1. Constantine and the Edict of Milan (AD 313): The Legalization of Christianity
One of the most significant events in the history of Christianity is the conversion of Emperor Constantine. Before Constantine’s conversion, Christianity was a persecuted religion. Christians in the Roman Empire were often subjected to intense persecution, starting as early as AD 64 during Emperor Nero’s reign. They faced imprisonment, torture, and even execution because they refused to worship Roman gods and the emperor, which was expected in Roman society.
In the early 4th century, this all began to change with Constantine. His conversion to Christianity was a turning point for the faith and the Roman Empire.
Constantine’s Conversion
Constantine’s conversion to Christianity is often associated with the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312. According to historical accounts, Constantine had a vision before this battle. He reportedly saw a symbol of the cross in the sky, along with the words, “In this sign, conquer.” Taking this as a divine message, Constantine had his soldiers mark their shields with the Christian symbol (often thought to be the Chi-Rho, a combination of the first two letters of “Christ” in Greek). He went on to win the battle decisively, which led to him becoming the sole ruler of the Western Roman Empire.
Though the exact details of Constantine’s personal faith journey remain debated among historians, what is clear is that Constantine began to favor Christianity and made efforts to protect and promote it.
The Edict of Milan (AD 313)
In AD 313, shortly after his conversion, Constantine and his co-emperor Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, which was a proclamation that permanently established religious toleration for Christianity within the Roman Empire. This was a revolutionary moment in the history of the early church.
The Edict of Milan did not make Christianity the official state religion, but it did something equally monumental: it legalized Christianity, ending centuries of persecution. The edict granted Christians the freedom to worship openly without fear of retribution. It also returned confiscated property to Christians and restored legal rights that had been taken from Christian communities.
Key Changes Due to the Edict of Milan:
- End of Persecution: Christians could now practice their faith openly and freely, without fear of imprisonment or execution.
- Property and Legal Rights Restored: Christian communities were granted the return of property confiscated during persecution. Christians also gained legal rights that allowed them to gather, worship, and own property.
- Promotion of Christianity: While the edict called for religious toleration for all religions, Constantine’s favor towards Christianity led to the beginning of state support for the church.
Constantine’s Role in Promoting Christianity
Constantine’s conversion and support for Christianity went beyond just legalizing the faith. He actively supported the construction of churches, including the famous Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which is believed to be built on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Constantine also became involved in theological matters, convening the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, the first ecumenical council of the Christian Church, which sought to address divisions in the church, particularly around the nature of Christ.
Although Constantine’s baptism occurred only on his deathbed, his influence on Christianity was undeniable. His reign marked the beginning of a new relationship between the Christian Church and the Roman Empire, one that would shape the future of both.
2. Christendom and the State Church: The Rise of Church-State Intertwinement
Constantine’s reign marked the beginning of what would later be known as Christendom — a fusion of Christian church and state that would define much of the Western world for centuries.
What is Christendom?
Christendom refers to the socio-political order where the Christian faith is not only the dominant religion but also deeply intertwined with the state. The ruler, whether an emperor, king, or monarch, was often seen as a protector and sometimes a leader of the faith, while church leaders wielded significant influence over political matters.
Constantine’s Edict of Milan was the first step toward the formation of Christendom. By legalizing and promoting Christianity, Constantine began a shift in the Roman Empire from a pagan state to a Christian one. This process culminated with Emperor Theodosius I in AD 380, when Christianity became the official state religion of the Roman Empire through the Edict of Thessalonica. Pagan religions were gradually suppressed, and Christianity became not just a legal religion, but the central religion of the empire.
The State Church
Once Christianity became the state religion, the church’s structure and influence began to change. The Christian church, which had started as an underground movement of persecuted believers, became a powerful institution with state backing.
Key Developments in the Church-State Relationship:
- Church Leaders Gained Authority: Bishops and church leaders were now not only religious figures but also held political power. The bishop of Rome, for example, began to gain prominence, eventually becoming the pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Building of Churches: With imperial support, grand churches and cathedrals were built throughout the empire. These structures were not only places of worship but also symbols of the empire’s Christian identity.
- Christianity as a Cultural Identity: Being Roman became synonymous with being Christian. Civic life and religious life were deeply intertwined. Christian holidays, festivals, and traditions became central to the empire’s culture.
The Influence of Christendom
The intertwining of church and state brought both positive and negative consequences.
Positive Effects:
- Spread of Christianity: With state support, Christianity spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Missionary work was encouraged, and the faith reached parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.
- Cultural Unification: Christendom brought a sense of unity to the Roman Empire, which had long been divided by various pagan religions and practices. Christianity provided a common belief system that helped unify the diverse peoples of the empire.
- Support for Christian Institutions: Churches, monasteries, and schools were established, preserving knowledge and culture during times of instability, particularly after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Negative Effects:
- Persecution of Other Religions: Just as Christians had once been persecuted, now those who did not follow Christianity faced persecution. Pagan temples were destroyed, and followers of other religions were often forced to convert.
- Corruption within the Church: As the church gained wealth and power, it became susceptible to corruption. Some church leaders focused more on political power and wealth than on spiritual leadership. This led to moral and doctrinal issues within the church, which would later contribute to the Reformation in the 16th century.
- Confusion Between Church and State: The close relationship between church and state meant that political and religious issues were often deeply entangled. Emperors and kings would sometimes intervene in church matters, leading to conflicts about authority.
The Legacy of Constantine and Christendom
The conversion of Constantine and the legalization of Christianity transformed the Roman Empire and the future of Western civilization. Christianity, once a persecuted faith, became the dominant religion of the empire, and this led to the formation of Christendom, where church and state were deeply intertwined.
While the rise of Christendom helped spread Christianity and protect the church, it also brought new challenges, such as corruption and persecution of non-Christians. The legacy of Constantine and Christendom shaped the church for centuries and continues to influence the relationship between religion and politics today.
