ANCIENT ECHOES PODCAST: WHY I NO LONGER BELIEVE IN GOD (JESSUP PA)

By: Jeric Yurkanin

Few figures outside of Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and Martin Luther have had a greater impact on Christianity than Constantine the Great. Before Constantine, Christianity was a small and often persecuted religious movement scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Christians met in homes, catacombs, and private gathering places. They had no political power, no government protection, and no guarantee of safety. After Constantine, Christianity became one of the most powerful institutions in the world. Churches were built openly, bishops gained influence, and imperial support transformed the faith. Within a few generations, Christianity moved from the margins of society to the center of Roman power.

When Jesus lived during the first century, the Roman Empire controlled much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Rome was the dominant military and political force of the ancient world. The emperor was viewed not only as a political leader but often as a semi-divine figure deserving loyalty and honor. Most Romans practiced traditional pagan religions, and temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses filled cities throughout the empire. Religious diversity was common, but refusing to honor the emperor could be viewed as political rebellion. This created tension for Christians because they worshipped only one God and many refused to participate in emperor worship. As a result, Christians were often viewed with suspicion.

Contrary to popular belief, Christians were not constantly persecuted during the first three centuries, but several major persecutions did occur. The most famous began under Emperor Nero around 64 CE after the Great Fire of Rome. Later, other emperors periodically targeted Christians, especially when Christians refused to sacrifice to Roman gods. The largest persecution occurred under Emperor Diocletian beginning in 303 CE. Church buildings were destroyed, Christian scriptures were burned, clergy were arrested, and many believers suffered for their faith. Few Christians at that time could have imagined that within a generation Christianity would receive imperial support.

Constantine was born around 272 CE. His father was a Roman military officer who later became emperor in the western portion of the empire. Constantine grew up within Roman political and military circles. When his father died in 306 CE, Constantine’s troops proclaimed him emperor. This led to years of civil war as several rivals competed for control of Rome. The most important conflict occurred in 312 CE, when Constantine prepared to face Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge outside Rome.

According to later Christian accounts, Constantine experienced a vision before the battle. Some sources claim he saw a cross in the sky with the words, “By this sign, conquer.” Other accounts describe a dream instructing him to place a Christian symbol on his soldiers’ shields. Constantine won the battle and emerged as the ruler of the western empire. Whether the vision happened exactly as later writers described remains debated by historians, but it is clear that after this victory Constantine increasingly connected himself with Christianity.

In 313 CE, Constantine and Licinius issued what became known as the Edict of Milan. This decree granted religious tolerance throughout the empire. For Christians, it was a historic turning point. Christianity was no longer illegal. Confiscated church property was returned. Believers could worship openly. Persecution officially ended. After nearly three centuries of uncertainty, Christianity could finally exist publicly. The church moved from survival mode to expansion mode almost overnight.

Historians still debate how sincere Constantine’s conversion was. He clearly favored Christianity, donated money to churches, supported bishops, granted privileges to clergy, and promoted Christian symbols. However, his religious life was complicated. He retained some traditional Roman titles connected to pagan religion and delayed baptism until shortly before his death in 337 CE. Some scholars believe his conversion was genuine, while others argue political motives played a major role. The truth may be a mixture of both. Ancient rulers often combined religion and politics, and Constantine was no exception.

Constantine invested heavily in Christian institutions. He funded the construction of major churches throughout the empire, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Old St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. For the first time, Christianity had large public buildings dedicated to worship. The faith gained visibility, prestige, and power. Bishops increasingly became important civic leaders, and imperial support helped Christianity grow rapidly.

One of Constantine’s most important actions occurred in 325 CE when he called the Council of Nicaea. Christian leaders were divided over a major theological controversy involving a priest named Arius. Arius taught that Jesus was created by God and therefore not fully equal with God the Father. Many church leaders strongly disagreed. Constantine feared that religious division could create political instability, so he summoned bishops from across the empire to meet in Nicaea. The council debated the nature of Christ and eventually affirmed that Jesus was of the same essence as God the Father. The Nicene Creed became one of Christianity’s most influential statements of faith.

A common myth says the Council of Nicaea created the Bible, but that is not historically accurate. The main focus of the council was the nature of Christ, not the New Testament canon. However, Nicaea did show how deeply church leadership and imperial power were becoming connected. The emperor now had a role in bringing church leaders together to settle religious disputes. This marked a major shift in Christianity’s history.

Before Constantine, Christianity generally existed outside political power. After Constantine, the church became increasingly connected to government. Supporters argue that Constantine protected Christians and allowed the faith to flourish. Critics argue that Christianity lost something important when it became associated with empire. Jesus had taught humility, yet the church now possessed wealth. Jesus had been executed by the state, yet the church now cooperated with the state. Jesus held no political office, yet bishops now advised emperors. This tension between faith and power would shape Christian history for centuries.

Constantine’s reign laid the foundation for what historians call Christendom, a period when Christianity became closely intertwined with political authority throughout Europe. In the centuries that followed, kings ruled with church support, churches received government protection, and Christian identity became connected with citizenship. This system helped spread Christianity across Europe, but it also blurred the line between genuine faith and political loyalty.

The legacy of Constantine remains deeply debated. To some Christians, he was a hero who ended persecution and allowed Christianity to thrive. To others, he represents the beginning of Christianity’s entanglement with wealth, government, and empire. Both views contain truth. Without Constantine, Christianity may not have spread as rapidly across Europe. Yet Constantine also helped create a relationship between church and state that often produced corruption, coercion, and abuse of power.

The story of Constantine is ultimately the story of transformation. During his lifetime, Christianity moved from being a persecuted minority religion to becoming one of the most influential forces in the Roman world. The emperor who once marched under Roman military banners helped bring Christianity into the halls of power. Whether viewed as a blessing, a compromise, or a mixture of both, Constantine’s impact on Christianity is impossible to ignore. He did not create Christianity, but he changed Christianity forever.