Recovering our memory: Constantine

Who: Constantine

When: Ruled 312-337

Where: Emperor of western half of the Roman Empire; then Emperor of the whole empire

So what?

Constantine’s conversion probably had a greater impact on the church, and history, than any conversion since Paul’s. Until Constantine became a Christian, and then (almost immediately) became Western Emperor, the church had, other than in Armenia, never existed under a state which had a Christian head. Roman policy until this point had veered between uneasy toleration and horrific persecution.

Constantine became a Christian following the battle he fought for control of Rome in 312. Legend (and possibly truth) has it that he dreamt of the battle, and saw a sign of (in Greek) “JC”, and heard the words “By this sign you will conquer”. He told his soldiers to paint “JC” on their shields; he prayed; and he conquered. 12 years later, he conquered the eastern half of the empire, too.

Though there were subsequent periods of persecution of Christians, Constantine’s conversion marks a massive change in the relationship between church and state.

The empire became more and more Christian (at least outwardly); laws began to follow Christian ideals; and the leaders of the church became more likely to be made wealthy than to be made martyrs.

All this led to some important questions for Christians:

• Should the state’s force be used to uphold the church’s position or decisions? Constantine used exile and building confiscation to try to “heal” a split in the north African church—it failed.
• How much should the state’s leaders be involved in church disagreements, or in resolving them? Constantine called the first Council of Nicea to try to stop the row over Jesus’ divinity. He also helped draw up the decision which was to be agreed on.
• How much should Christians want state law to reflect and impose Old Testament law, and/or general Chrsitian values? Constantine introduced a variety of laws reflecting Christian ethics. Some would say he imposed too much on a pagan population; others, not enough.
• Should Christian leaders impose religious observance? Constantine said no to this; he left people free in religious matters, while using the state to promote Christianity. Within a few centuries, Emperors and church leaders had forgotten this!
• How far should church leaders be involved in matters of state? Constantine allowed bishops to resolve disputes, in place of courts. Under him, being a bishop became respected, a path to great influence, and soon to massive power.

Since Constantine’s conversion, with the brief exception of early Anglo-Saxon rule, Britain has been ruled by a professing Christian, and self-identified as a “Christian country”—until the last few decades. Maybe remembering just how much changed in the fourth century should make us remember that Christians in Europe have not always lived in “Christian countries”, nor been surprised when their state doesn’t support their views, nor expected to be listened to or liked. In fact, the New Testament letters seem to assume that Christians will at best be sneered at, and at worst persecuted. So maybe 21st-century Britain will be closer to the world of the New Testament than at virtually any time since Constantine turned to Christ.

Random fact: Constantine was first proclaimed Emperor at York (though at that point, he “only” ruled Britain, France and Spain)

Good quote: “With free minds all are to worship their gods”

Prayer of thanks: Lord, Thank you for saving Constantine. Thank you for the toleration he brought, and for the laws he passed which pleased you. Thank you for the leaders you have placed over us; for any freedoms they allow us, and any just and godly laws they pass or uphold. Thank you that your church has prospered in hard times as well as in good. Amen.