Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "schism" originates from the Greek word "schisma," meaning a division or a split. In a biblical context, it refers to a division within a religious community, particularly within the Church, that leads to a separation of members due to differences in beliefs, practices, or authority. Biblical References: The concept of schism is addressed in several passages of the New Testament, where unity within the body of Christ is emphasized. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, the Apostle Paul appeals to the church in Corinth, saying, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." Here, Paul underscores the importance of unity and the dangers of division. In 1 Corinthians 12:25, Paul further elaborates on the need for harmony within the Church: "so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another." This metaphor of the Church as a body highlights the interconnectedness of believers and the detrimental effects of schism. Historical Context: Throughout church history, schisms have occurred due to doctrinal disagreements, disputes over ecclesiastical authority, and differing interpretations of Scripture. Notable schisms include the Great Schism of 1054, which divided the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, and the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, which led to the formation of various Protestant denominations. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, schism is often viewed as a threat to the unity and witness of the Church. Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers in John 17:21, saying, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." This prayer underscores the belief that unity among believers is a testament to the truth of the Gospel. Pastoral Concerns: Church leaders are often tasked with addressing and resolving schisms to maintain the integrity and unity of the congregation. Ephesians 4:3 encourages believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This involves fostering an environment of love, understanding, and reconciliation, as well as adhering to sound doctrine. Practical Considerations: In dealing with schism, it is crucial for church communities to engage in open dialogue, prayer, and a commitment to biblical truth. The early church's approach to resolving disputes, as seen in Acts 15 during the Jerusalem Council, serves as a model for addressing differences while maintaining unity. Conclusion: While schisms have been a part of church history, the biblical call to unity remains a central tenet of the Christian faith. Believers are encouraged to strive for harmony, grounded in the truth of Scripture and the love of Christ, to reflect the unity of the body of Christ to the world. ATS Bible Dictionary SchismA rent or fissure; generally used in the New Testament to denote a division within the Christian church, by contentions and alienated affections, without an outward separation into distinct bodies, 1 1 Corinthians 1:10-12 12:25,26. The sin may lie on the side of the majority, or of the minority, or both. It is a sin against Christian love, and strikes at the heart of Christianity, John 17:21 Romans 12:4-21. Easton's Bible Dictionary A separation, an alienation causing divisions among Christians, who ought to be united (1 Corinthians 12:25). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Division or separation; specifically (Eccl.), permanent division or separation in the Christian church; breach of unity among people of the same religious faith; the offense of seeking to produce division in a church without justifiable cause.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SCHISMsiz'-m (schisma): Only in 1 Corinthians 12:25. The same Greek word, literally, "a split," is translated "rent" in Matthew 9:16 Mark 2:21; and "division" in John 7:43; John 9:16; John 10:19. It designates "a separation," not from, but within, the church, interfering with the harmonious coordination and cooperation of the members described in the preceding verses (1 Corinthians 12:18). The ecclesiastical meaning is that of a break from a church organization, that may or may not be connected with a doctrinal dissent. Greek 4978. schisma -- a split, fig. division ... division, schism. From schizo; a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively -- division, rent, schism. see GREEK schizo. (schisma) -- 6 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4978.htm - 6k Library Whether Schism is a Special Sin? On Schism Of Schism (Four Articles) The Great Schism The First Schism. Whether Schism is a Graver Sin than Unbelief? The Schism of Blastus at Rome. Heresy, as Well as Schism and Dissension, Disapproved by St. Paul ... Nepos and his Schism. Peculiar Schism among the Novatians. Thesaurus Schism (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SCHISM. siz'-m (schisma): Only in 1 Corinthians 12:25. ... Multi-Version Concordance Schism (1 Occurrence). ... /s/schism.htm - 8k Gerizim (4 Occurrences) First (4693 Occurrences) Rent (76 Occurrences) Division (135 Occurrences) Bitterness (37 Occurrences) Concision (1 Occurrence) Scholar (3 Occurrences) Schin (1 Occurrence) Sedition (8 Occurrences) Resources What was the Great Schism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened at the Council of Florence? | GotQuestions.org What was the Avignon Papacy / Babylonian Captivity of the Church? | GotQuestions.org Schism: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Schism (1 Occurrence)1 Corinthians 12:25 Subtopics Related Terms |
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