To Christians/Pagans..everyone?

Question

When Constantine decided to build a "New Rome" called Constantinople it became the center of the largely Christian empire. By this time, the church had evolved from a small, scattering of congregations to a geographically widespread church.
Many now believe that Christianity became the dominant religion of the Empire through the evangelical efforts of the early church during the fourth century. The evidence seems to show that this is not true; The Greek-Roman world was not converted to a new religion, but compelled to embrace it. The Emperor Theodosian issued a series of decrees or rescripts in the years 341-391.. The effect of these orders was to suppress all rival religions, order the closing of the temples, and impose fines, confiscation, imprisonment or death upon any who cling to the older Pagan religions.

Before he legitamized Christianity it wasn't thriving as history indicates so my question is do you think that..

Christianity would be as hugely widespread as it is today had it not been for that slice in history?

Answer 1

In my view, this is the fulcrum of Christian history.

Who really knows what motives Constantine had or didn't have.... I have read critical articles that say that the Bible compiled at Nicea was something of "Constantine's Greatest Hits." And I agree, to a certain extent.

I DO think Christianity would have spread MUCH slower had it not been for Constantine. Whatever means he may have employed are subject to critical debate.

A subject worthy of indepth research.

regards respects peace

Answer 2

constantine bought his way into the catholic church in the 13th century. it issaid by christian historians that he wasnt even a christian. at that time the catholic church ruled the world. conatantine claimed to have a revelation that god was like a triangle three dots in a triangle. hence the doctrine of three gods waspassed down through the centurys. the bible exsisted in transcripts greek, lstin , and hebrew. you werenot allowed to reador be in possion of these .ranscripts, if you didnt agree with the church doctrine at this time you were labled a hertic. and usualy out in prison or killed.ib 1611 kink james authorized the translation of these transcripts. some of the priests bo[roke off with the catholic church. they took some of cathloic doctrine with them including the triangle doctrine. calvin and luther was two whon started major doctrines. laced with catholicism. even now the majority of churches still hold to some of that doctrine, which is false.when the apostle paul started the first church it wasin peoples houses.after all the the church is thebody of belivers. it is not a wooden or bnck structure. christianity isnt thriving today becouse of the false doctrines that orginated from the early catholc church.i will give you one example matthew 28. says be baptized in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost. so the deciples went right out and done this . thereare6 casesof baptisn in the book of acts starting with the acts 2; 38 what wasthe name the catholic says ,the , father, son ,and holy ghost. which are not names, but titles. the name according to 6 casesof baptism in thebook of acts is jesus christ. it also states that what so ever you do in word or deed do it all in the name of jesus. hope i helped .if you want more just write me.god bless pastor carney

Answer 3

It was thriving, somewhat....but - divisions (Arian heretics vs. Orthodox Christians) were beginning to have an effect on commerce. Constantine called the First Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. as much for economic reasons as theological ones.

Answer 4

Yes and in order to make it more palatable to those of differing views they incorporated the practices of the area.

Just look how christianity changed once it reached the northern european countries. You start to see how other religions of the region influenced it.

They were like well we'll force them to convert but we'll just their practices and incorporate it in ours. We'll make the fertility holiday easter and yule into christmas etc...

We'll make the trinity to fit with their idea of a three-fold gods etc.

Answer 5

no. it was a tool to push aside the old elites and bring in a new order that was less politically savy, and had its own agenda that could be used to fit the imperial one.

Answer 6

No....i must agree it was used as a tool as earlier stated....used to make everyone either convert or die....etc...

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Answer 7

Don't know and don't think it matters what anyone thinks. History has already happened and we cannot change so any opinion of "what if's" are irrelevant.

Answer 8

I agree!