Schism and the laity

[Fatima-Crusader]

During the 1054 schism and the papal schism where lay people who didnt have the education to figure out who was right guilty of sin?

 

[steph03]

I believe there were alot of people on both side during that time period who were guilty of sin. God seldom blames the little ones (less educated, less informed, no power, etc.) for the big problems created by the more powerful/educated ones who actually performed the deeds.

 

[Salibi]

I hope not. The laity were just following their priests. Remember, it’s the priests’ job to guide the laity, but things were a bit messy during the Great Schism- I hesitate to put the blame on the priesthood of both sides.

 

[dochawk]

The priests had nothing to do with it.

The bishops, particularly at the top, however . . .

 

[GordonP]

During the 1054 schism and the papal schism where lay people who didnt have the education to figure out who was right guilty of sin?

During the Great Schism, the Pope decided, and nobody else had any say in the matter. Whatsoever.

During the Great Western Schism, the kings decided and nobody else had any say in the matter. The only areas where there was any dispute were Spain and Portugal, where there were disputes between rival claimants to the throne who picked different Popes.

The vast majority of the laity had no choice in religious matters during either time period. They did what they were told to do, or else. The concept of freedom of religion that we now take for granted did not exist. Nor did the idea of anyone but a king or prince having an opinion or religious matters.

That wouldn’t happen until after the Reformation, and even then, the average person had little choice.

(And yes, I know about the Albigensians, the Lollards, the Husites etc. That’s where the “or else” comes in).