Download Byzantine Religion - SWR Global History

Byzantine Religion
Differences and Similarities to Roman Catholicism
I. The role of the Emperor in the Eastern Church
A. The Byzantine Emperor is seen as God’s representative on Earth.
1. By 500 AD, Emperors are crowned by the patriarch of
Constantinople and took an oath to defend Christianity.
2. This is a change from how Western Roman emperors
were crowned.
B. They define the nature of worship, appoint officials and used
Church money to help finance government.
II. The icon dispute
A. AD 700s, the use of icons in worship is questioned.
1. Icons are physical representations of sacred things.
2. Defenders said they were symbols of God’s presence on
earth.
3. Those opposed said they were forbidden by the
Commandments.
B. AD 726, Emperor Leo III bans icons from churches.
1. Those supporting the idea, were known as iconoclasts
a. image breakers
C. Church leaders resist, supported by the Roman pope.
D. Eventually, after Leo III’s death, pictures would be allowed but not
statues.
III. The Schism
A. The disagreement over church authority was a major problem.
1. Patriarch of Constantinople vs Pope in Rome
B. In AD 700s (hint), more Germanic tribes invade Italy.
1. The Byzantine Emperor refuses to send help.
2. The Pope in Rome enlists the aid of the Franks.
3. The Franks win and the Pope crowns their king,
Emperor of Rome.
4. The Byzantine Emperor takes offense to this.
C. By AD 1054, the differences are so big that the church has a
schism.
Theme: Change
Definition: a separation
Example: Roman Catholic Church – Eastern Orthodox
Church