Schism

A schism is a significant division between people. This split usually occurs within an organization, a movement, or a religious denomination. The term originates from the Greek word *schisma*, which means a "cleft" or "division."

While the term is most often used for religious bodies, it can apply to non-religious groups too. It can even describe a separation between individuals, such as friends, lovers, or brothers. A person who creates or encourages such a division is known as a schismatic. This word can also be used as an adjective to describe ideas or policies that promote a split.

In religious contexts, it is vital to distinguish schism from heresy. Heresy is the rejection of a specific doctrine or core belief held by a Church. In contrast, a schism is a rejection of communion with the authorities of a Church. A schism focuses on authority and the state of division rather than differences in belief. However, these two concepts often overlap. When groups withdraw from one another, they may exchange mutual accusations of heresy. In the Roman Catholic Church, an act of schism can result in the penalty of excommunication. This penalty is intended to be medicinal, meaning it aims to lead the person back to unity.

Buddhism provides several historical examples of these divisions. The very first schism in Buddhism was established by Devadatta during the lifetime of the Buddha. Although this specific split lasted only a short time, it set a precedent. Later, many early Buddhist schools emerged. These schools were not considered schismatic because they focused on different interpretations for the same monastic community. However, later movements like Mahayana and Vajrayana are regarded as having schismatic origins. In Thailand, the Mahanikaya and Dhammayut groups represent two distinct lineages. Some Tibetan schools have also experienced schisms, such as the Drukpa school, which has been in a state of schism from other Tibetan schools since 1616.

Christianity has a complex history of splintering that has shaped its many denominations. The First Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 helped establish the distinction between heresy and schism. For instance, the Council declared certain teachings heretical but treated other quarrels as matters of discipline. Different groups hold different views on the nature of the Church. The Roman Catholic Church claims to be the one true church and views the Eastern Orthodox Church as being in schism. Conversely, the Eastern Orthodox Church holds a similar claim and views the Catholic Church as schismatic. Even within a single tradition, splits occur. In 2018, the Eastern Orthodox Church suffered a schism between the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Protestantism often shows a high degree of "fissibility," or the tendency to split. Because many Protestant groups lack strong, centralized authority structures, they are often divided by political or national lines. The Anabaptists are a notable example of this. Divisions over even small theological details are so common among them that scholars call it *Täuferkrankheit*, or "The Anabaptist Disease." Because Anabaptists emphasize voluntary membership without a strict hierarchy, groups like the Mennonites have experienced dozens of schisms. This has resulted in many different, unaffiliated Mennonite churches existing today.

Islam also features many different sects and schools of thought. This diversity is often discussed in relation to a *hadith* report. This report states that the *Ummah*, or Muslim community, would be fragmented into seventy-three sects. According to this account, only one group would be successful. Sunni Muslims constitute the largest denomination within Islam. The name comes from *Sunnah*, which refers to the teachings and actions of the prophet Muhammad. Sunnis believe that Muhammad did not appoint a successor to lead the community after his death. This led to the election of Abu Bakr as the first Caliph.

Hinduism has also experienced historical schisms that led to new institutions. In the 16th century, the Sringeri Matha diverged, leading to the prominence of the Tunga Sringeri Math. Another example is the Kanchi Math. It was originally established in 1821 as a branch of the Sringeri Mutt. However, it became a schismatic institution due to wars between the rulers of Tanjore and Mysore. By 1842, the East India Company had appointed the head of this mutt as a trustee for a temple. These historical shifts show how political conflicts and leadership changes can create lasting divisions within a faith system.