Constantines Effects on Christianity
Running Head: Constantine’s Effect on Christianity
Constantine 's Effect on Christianity
Jarod A. Bleibdrey, M.S.C.J
American Public University
Hist533: Late Antiquity and Byzantium
Dr. Leda Ciraolo, PhD.
May 2013
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Discussion 3
Christianity and the Unity of the Empire 3
Equal to the Apostles 6
Byzantine Clergy 8
From Catacombs to the Byzantine Church 9
Christian Army 12
Symphonia “The Harmony of Politics and Faith” 13
Conversion of Constantine 14
Constantine and Heresy: The Donatists 15
The Missionary Work of Constantine 15
Hindsight of Actions and Intent 16
Conclusion 16
Bibliography 18
Introduction In the 4th century, the status of Christianity changed due to the efforts of a single person, Constantine the Great, who officially promoted and allowed Christianity in the empire of Rome. Christianity may lead people to think about the great saints, leaders of the church, bishops or martyrs. But it is believed that in the starting of the 4th century, Constantine the Great made a revolutionary transformation which cemented the unbelievable connection between the Christian Church and the civil state. Facing many obstacles, Constnantine had to create a full political, religious and social transition, in order for Christianity to secure a main stream foothold and thus spread. This becomes evident during the reign of Constantine, as the Christian religion that had been persecuted as a perilous sect became licit, and was incorporated into the life of the empire.
Discussion
Christianity and the Unity of the Empire Constantine is considered as a gift for Christianity as he provided “imperium” through Christianity that aroused the idea of common belonging and solidarity within the Empire. It shows that Constantine gave all the people of the Empire a new focus in life, a means to rally their passions and create new
Constantine 's Effect on Christianity
Jarod A. Bleibdrey, M.S.C.J
American Public University
Hist533: Late Antiquity and Byzantium
Dr. Leda Ciraolo, PhD.
May 2013
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Discussion 3
Christianity and the Unity of the Empire 3
Equal to the Apostles 6
Byzantine Clergy 8
From Catacombs to the Byzantine Church 9
Christian Army 12
Symphonia “The Harmony of Politics and Faith” 13
Conversion of Constantine 14
Constantine and Heresy: The Donatists 15
The Missionary Work of Constantine 15
Hindsight of Actions and Intent 16
Conclusion 16
Bibliography 18
Introduction In the 4th century, the status of Christianity changed due to the efforts of a single person, Constantine the Great, who officially promoted and allowed Christianity in the empire of Rome. Christianity may lead people to think about the great saints, leaders of the church, bishops or martyrs. But it is believed that in the starting of the 4th century, Constantine the Great made a revolutionary transformation which cemented the unbelievable connection between the Christian Church and the civil state. Facing many obstacles, Constnantine had to create a full political, religious and social transition, in order for Christianity to secure a main stream foothold and thus spread. This becomes evident during the reign of Constantine, as the Christian religion that had been persecuted as a perilous sect became licit, and was incorporated into the life of the empire.
Discussion
Christianity and the Unity of the Empire Constantine is considered as a gift for Christianity as he provided “imperium” through Christianity that aroused the idea of common belonging and solidarity within the Empire. It shows that Constantine gave all the people of the Empire a new focus in life, a means to rally their passions and create new
Bibliography: 3. Grant, Michael. The Emperor Constantine. England: Orion Books Ltd, 1998. 4. Norwich, John Julius. Byzantium: The Early Centuries. England: Penguin Books, 1990. 5. Treadgold, Warren. A History of the Byzantine State and Society. California: Stanford University Press, 1997. [7] Grant, Michael. The Emperor Constantine. England: Orion Books Ltd, 1998. [8] Norwich, John Julius. Byzantium: The Early Centuries. England: Penguin Books, 1990. [9] Norwich, John Julius. Byzantium: The Early Centuries. England: Penguin Books, 1990.