What contributed to the creation of a schism between the Eastern and Western Churches?

The creation of a schism between the Eastern and Western Churches was significantly influenced by disagreements over Christ's nature, particularly during the early ecumenical councils. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD articulated the doctrine of the two natures of Christ—fully divine and fully human—understanding Him to exist in one divine person. This formulation led to tensions, especially within the Eastern Church, which had different interpretations regarding the relationship between Christ's natures.

The Eastern Church, particularly in places like Alexandria and Antioch, grappled with various Christological views, which sometimes resulted in heresies that were condemned by the Western Church’s teachings and councils. These disagreements not only reflected a theological divide but also contributed to cultural and political tensions as the churches developed along different paths in their contexts.

While governance structure, iconography, and interpretations of sacraments played roles in the broader context of Church life, the Christological disputes were foundational to the eventual schism, particularly as these theological differences culminated in the formal split in 1054 AD known as the Great Schism. The divergence in understanding Christ's nature represented deep-seated theological convictions that had substantial ramifications for the unity of the Church.