Byzantine Orthodox preferred Muslim conquest over theological compromise with Latin Christians

Evidence

I will argue that while the Byzantine Orthodox and Latin West both viewed the Muslims as an enemy, the idea of theological compromise with the Latins was seen by the Orthodox as a worse alternative to a Muslim conquest. — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 25

Categorization

• QUESTION: Worth chasing: how far back does this Orthodox preference for Muslim rule over Latin rule go — does it reappear in other historical episodes?
• FICTION: Excellent seed for a historical novel or alternate-history: the internal calculus of choosing conqueror over co-religionist.
• XREF: connects to: The schism within Christianity was perceived as a greater threat than that of a foreign invasion; the Orthodox were relatively receptive towards having the Ottomans as material rulers in contrast to the Latins.; Orthodox authorities perceived an invasion by the Latins as worse, for they would not afford them autonomy which might be hoped under Muslims. The land might remain under Christian rule, but the Orthodox churches would have to yield to papal supremacy. While the Muslim conquest might lead to a change of the head of state, the churches would not be forced to make any doctrinal changes or alter their church hierarchy.; Joseph Bryennius, a Byzantine theologian said, ‘Let no one be deceived by delusive hopes that the Italian allied troops will sooner or later come to us. But if they do pretend to rise to defend us, they will take arms in order to destroy our city, race, and name.’ The military aid of the Latin might push off the Ottoman threat, but this assistance would have far worse consequence than those the rule of the Ottomans would have. Indeed, the Latins would require doctrinal subordination and recognition of papal superiority. (+24 more)

Broader Connections

• Some Byzantine laity preferred Latin Christian rule over Ottoman Muslim rule. #contradicts (0.85) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 33
• Ottoman control preserved Orthodox autonomy while Latin control demanded papal supremacy #expands (0.85) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 26
• Orthodox Christians preferred Ottoman rule because it shielded them from Latin interference. #corroborates (0.80) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 42
• Orthodox clergy preferred Ottoman rule over Latin rule during the fall of Constantinople. #corroborates (0.80) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 60
• Orthodox Christians valued doctrinal purity over military alliance with Rome. #corroborates (0.75) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 49
• Christian communities sometimes preferred Muslim rule to Latin Christian dominion. #expands (0.70) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 54
• Christians preferred Ottoman tolerance over Catholic persecution #expands (0.60) — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 75
• Medieval Christian infighting outweighed the shared threat of Islam #expands (0.55) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 45