Session 1: Constantine the Great: The Cross-Bearing Emperor
A PDF is available here: https://humble-sidecar-837.notion.site/Handouts-Kingdom-Of-The-Cross-6b424d6b269f4ee885d94ffe496b80bf?pvs=4
Introduction
In the fourth century, the Roman Empire faced internal discord and external threats. Christianity, born in the Levant, spread across Roman provinces despite persecution. Constantine's ascent to the throne in AD 306 marked a new era, where empire and faith converged. Constantine drew Christianity into imperial power, reshaping doctrine and identity. This chapter explores Constantine's life, military campaigns, politics, and religious patronage. It questions whether his reign brought protection or compromise to Christianity. The journey through Constantine's era examines the interplay between political authority and religious tradition.
Rise To Power
Born to a powerful family, Constantine was immersed in the world of Roman politics and military from a young age. After his father's death in AD 306, Constantine took control of the Western Roman Empire amidst a complex web of alliances and rivalries. Through his military campaigns and strategic alliances, he expanded his realm and solidified his position within the Tetrarchy.
A pivotal moment in Constantine's life was his vision at the Milvian Bridge before a decisive battle in AD 312. The subsequent victory was seen as a divine endorsement and strengthened Constantine's faith.
Constantine went on to defeat his rivals, such as Maxentius and Licinius, and unify the Western and Eastern Roman Empires under his rule. His governance was marked by a pragmatic approach, combining traditional Roman administrative skills with a growing tolerance towards Christianity.
Constantine's rise to power was a tale of military valor, political strategy, and perceived divine favor. It not only shaped Roman power dynamics but also set the stage for his religious reforms and had a lasting impact on the Christian community.
As Constantine's reign continued, he introduced religious reforms that would greatly impact Christianity. The next part of our story explores the Edict of Milan, a decree that reflected the changing religious landscape of the empire and foreshadowed the transformation of the Christian realm.
Edict of Milan
Before the Edict of Milan in AD 313, Christians in the Roman Empire faced persecution for refusing to participate in state-sanctioned religious rituals. The edict brought religious tolerance and restored confiscated properties to Christians. It elevated their status and allowed Christianity to flourish openly. However, it also brought expectations of ecclesiastical support for the imperial agenda. The Edict of Milan had a profound impact on the relationship between the state and the Christian church, shaping the trajectory of both. While many are thrilled with the developments of this era, I argue that government's favor had negative effects on Christian doctrine.
First Council of Nicaea
The First Council of Nicaea in AD 325 is a significant event in Christian history. Emperor Constantine called this council to address theological disputes that endangered Christian unity. The council's most important outcome was the Nicene Creed, which expresses orthodox beliefs about God and the Father-Son relationship.
However, the involvement of imperial powers and the promotion of creeds as standards for orthodoxy raise concerns about the independence of the church and the authority of Scripture. The intense reverence for the Council of Nicaea and its creed should be reconsidered, as it undermines the autonomy of theological discourse and ecclesiastical governance.
The narrative of the First Council of Nicaea invites contemplation on the relationship between Christian faith and secular authority, raising questions about the boundaries between ecclesiastical autonomy and political influence.
Christian Patronage and Building Projects
The enthronement of Constantine marked the beginning of an era where Christianity started to influence the Roman Empire. With his newfound Christian fervor, the emperor aimed to establish Christianity as a fundamental part of the empire's architecture and culture. This period brought about not only changes in church buildings, but also a transformation of the empire's essence, as it grappled with the interplay of the sacred and the secular.
The pinnacle of this architectural renaissance was the creation of Constantinople, envisioned as a "New Rome." This city was intended to embody Christian values and serve as a significant symbol of the empire's newfound religious focus. Strategically located at the crossroads of the East and West, Constantinople represented the imperial endorsement of the previously persecuted Christian faith.
A key aspect of Constantine's architectural endeavors was the construction of grand structures to accommodate the growing Christian communities. Among these, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem held a revered position. Built on the believed site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, this venerable structure was more than just a physical building; it served as a tangible link to the Christian narrative, attracting pilgrims from far and wide.
Similarly, the construction of Old St. Peter's Basilica in Rome made a bold statement. Positioned on what Constantine believed to be the burial site of St. Peter, this magnificent basilica was not only an architectural marvel, but also a spiritual center that drew in the faithful. It stood as a testament to the merging of the apostolic tradition with the emerging Christian tradition within Rome, the heart of the empire. This merging had likely already begun, but it was physically enshrined in government-funded church buildings during Constantine's reign.
Interestingly, the term "basilica" originates from the Greek word "basileus," meaning king. In ancient Rome, a basilica was a type of public building used for various civic purposes, such as a court of law, a marketplace, or a venue for public gatherings. The architectural design of a basilica, with its spacious interior, was well-suited for accommodating large groups of people, making it a practical choice for various public and governmental functions. Hence, during Constantine's rule, the church essentially became a government building.
Underneath the grandeur of these architectural marvels lies an important and delicate narrative. The imperial patronage of Christian buildings had both positive and negative consequences. It elevated Christianity to new heights, but also intertwined the faith with political power. This architectural patronage, while enhancing the Christian identity, also presented a significant challenge, demanding that the faith community navigate between spiritual authenticity and government funding.
The story of Christian patronage and monumental building projects during Constantine's time reveals a complex interweaving of faith, power, and architectural splendor. These buildings have left a lasting architectural legacy, but also signify the beginning of the intricate relationship between Christianity and political authority.
Challenges and Controversies
Constantine's reign marked the beginning of Christian ascendancy within the Roman Empire, but it also blurred the distinction between the sacred and the secular.
Against this backdrop, Constantine's personal spiritual journey was shaped by a significant event that has fueled theological debates for centuries: his baptism on his deathbed. The delayed baptism was not uncommon in that era, as there was a belief in the efficacy of baptism in absolving sins. This belief reflects a lack of understanding of the dispensation of the grace of God (Eph. 3:2). This lack of understanding was then manifested in physical structures and institutions that have survived to this day.
The story of Constantine's reign intertwines passionate support for Christianity, political considerations, syncretic religious practices, and a personal spiritual journey that culminated in a deathbed baptism. This narrative encourages reflection on the challenges that arise when spiritual aspirations intersect with earthly power - a exploration that goes to the heart of the relationship between the cross and the crown, a theme that resonates throughout Christian history.
Legacy: A Double-Edged Sword
The reign of Constantine is a significant period in Christian history, known as the Constantinian shift. During this time, Christianity transitioned from being persecuted to becoming a favored religion within the empire, thanks to imperial support. Many view this era as a triumph of the cross over the early Church's persecution, with Christian thought, liturgy, and ecclesiastical infrastructure flourishing.
However, a closer examination reveals a less positive narrative, especially for those who value an unadulterated faith guided solely by Scripture. The Constantinian shift, while granting Christianity privilege and power, also introduced a period where the purity of the faith was overshadowed by political considerations and ecclesiastical power struggles.
The intertwining of Church and State, initiated by Constantine's patronage, led to a faith experience that was partially mediated by ecclesiastical hierarchies and imperial mandates. This shift moved Christianity away from its early community-based and scripturally-rooted ethos, towards a more institutionalized faith where creeds and councils held influence over personal scriptural interpretation and spiritual discernment. This aspect alone makes the Constantinian shift more detrimental than beneficial for Christianity.
Constantine's legacy, therefore, presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provided Christianity a place in the public and political sphere, facilitating its growth and cultural impact. On the other hand, it diluted the radical nature of a faith that thrived in the simplicity and autonomy of individual believers who sought to "rightly divide the word of truth" as stated in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV).
The narrative of Constantine challenges believers to reflect on the essence of Christian faith, its relationship with political power, and the importance of maintaining a faith grounded in the Scriptures amidst the shifting tides of history and politics.
This legacy invites a re-examination and reclamation of a faith that places trust solely in God and the guidance of Scripture, free from the trappings of political and ecclesiastical power. It calls for a return to a vibrant Christianity characterized by simplicity, faithfulness to Scripture, and individual spiritual commitment, aspects that were at risk of being overshadowed after the Constantinian shift.
