Year 7 - History
Background to the Great Schism: the Roman Catholic Church
The Christian Church: how completely did the Great Schism transform Christendom?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the Great Schism. They study the similarities and differences between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches and consider the degree to which the Great Schism fundamentally changed the relationship between these two centres of Christendom.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe the reasons for religious reform in the Roman Catholic Church during the 11th century and the impact it had.
Key Notes
- The Roman Catholic Church was led by the pope, who was based in Rome.
- There was a movement to reform the Church in the 11th century.
- Pope Leo IX was an important reforming pope.
- The reforms increased the authority and improved the perception of the Church.
- Pope Leo IX's reforms were continued by later popes.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Church: the Church is the organisation of the Christian religion
- pope: the pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church
- clergy: the clergy are the group of religious officials who are authorised to conduct religious ceremonies
- reform: to reform something means to change something with a view to making it better
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Catholic priests have never been allowed to get married.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
The Roman Catholic Church was led by the pope, who was based in Rome. There was a movement to reform the Church in the 11th century.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Church'
the Church is the organisation of the Christian religion.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Catholic priests have never been allowed to get married. Correction: Catholic priests today are not allowed to get married, but in the past a great many were, even though it went against their rules. Some popes even had wives and children!
More Lessons In This Unit
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