The Great Schism Flashcards
What did the bishop of Rome named Leo say? In 440CE
he said that before Jesus ascended to heaven, he had put his disciple Peter in charge of the whole Church. Leo claimed that Peter was the first Bishop of Rome and that the authority given to Peter by Jesus was passed from one Bishop of Rome to the next.
What was the great schism
In 1054 Christians in the East no longer wanted to be led by the Bishop of Rome (whom we now call the Pope).
The great schism was the split making the Eastern Orthodox Church in the east and the Catholic Church in the west.
Transubstantiation
The belief that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ during Eucharist/holy communion to remember Jesus’ death.
Catholics believe that when the Priest repeats Jesus’ words from the Last Supper, the bread and wine actually turn into the body and blood of Jesus (although they still look the same
Confession
In order to be forgiven/absolved for their sins, Catholics go to confession. They sit either face to face with a priest or in a confessional box and explain how they have sinned.
If someone is genuinely sorry for what they have done and wants to change, the Priest will give the person penance. Priests must never reveal what people tell them in confession.
Holy water
Near the entrance in Catholic Churches there is often a small bowl of water that has been blessed by a Priest. Catholics dip two fingers in the water and make the sign of the cross. They do this by moving their hand from their forehead to their chest and then from their left shoulder to their right shoulder. While doing this, Catholics usually say, ‘In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,’ to express their belief in the Trinity and to remind them of their Baptism.
Purgatory
Most Christians believe in Heaven and Hell. Catholics also believe in purgatory, which is not mentioned in the Bible.
Catholics believe that purgatory is where souls are purified before going to heaven. A soul cannot go from purgatory to hell.
By praying for a dead person’s soul, Catholics believe that they can speed the passage from purgatory to heaven.
The Virgin Mary
Catholics place greater importance on Jesus’ mother, Mary, than many other Christian denominations. They believe that unlike all other humans, Mary was born into the world without original sin. This is because God had chosen Mary to be the mother of Jesus before she was born. (this is known as the ‘immaculate conception’).
Catholics believe that when Mary died her body and soul were taken to heaven. This is known as the Assumption and is celebrated on the 15th August each year. Catholics pray to Mary because they believe that she will act on their behalf before God when they reach Heaven i.e. intercession.
Why is Mary so important within Catholicism
She is the only person that was born without original sin. God chose her before she was even born to be Jesus’ mother
