Finding Common Ground/Every Ism Creates a Schism

The phrase "every ism creates a schism" suggests that ideologies, philosophies, and belief systems (referred to as "isms") tend to divide people into opposing factions or camps, often leading to conflict, misunderstanding, or alienation.^, While "isms" can be powerful forces for social, political, and intellectual change, they frequently introduce division by rigidly categorizing beliefs and identities, pushing people to define themselves as either for or against a particular stance. This essay will explore this idea by examining historical, political, religious, and social "isms" and how they have created schisms throughout history.

Although every ism creates a schism, we can find common ground.

Political Isms: Capitalism and Communism

One of the clearest examples of an "ism" that has created a profound schism is the divide between capitalism and communism in the 20th century. These two economic ideologies, based on fundamentally different views of ownership, wealth distribution, and the role of the state, polarized much of the world during the Cold War era. Capitalism, with its emphasis on free markets and private property, contrasted sharply with communism's ideals of state control and communal ownership.

This ideological divide led to the formation of opposing power blocs: the Western capitalist countries, led by the United States, and the Eastern communist bloc, led by the Soviet Union. The schism was not just theoretical—it fueled political, economic, and military conflicts, such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and various proxy battles around the globe. The schism created by these economic "isms" had devastating effects, entrenching divisions that still linger in geopolitics today, as seen in ongoing tensions between capitalist and communist or post-communist nations.

Religious Isms: Protestantism and Catholicism

In the realm of religion, the Reformation in the 16th century is a prime example of how an "ism" can create a lasting schism. The emergence of Protestantism as a reform movement against certain practices of the Catholic Church led to a division that not only altered the religious landscape of Europe but also caused political upheavals, wars, and social fragmentation.

Martin Luther’s critique of the Catholic Church’s practices, such as the selling of indulgences, gave birth to Protestantism, an "ism" grounded in the belief of personal faith over institutionalized authority. This led to a profound schism, splitting Christianity into two major branches. The divide sparked religious wars like the Thirty Years' War, which devastated much of Europe, and continues to influence tensions between Protestant and Catholic communities, particularly in regions like Northern Ireland. The schism brought about by this religious "ism" left a legacy of division that altered European history and shaped global religious dynamics.

Social Isms: Feminism and Patriarchy

Feminism, another significant "ism," arose in response to the historical domination of patriarchy, the social system in which men hold power and dominate in roles of leadership, moral authority, and social privilege. Feminism, especially since the 19th century, has fought for the rights of women to vote, work, and live free of oppression, fundamentally challenging patriarchal norms and expectations.

However, feminism has created its own internal schisms. The early feminist movement often focused on the concerns of middle-class white women, leading to a divide between white feminism and intersectional feminism, the latter of which emphasizes the overlapping and interconnected forms of oppression that include race, class, and sexuality. For example, the divide between the concerns of black feminists and the mainstream feminist movement became more pronounced during the civil rights era, highlighting how even within a movement, different experiences of oppression can lead to schism.

Additionally, feminism has created tension between those who resist change and those who advocate for gender equality. Opponents of feminism often see it as a threat to traditional values, leading to cultural and political battles over issues like reproductive rights, workplace equality, and the gender pay gap. This ongoing schism shows how deeply entrenched social "isms" can divide societies.

Philosophical Isms: Rationalism and Empiricism

In philosophy, the schism between rationalism and empiricism has shaped much of Western thought. Rationalism, championed by figures like René Descartes, argues that knowledge is primarily acquired through reason and logical deduction. In contrast, empiricism, advocated by thinkers like John Locke and David Hume, posits that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience.

This philosophical schism has led to deep debates within epistemology, the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of knowledge. Rationalists and empiricists offer opposing views on how we come to know and understand the world, with implications for science, ethics, and metaphysics. The rationalist-empiricist schism exemplifies how intellectual "isms" can divide schools of thought and shape the trajectory of entire fields of inquiry.

Cultural Isms: Nationalism and Globalism

Nationalism is another "ism" that has often led to schism. Defined as a strong identification with and loyalty to one's nation, nationalism has been a driving force behind the formation of nation-states, independence movements, and wars. The rise of globalism, the idea that nations and cultures are interconnected and that global cooperation is essential for addressing shared challenges, presents a direct challenge to nationalism.

The schism between nationalism and globalism is evident in modern political debates. Nationalist movements often prioritize sovereignty, border control, and economic self-sufficiency, while globalists emphasize international trade, environmental cooperation, and multiculturalism. This divide has become especially apparent in debates over issues like immigration, climate change, and trade agreements. Events such as Brexit and the rise of populist leaders in various countries underscore the schism between those who favor nationalism and those who advocate for global interconnectedness.

Remedies

We can gain the wisdom to avoid the schisms born of isms in several ways.

Begin by separating facts from fiction, speculation, opinions, and controversies. Know how you know and seek true beliefs. Examine the various ideologies you are drawn to. Abandon those that are unsound or unhelpful.

It is also helpful to recognize that because ambiguity breeds schisms it is helpful to embrace ambiguity, practice dialogue, and transcend conflict.

Seek real good and transcend ideology.

Work to find common ground and come together.

Conclusion

The phrase "every ism creates a schism" captures a profound truth about human societies: the creation of any organized belief system, whether political, religious, social, or philosophical, often introduces division. While "isms" can provide clarity, identity, and a sense of belonging, they also have the potential to alienate and divide, leading to ideological rifts and conflicts. As we have seen through the examples of capitalism vs. communism, Protestantism vs. Catholicism, feminism vs. patriarchy, rationalism vs. empiricism, and nationalism vs. globalism, these divisions shape not only intellectual debates but also the course of history. Understanding these schisms helps us navigate the complexities of belief and coexistence in a world full of competing ideas.