The kings heart is in the Lord’s hands, as the rivers of water are channeled, so he turns it wherever He wants it to go. Proverbs 21:1
It is hard to believe, but for the most part the Trinitarian orthodox church did not divide until 1054. This division between the Eastern Orthodox and the Latin Roman church was over the authority of the Roman patriarch over the other patriarchs, as well as the idea that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Son as well as the Father (In the Nicene Creed), as well as some smaller issues. The Papal Schism (1378-1417) in which there were different popes (three at once) in different locations each with kings to back them up. This showed the growing power of kings over the papacy. Eventually the idea that Henry VIII, previously declared a protector of the faith, could appoint his own archbishop of his country (beginning Anglicanism/Episcopalianism)with his own theology, grew from this. When the church divided once, it was easy to divide again. In our day we take the division of the church too lightly. Schism (both leaving and kicking out) is a serious sin that drives people from faith in Jesus. That the Pope would rather divide the church than give up the idea that he is supreme among bishops shows serious problems. It needs to be said that the intent of Hus, Wycliffe, Tyndale, Calvin, and Luther were not to divide the church. But when Luther was not only excommunicated but threatened with death, and when troops tried to kill Calvin and he had to flee for his life- this divided the church. We should do all we can to make the church better, but at the same time not to divide her.
Prayer: In your providence, Lord, you guide the nations and guide us.
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