as the number of christians increased and were in positions of influence did Constantine convert to Christianity to strengthen his position in the Roman empire?
2007-02-01 16:42:20 · 8 answers · asked by silverback7m 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Gesundheit
2007-02-01 16:45:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, to keep his empire in order, he had to pick Christianity because it was growing strongly in Europe. The Edict of Milan (313) declared that the Roman Empire would be neutral with regard to religious worship, officially removing all obstacles to the practice of Christianity and other religions.
Constantine was also trying to recreate the glory of Rome
One Empire, One religion
2007-02-02 00:47:29 · answer #2 · answered by FAUUFDDaa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Constantine came to Jesus Christ after He received a vision on his way to battle Maximilian over who will rule Rome. Christ told him, "With this sign, conquer". It was a cross with a "P" attached to it. I forget what it stands for. Anyway, Constantine then defeated Maximilian on the Milvian Bridge and became Emperor. He then freed Christians thus ending the great persecution.
2007-02-02 00:50:07 · answer #3 · answered by stpolycarp77 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He never really converted till very much later on. He kept a priest on duty with him at all times so he could quickly confess and convert before he died. That way he could continue to enjoy life (wine, women and song) without having to worry about the pesky rumours about a terrible afterlife.
2007-02-02 03:02:55 · answer #4 · answered by Rabble Rouser 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Constantine was baptized shortly before his death, because he didn't want to end up in hell.
When you're staring death in the eye, you're no longer worried about your position in the empire.
2007-02-02 03:16:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
He was baptised on his deathbed when he was too weak to resist.
The so-called "Donation of Constantine" has been exposed as an opportunistic forgery
2007-02-02 08:52:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-02-02 00:44:41 · answer #7 · answered by uhohspaghettiohohs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How would anyone know? It is possible, and it is also possible that he was genuinely convinced.
2007-02-02 01:01:32 · answer #8 · answered by Smiley 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋