Constantine and His Effect on Christianity - 1518 Words

Constantine and his effect on Christianity When we look back at Christianity over the years, there are several people who are remembered for their impact on the religion. The first most important figure was Jesus Christ. However, if we travel forward a bit, into the 4th Century we come across Constantine. Historians agree that Constantine served as an important component in the spread of Christianity. Although he spread the religion in a massive way, others wonder if his methods were more harmful then anything. In this paper I will be discussing Constantine in his rise to power and his impact on Christianity. Constantine provided a mean for the word of God to be spread, which is a major benefit. However, He also used violence and hate as†¦show more content†¦According to Constantine’s Porphyry Column, â€Å"Constantine brutally murdered his son and wife.† These acts were directly against the Christian church, which gave the people of the Roman Empire an inaccur ate portrayal of the word of God. Many historians also believe that Constantine’s acceptance of Christianity was rooted in his hatred for the Jewish People. He used his negativity of Judaism as a way to promote his new laws. Many of his new laws had Christian Characteristics. He believed that these new laws would help him to dominate his people. Despite the fact that he gave Christians legal freedom to practice their religion, he made them feel subordinate. This is a crucial flaw in the strategy of Constantine. It removes the genuine nature of his acceptance. Because of this his actions are viewed as blasphemy rather than something to be celebrated. This is largely due to the fact that he accepted Christianity in the Roman Empire for selfish reasons. Because of his violent methods and selfish ruling, Constantine hurt Christianity’s image among the Roman people. Besides Constantine’s hunger for power, there was another detrimental flaw in his strategy for the spr ead of Christianity. According to many historians, Constantine did not actually believe in the Christian religion. Although he made it a priority to spread Christianity through the Roman Empire, He continued to worship the Sun God. According to The Impact of Constantine on Christianity there was,Show MoreRelatedConstantine the Ruler of the Roman Empire1626 Words   |  7 Pages Constantine the ruler of the Roman Empire had been surrounded by many controversies during his reign (Cameron, 14). He was the son of a great warrior and he defeated Manutius a great ruler at Milia Bridge. He had gained much respect and admiration among the Romans as a fair ruler. He emerged as a ruler who supported Christianity and then became popular as a Christian ruler himself. His reign and victory over the Roman Empire is a significant event in the history of Christian religion. With theRead MoreThe Rule Of The Empire Essay1249 Words   |  5 Pagespopulace. Asoka, of the Mauryan empire, wanted to use his religion in order to establish his empire as a stronghold of peace and prosperity. In stark contrast to that, Emperor Trajan of Rome wanted for Christians under his dominion to be persecuted in order to keep the status quo of the empire. Walking the line between acceptance and persecution, Emperor Constantine of Rome attempted to use persuasion in order to coax people to con vert to Christianity. No matter the efforts used, the conversion methodsRead MoreThe Emperor Constantine Is One Of The Major Figures Of1253 Words   |  6 PagesThe Emperor Constantine is one of the major figures of Christian history (89). After his transformation, Christianity moved quickly from the separation of the tombs to the esteem of castles. The development began the fourth century as an oppressed minority; it finished the century as the built up religion of the domain. Consequently, the Christian Church was joined to the energy of the state and accepted an ethical accountability of the entire society. To serve the state, it refined its principleRead MoreThe Conversion Of Roman Emperor1720 Words   |  7 Pages11/7/2014 Research Paper The conversion of Roman Emperor, Constantine, marked the start of a reform that would change Rome forever. A once pagan society, Rome was one of the last to grasp the Christianity concept. The start of â€Å"Christianizing† Rome began with two of Jesus’ disciples, Peter and James, as well as the apostle Paul in the Roman province of Antioch during the first century (New Women of Color Study Bible 1742). From this, Christianity spread all over the province, by the time it got to RomeRead MoreThe Edict Of Milan As A Form Of Betrayal882 Words   |  4 Pages The Edict of Milan was an order given by Emperor Constantine of the Roman Empire in the year 313. This order marked the acceptance for the Christian faith within the Roman Empire after decades of persecution. Its issuance led to Christianity becoming the dominant faith in the Roman Empire, as well as the most widely practiced religion in the world today. Unfortunately the end of the persecution of Christians was cause for the persecution of pagans, resulting in cultural, political, andRead MoreThe Rise Of The Century King Cyrus And Emperor Constantine1305 Words   |  6 Pagesin history King Cyrus and Emperor Constantine you will discover that these two historical leaders dramatically influenced the change of direction for Judaism and Christianity. There are some scholars who would argue that these two ruler’s conversions to god was not sincere and they were just political masterminds. Either way Cyrus and Constantine are two central figures in Judaism and Christia nity, two of the world’s major organized religions. Cyrus and Constantine took over many lands and built theirRead MoreThe Great Leaders Of Pericles And Constantine1516 Words   |  7 Pagesothers during their rule. Pericles and Constantine were examples of great leaders in the ancient world. Under their rule, changes were made. Both led armies into battles against others. However, they both had a different style of leading and gave different effects on their citizens. Although they are both respected leaders, they affected different aspects of their civilizations. Pericles greatly improved the arts and literature of Athens, whereas Constantine enacted administrative, financial, socialRead MoreThe Rise Of The Century King Cyrus And Emperor Constantine1302 Words   |  6 Pagesin history King Cyrus and Emperor Constantine you will discover that these to historical leaders dramatically influenced the change of direction for Judaism and Christianity. There are some scholars who would argue that these to ruler’s conversion to god was not sincere and they were just political masterminds. Either way Cyrus and Constantine are two central figures in Judaism and Christianity, two of the worldâ €™s major organized religions. Cyrus and Constantine took over many lands and built theirRead MoreAlexander The Great Of The Classical Greek Culture Essay1742 Words   |  7 Pagesapproached life. He had no idea that he would create a new culture. Alexander spoke Greek but did not act Greek in every way of his life. He did not live modestly like the classical Greek culture required. Instead of dressing simply and with austerity, Alexander wore elaborate Asian-styled clothing and he likely enjoyed Epicurean pleasures. Although leading military campaigns was his primary objective, Alexander also led the way in fashion and demonstrated how to enjoy pleasure in one’s life. The moveRead More The Rule of Constantine Essay1541 Words   |  7 PagesThe Rule of Constantine The emperor Constantine has been called the most important emperor of the late antiquity. The many great events of his reign laid foundations that would affect the future of Europe and Western Civilization for centuries to come. His recognition and support of Christianity was one of the most important moments in world history. Moving the government of the Roman Empire to Constantinople and founding â€Å"New Rome† was one of the most significant decisions ever made by a Roman