For more than three centuries, the Roman Empire was ruled by a pagan religion called emperor worship. It was during this time that Constantine I emerged as a powerful ruler, who is credited today with being responsible for one of the most significant turning points in history: the spread of Christianity.
Born in 272, Constantine was a successful military leader who eventually became the sole ruler of both the Roman Empire and its realm. His real power, however, lay in his ability to create a persuasive policy that had an indelible impact on Christianity, both at the time and in later years. He was the first emperor in history to officially accept Christianity, and his actions helped to make Christianity an officially accepted religion, at least in parts of the Roman Empire.
The tale of Constantine’s support of Christianity began when he was at the apex of power in the Roman Empire, in 312 A.D. On the eve of a battle for the imperial throne, Constantine had a vision in which he saw a cross and a message that read “By this sign conquerors”. This prompted him to lead an army marked with the sign of the cross into the battle the following day. He was convinced that the vision had been a divine sign and subsequently, overcame his enemies.
In 313, Constantine and his co-emperor, Licinius, issued the Edict of Milan. This document declared that all religions, including Christianity, would be tolerated within the Roman Empire. This result was a significant stride in the recognition of Christianity and its adherents.
In 325, Constantine called the Council of Nicaea, the first of many councils to debate the doctrines of Christianity. At this council, Christianity suffered the first of its great splits when the doctrine of the trinity was declared dogma. Constantine then set about building churches and protecting the church’s rights in the empire.
Constantine also continued to strive for unity among Christians. He organised for a new edition of the Bible to be produced. He also brought an end to the persecution of Christians that had been taking place in various parts of the empire. He thus provided Christians living in the empire with official support and protection.
Constantine’s legacy extends beyond his role in the spread of Christianity. He recognised the need for a single religion in the empire, and he helped to create the beginnings of one of the world’s most enduring institutions, the Roman Catholic Church. His legacy also includes the building of a new capital city, Constantinople, which was built on the site of the former Greek city of Byzantium. This city went on to become an important centre of power and culture, and was the centre of the Byzantine Empire.
Church Building
Emperor Constantine I was an avid supporter of Christianity. One of his major contributions was the commissioning of some of the most remarkable churches of Christian antiquity. He built monumental churches in the cities of Rome, Jerusalem and Constantinople to commemorate significant moments in Christian history. The Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, considered one of the most important Christian churches in the world today, was commissioned by Constantine. He also ordered the building of the Church of the Nativity in Jerusalem, one of the most venerated churches in Christian history.
The legendary Aghia Sophia of Constantinople was commissioned by Constantine’s nephew, Constantius II. It was the largest, most beautiful and most expensive church in the world for over a thousand years and was, for centuries, the largest structure in the world. The construction of the church was commissioned to mark the 1,600th anniversary of the proclamation by Emperor Constantine of the Edict of Milan. It was also an indication of the importance and prestige of the Christian religion to Byzantine society.
Constantine also ordered the building of smaller churches throughout the empire, as well as monasteries and religious centres. He contributed generously to the clergy, enabling them to take care of their communities and engage in charitable works. In this manner, Constantine helped to cement the connection between faith and service, and between the Emperor and the Church.
The Edict Of Toleration
When Constantine declared the Edict of Milan in 313, the persecution of Christians ended and they were granted freedom of worship within the Roman Empire. This edict was not only an act of respect towards the religion that Constantine had come to accept, but it was also a political move. By permitting Christian worship, Constantine united the empire under a single religion, thereby preventing religious division and strife.
The edict also enshrined the right of Christians to practice their faith without being harassed or threatened. It enabled them to worship openly and to build places of worship, and provided them with legal rights and protection under the law. This was a revolutionary move in Rome’s history, as they had long considered Christians to be outsiders who often posed a threat to the empire.
Constantine was an innovator in his approach to religion in the Roman Empire, and he sought to reconcile the Christian faith with traditional Roman values. The Edict of Milan attempted to accommodate Christianity and ensure its survival by removing any prohibitions or punishments for its adherents. Thus, the influence of Constantine’s edict continues to be felt to this day.
Biblical Contribution
Constantine also provided financial resources for the production of the Bible, making it accessible and affordable to all. He ordered a new translation of the Bible, the Vulgate, to be produced. He also set up institutions, such as the Episcopacy, to lead, guide and support the Christian faith. Thus, he established a framework for the practice of Christianity, which had been largely absent until that time.
In addition, Constantine’s support of Christianity extended beyond the Christian Bible. He also endorsed a collection of letters and decrees, known as the “Codex Theodosianius”, which proved essential at later Christian councils. This was a decisive text, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of Christian doctrine.
Constantine was also instrumental in promoting the spread of Christian literature. He ordered a number of books be written, such as “On the Incarnation” by Athanasius, which helped to strengthen the understanding of Christian doctrine.
Legacy
The spread of Christianity was a major step in liberating humanity from superstition and irrationality. The contribution of Emperor Constantine I to this cause is considerable, particularly in terms of the resources he provided so that Christianity would be accepted and respected in the Roman Empire.
His actions paved the way for the programme of the Church’s activity, the production of a single version of the Bible in the language of the people and the confirmation of a number of doctrines. This ensured that Christianity would eventually become a major force throughout the empire and beyond, and preserved it in the face of pagan superstition and persecution.
Constantine’s legacy is thus one of immense importance and is of tremendous significance even today, a testament to his commitment to the preservation of the Christian faith.
