Moravian Church in Winston Salem owns the building. They will follow the understanding developed at headquarters in Pennsylvania. Life will continue until Christ returns for us all.

Footnotes:
[1] Mark A. Noll, Turning Points – Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2012), 108, accessed September 19, 2021, https://app.logos.com/books/LLS%3ATRNNGPNTSDCSVMM/references/page.iii?layout=reading&tile=left&zzls=2eMKcwo3CkDFPw4MwEMKFw7%2FDi0nDnUJTUxVEwrbClAnCqMOEUMKpC2VwwpJLY8Oiw5jDrsOZScKFIsO%2Fd8KOwqoSw6lER3%2FDt8O0wr4nwo8wIHllDWQiAScNw6rDnMK5Z8ObdcOSVB7CssKPwpFhaMKMw6wQMkgLa1vCn242w5vDmTJ%2Fe8OdwonCp8OFIiXCrMKRw5DClMOow5NCFRpnw7fDq8O2a8KYwovCucKABMKOPcOSN2QjBMKlfxs0w5bCgcKxVsKmw51ieMKpGMOlw7x2wqQswqnDgEkRY3LDrcO0KMKpbMKmXUfDhns4WcKqw654w6Yew7hGw6htT8K8woFPUsOrd8KHwobDqUVKw6rDkMKEK8OLw6rDocKswpFlUAMnAsO1OMOpwp%2FDpB5vwpxzHlNrw7TDjX9jLj%2FDsMOnWMKuYsO8wow%2Fw7nDosKCwrA%3D.

[2] Robert C. Walton, Chronological and Background Charts of Church History, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018), chart number 6, accessed September 19, 2021, https://app.logos.com/books/LLS%3AWS_9FE5F34B7D4849C49972A11A6EC570FC?tile=left&zzls=2eMKcwo3Cj8ORTsOCMBTChsOfwqUJd8K4McK6McOYw50Yw4bCqDDCjSN4IcOGwpTDrcKMVUo7w5rCgjHChHfDt0jCvBghKsKXw73Dj8Opw7nDvm9PdsKgDVfCkkRewpvDlEzCgsKIw6s6UcOrNcKTwoUhw5HDix5DW0nCtgYSEXfCocOUw4rCuMOjccOWwqLDscO9w53DjBt0OsKuwoYSNMOIHMKMwrvDoAsBwq3DrnDDtcK%2BczzDhyNtwrLDmcKCw74kw5HCnlguwr4vCCgtw4bCgsOLVQbDtsK2w4Aow4Z3wq3CucOSw5zDosKmdzjCtE%2FCmQbCmMOOwqvDpsKtDcOGc8OywqF0ccKFNcOnBGcawozDmmrDrMKAIybDhEMNEsOTH8Kow6bDi8OKwp5SAnrDhmnCuk3Cn8OSw7TDpjHCnWbCoyTCm00mTcOHwpotw4HDqcORw5%2FDncKaFMO%2FQsKbwqNLKcOAVMO%2FwrnCnEFow7DCp8OJc8O2dj1Mw7x%2BPMKgwoPDhMOvw7nCgR%2FDhsODwoDDtmnDksOvwo7DgjgJwrzDsDLClcOuEcODcsOLd8K4YcO1FhrDn8KawovDmMOnw7XDsAXDk8OYw4J2.

[3] Noll, Turning Points in Christianity, 123.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Nikk, Effingham, The Philosophy of Filioque, Religious Studies, 54, no. 3 (2018): 298, accessed October 5, 2021, http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Fphilosophy-i-filioque%2Fdocview%2F2078746744%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12085.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the King James Version (Seattle, WA: Biblesoft, 2006).

[8] Helen Parish, “A Church without Stain or Wrinkle: The Reception and Application of Donatist Arguments in Debates Over Priestly Purity.” Studies in Church History 57 (06, 2021): 96-119, http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Fchurch-without-stain-wrinkle-reception%2Fdocview%2F2529823156%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12085.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Noll, Turning Points in Christianity, 125.

[11] Ibid.
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Bibliography
Effingham, Nikk,, The Philosophy of Filioque, Religious Studies, 54, no. 3 (2018): 298, accessed October 5, 2021, http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Fphilosophy-i-filioque%2Fdocview%2F2078746744%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12085.

Noll, Mark A., Turning Points – Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2012), 108, accessed September 19, 2021, https://app.logos.com/books/LLS%3ATRNNGPNTSDCSVMM/references/page.iii?layout=reading&tile=left&zzls=2eMKcwo3CkDFPw4MwEMKFw7%2FDi0nDnUJTUxVEwrbClAnCqMOEUMKpC2VwwpJLY8Oiw5jDrsOZScKFIsO%2Fd8KOwqoSw6lER3%2FDt8O0wr4nwo8wIHllDWQiAScNw6rDnMK5Z8ObdcOSVB7CssKPwpFhaMKMw6wQMkgLa1vCn242w5vDmTJ%2Fe8OdwonCp8OFIiXCrMKRw5DClMOow5NCFRpnw7fDq8O2a8KYwovCucKABMKOPcOSN2QjBMKlfxs0w5bCgcKxVsKmw51ieMKpGMOlw7x2wqQswqnDgEkRY3LDrcO0KMKpbMKmXUfDhns4WcKqw654w6Yew7hGw6htT8K8woFPUsOrd8KHwobDqUVKw6rDkMKEK8OLw6rDocKswpFlUAMnAsO1OMOpwp%2FDpB5vwpxzHlNrw7TDjX9jLj%2FDsMOnWMKuYsO8wow%2Fw7nDosKCwrA%3D.

Parish, Helen, A Church without Stain Or Wrinkle: The Reception and Application of Donatist Arguments in Debates Over Priestly Purity. Studies in Church History 57 (06, 2021): 96-119, http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Fchurch-without-stain-wrinkle-reception%2Fdocview%2F2529823156%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12085.

Walton, Robert C., Chronological and Background Charts of Church History, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018, accessed September 19, 2021, https://app.logos.com/books/LLS%3AWS_9FE5F34B7D4849C49972A11A6EC570FC?tile=left&zzls=2eMKcwo3Cj8ORTsOCMBTChsOfwqUJd8K4McK6McOYw50Yw4bCqDDCjSN4IcOGwpTDrcKMVUo7w5rCgjHChHfDt0jCvBghKsKXw73Dj8Opw7nDvm9PdsKgDVfCkkRewpvDlEzCgsKIw6s6UcOrNcKTwoUhw5HDix5DW0nCtgYSEXfCocOUw4rCuMOjccOWwqLDscO9w53DjBt0OsKuwoYSNMOIHMKMwrvDoAsBwq3DrnDDtcK%2BczzDhyNtwrLDmcKCw74kw5HCnlguwr4vCCgtw4bCgsOLVQbDtsK2w4Aow4Z3wq3CucOSw5zDosKmdzjCtE%2FCmQbCmMOOwqvDpsKtDcOGc8OywqF0ccKFNcOnBGcawozDmmrDrMKAIybDhEMNEsOTH8Kow6bDi8OKwp5SAnrDhmnCuk3Cn8OSw7TDpjHCnWbCoyTCm00mTcOHwpotw4HDqcORw5%2FDncKaFMO%2FQsKbwqNLKcOAVMO%2FwrnCnEFow7DCp8OJc8O2dj1Mw7x%2BPMKgwoPDhMOvw7nCgR%2FDhsODwoDDtmnDksOvwo7DgjgJwrzDsDLClcOuEcODcsOLd8K4YcO1FhrDn8KawovDmMOnw7XDsAXDk8OYw4J2

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