I think that’s what a lot of people miss is the trade/political aspect of schism. While I’m sure millions held genuine beliefs, it’s hard to understate the economic reality of the church in those days. Huge land holdings, an ancient web of power and obligations reaching into every life, every transaction, every political appointment. When it became conceivable to break with this system, it was broken. This breaking was Consequential. Hence the centuries of warfare and strife. It’s all about that money honey.
I think that’s what a lot of people miss is the trade/political aspect of schism. While I’m sure millions held genuine beliefs, it’s hard to understate the economic reality of the church in those days. Huge land holdings, an ancient web of power and obligations reaching into every life, every transaction, every political appointment. When it became conceivable to break with this system, it was broken. This breaking was Consequential. Hence the centuries of warfare and strife. It’s all about that money honey.