How Schisms Represent Post Classical Trends

Evocative of an Era Several of the trends that define the Post Classical era can be attributed to the three religious schisms that occurred throughout the time period. These trends caused or influenced by the schisms include a shift to monotheistic religions, the spread of “civilization”, and the spread of Arabs and Islam. As Islam split into Sunni and Shia Muslims, Sunni became the majority group. This was significant because this was the group that worked to universalize the religion, spreading it and gaining followers. Following the split, Sunni Muslims set up missionaries, and many found the religion appealing due to the presence of an afterlife. Islam eventually spread to _________, where it took many different forms, evolving and growing. This additionally contributed to the shift to monotheistic religions, as many converted from polytheistic religions to Islam, which worshipped only one deity, Allah. Furthermore, the development of the Umayyad Caliphate following the Islamic Schism contributed to the spread of civilization, as they focused on military expansion and conquering, while the Abbasid Dynasty which soon followed focused on knowledge and education. The First Great Schism promoted the shift to monotheistic religions as those who did not practice Christianity, called heretics, were punished after the separation. Civilization spread as the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church both expanded and gained followers. Alternatively, The Second Great Schism contributed to the spread of monotheism and civilization after the Council of Constance (1414-1417) called to end the schism. Although the Council did not reform Christianity, it made the Protestant reformation possible which led to the spread of civilization in the form of Lutheranism and other reforms.