“In this sign conquer: Constantine and the Church”

“In this sign conquer: Constantine and the

Church”

The Roman Empire in turmoil

The Roman Empire was divided into two: the West and the East. This was caused by the decision of Emperor Diocletian to appoint co-emperors of the entire empire.

306: Constantine proclaimed emperor of the West, but the West was

divided between Constantine (Britain, France, and Spain) and

Maxentius (Italy and Northwest Africa). Constantine tolerant;

Maxentius anti-Christian.

Battle of the Milvian Bridge (312 AD)

Lactantius:

“Constantine received a dream to put the Christian symbol on the shields of his soldiers.”

Eusebius:

“Constantine saw a vision in the sky with the words: ‘in this you shall conquer’”

Chi Rho symbols

The Edict of Milan313 AD

THE EDICT OF MILAN

“Our purpose is to allow Christians and all others to worship as they

desire, so that whatever Divinity lives in the heavens will be kind to us.”

The Battle of Chrysopolis 324 AD

(in Bithynia, Asia Minor)between Constantine and

Licinius

Arguments against Constantine’s conversion

1. He was a worshipper of the sun god – sol

2. He tolerated pagan religions in the empire.

3. His life proved too little of being a Christian.

4. He was baptized only in his deathbed.

Arguments for Constantine’s conversion

1. His testimony

“God always opens for the human race a pathway to salvation…At the beginning of my life there was wickedness in me, and I did not believe that anyone, not even a god, could even see it, and the consequences of that could have been nothing but ruin. But the Almighty God, enthroned in heaven, had mercy upon me and gave me, his unworthy servant, countless and endless blessings, which I cannot number here.”

Arguments for Constantine’s conversion

1. His testimony

2. His promotion of Christianity above other religions.

3. His convening of the Council of Nicea

4. The Roman culture was changed during his reign

THE CONSTANTINE ERA

Positive Effects

1. Persecution of the Church ended.

2. The Church enjoyed freedom.

3. Christianity was promoted.

4. Christians can worship without fear.

5. Christian ideals became more and more part of the society.

6. Christians became active in art and architecture.

7. The Roman culture was changed drastically

Negative Effects1. Syncretism was present.

2. Wealth, power, and prestige became very important in the church.

3. Mass conversions happened.

4. There was nominal Christianity in the Church.