Constantine The Church Constantine Was he really converted

Constantine The Church

Constantine • Was he really converted? • Some claim his conversion was the goal of the church and the empire all along • Some claim he was a shrewd politician and using Christianity • Truth probably in the middle

Constantine • People were put through rigiorious process then to become a church member • Had to understand the new faith, discipline, instruction and then baptized • The bishop became their shepherd • Constantine was different

Constantine • He never placed himself under the guidance of a bishop • Lactantius and Hosius were a part of his Christian entourage but never fully submitted to their discipleship • He considered himself bishop of bishops so he intervened at times in church affairs • He took part in pagan rituals even after his conversion, but bishops didn’t say anything

Constantine • Only baptized on his deathbed • He was viewed as one inclined to become a Christian so when he did something like pagan rituals it was excused • These people did not receive direction from the church

Constantine • However, using Christianity when he did would not have been a good political move • Most of his backers prior to his victory would have been old Roman aristocracy • Christians could offer no real support-they refused to serve in army-most were lower class

Constantine • Probably believed in Christian God and He was powerful who would support him as long as he took care of Christians • Seeking goodwill of God when he built churches and enacted laws • Still seemed to think Unconquered Sun and Christian God were compatible and consult Apollos on occasion

Constantine • He did not get rid of pagan gods or worship because most of the old guard still favored this • The progress was slow much like his conversion • Ordered end to persecution and property to be returned • Later he donated to the church

Constantine • He began to appoint Christians to high places in government • Never made Christianity the official religion

Changes • Gave tax exemptions to churches and church properties • Church would come to own vast lands and become rich • Around 1, 800 bishops at the time-granted tax exemptions and military exemption, and days of labor for public works

Changes • Ended death by crucifixion • Stopped death by gladiators as punishment for crimes • Overturned laws punishing Christians who rescued abandoned children

Changes • These special exemptions led to corruption and arrogance in many cases with bishops • Simony-buying a church position • Bishops had judicial power so bribery was an issue

Laity • Syncretism now popular again • People were buried with pagan and Christian symbols • Some attended gladiatorial games now • Decree issued that first day must worship Supreme God but some worshipped unconquered sun • This did allow Christians to not have to gather at dark

Worship • Until Constantine, worship had been simple but now more pomp was in it • Incense began appearing • Ministers began dressing in luxurious garments and called priests • Kneeling for prayer now was like kneeing before the emperor • Processionals now began worship • Congregation less active

Worship • Digging up relics from martyrs • Some claim revelation from martyrs • Many wild claims and superstitions • Pilgrimages to the Holy Land were encouraged • Church was overwhelmed by number of converts so discipleship went down • Not much time to disciple so people were baptized before understanding

Church Buildings • Some were forced to give money or work on the construction • Buildings were more elaborate • Basicila-building divided into naves by 2 or more columns • Many churches now took this name • Atrium, nave, and sanctuary • Marble and mosaics

Official Theology • There was now an official theology • Some Christians favored this and said God ordained Constantine to help the church • Others opposed and some fled to the desserts because they didn’t want to formally break with the church • A mass exodus to Egypt and Syria • These people thought this was most devout way to live • Others believed in a break for the church

Today • We see many of the affects still in use today • Basically forced the start of monastic life • Danger in church and world being intertwined