This paper examines two landmark religious schisms that permanently altered the course of their respective faiths. The first is the ancient Sunni-Shia divide in Islam, rooted in 7th-century disagreements over political, social, and religious leadership following the death of the Prophet Muhammad. The second is the 16th-century break between Martin Luther and the Roman Catholic Church, sparked by Luther's opposition to indulgences and other Church practices, and formalized through his posting of the 95 Theses in 1517. Together, these cases illustrate how doctrinal and political disputes within unified religious bodies can produce lasting divisions with far-reaching cultural and geopolitical consequences.
In the religious context, schisms are divisions between people, or breaks between two sectors of a religious faith that were previously a single, unified body. Two famous religious schisms occurred in Islam after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and between Martin Luther and his followers and the Catholic Church — the latter giving rise to Protestantism.
Sunni Muslims form the largest denomination of Islam. Their name derives from the Arabic word meaning the "teachings of the prophet." This sect believes that Muhammad died without appointing a logical or liturgical successor to lead the Islamic community. Shia Islam is the second-largest denomination of Islam and holds that, just as the Prophet was chosen by God, so too are the Imams who succeeded Muhammad.
While Islamic law — Sharia — has developed to touch almost every aspect of human life, different interpretations of these laws have emerged over time. Approximately 85 percent of the Muslim community is Sunni, and roughly 15 percent is Shia. The break between the two factions is ancient, dating back to the 7th century and rooted in disagreements over political, social, and religious leadership. This schism continues in the contemporary world and is reflected in the politics of Iran and Iraq, as well as in broader Islamic views toward the West.
Martin Luther, a priest and theology professor in what is now Germany, had for years disagreed with certain aspects of Church practice. In particular, Luther opposed the selling of indulgences — the practice of offering forgiveness of earthly sins in exchange for payment. He also believed that the Mass should be conducted in the local vernacular language of the people rather than exclusively in Latin, holding that religion was for everyone, not merely the elite.
In 1517, after writing letters to the bishops and finally to the Pope himself, Luther publicly disputed several Church practices and nailed his famous 95 Theses to the door of a prominent church. By publicly disagreeing with the Pope in this way, Luther ignited what would become the foundation of the Protestant Reformation movement, which would transform the political, cultural, and social landscape of European civilization.
"Luther's public defiance and trial in 1521"
"Luther's supporters and enduring religious impact"
You’re 58% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 2 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.