Roman and Byzantine Christianity

While the Western Roman Empire (west Europe) was struggling to hold on to their empire while Byzantine (east Europe) began developing, becoming a strong unified state. During this time Christianity spread rapidly, becoming a major religion in Europe for the first time. Both Western and Eastern Europe began developing different beliefs. The Eastern developed Orthodox Christianity and Western Europe developed the Roman Catholic church.

Byzantine was the first of the two to become fully Christian. This could be due to caesaropapism (the emperor's power is tied to church and state). The emperor was God appointed so he had the power to choose the church leader. The leaders of the church were important and were treated as if they were part of the "elite class".

The Roman Catholic Church of the west started off as a more localized religion mainly found in rural areas. Unlike the church of the east, caesaropapism was not practiced.Separation of church and state was important. The Pope is the leader of all Christians and he is a highly respected.

There were more distinct differences between the two churches. Orthodox Christians did not believe that the Pope had authority over all the Christians. The leaders of the church were able to get marry and have hair unlike the Roman Catholic priest who had to remain celibate. Some other key differences were their practice of theology, the Trinity and faith. Despite the difference of the church's political system they also have some similarities. Both churches believe in the same basic doctrines and they believe that the use of idols in worship is offensive.

Christianity has many different branches and a variety of beliefs. It is important for us to recognize that the spread of Christianity in Europe was important because it helped mode Europe in what it is today.

Ways of the World Robert W. Strayer, pg. 269-289