The Impact the Alleged Conversion of Constantine the Great had on Christianity
Submitted to Dr. Gregory Tomlin, in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements for the completion of the course
CHHI 520-D02
History of Christianity I
By
Jerome O. Holmes
May 4, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
CONSTANTINE BACKGROUND 2
CONSTANTINE’S CONVERSION 3
THE AUTHENTICITY OF CONSTANTINE’S CONVERSION 4
CONSTANTINE CONVERSION AND ITS IMPACT ON CHRISTIANITY 6
CONCLUSION 12
BIBLIOGRAPHY 13
INTRODUCTION In an effort to create a, “new Rome,” out of the declining Roman Empire, Constantine the Great implemented many changes that included, but not limited to, openly embracing and supporting the Christians who had been persecuted under Roman emperors for three centuries. Edward A. Johnson, in his article, Constantine the Great: Imperial Benefactor of the Early Church stated that Constantine was an important figure in Roman history because, “…he ended the imperial persecution of the Church and unified the declining Roman Empire. Not much is known about Constantine personally. Much of what has been written regarding the emperor was writing by the historian Eusebius of Caesaria; and he presented Constantine in the best possible light. Constantine, as stated, is best known for his support of Christianity by the decisions he made and the edicts he passed. However, many scholars have criticized his intentions because some deemed his motives were spurred purely by an ambitious agenda to solidify his position of power within the Roman Empire. Fotini Orphanos stated, “Constantine needed Christianity and Christianity needed Constantine.” It is likely that Constantine’s controversial policies developed as a result his personal interests and religious interests.
