187k views
3 votes
identify ​three​ differences between the religions in Western Europe and Eastern Europe During the Middle Ages.

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

During the Middle Ages, Western Europe was predominantly Roman Catholic under the Pope's authority, while Eastern Europe followed Eastern Orthodoxy with autonomous national churches. Theological disputes and cultural practices also differed, contributing to a significant religious divergence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Differences in Religion between Western and Eastern Europe During the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages was a period marked by significant religious divergences between Western and Eastern Europe. Here are three key differences:

  1. Leadership and Authority: Western Europe was predominantly Roman Catholic, recognizing the Pope in Rome as the ultimate religious authority. In contrast, Eastern Europe followed Eastern Orthodoxy, where each national Orthodox church maintained a degree of autonomy and did not recognize the Pope's authority.
  2. Theological Disputes: The two branches of Christianity had theological differences, including the use of religious images and the nature of the Holy Spirit, which eventually contributed to the Great Schism in 1054.
  3. Cultural Practices: There were visible differences in worship and religious practices, including church architecture, with Eastern Orthodox churches often featuring onion domes or helmet cupolas, while Western churches typically had steeples or towers.

In summary, political authority, theological beliefs, and cultural expressions of faith played a significant role in the divisions between the Western Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches during the medieval period.

User Bouramas
by
8.2k points