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==Introduction==[[File:Constantine's conversion.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|The Conversion of Constantine by Reubens]]__NOTOC__One of the most important figures in the ancient world was the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. He set the stage for Christianity to become the official state religion of the Roman Empire and in doing so he not only changed that Empire but also world history. This research will discuss the evidence for Constantine's "conversion" to Christianity and identify when he can be called an actual Christian. It will focus on Constantine's alleged conversion before the t Battle of the Milvian Bridge in October, 312 AD. There are many who have argued that Constantine did not really convert to Christianity at the time. There are those who doubt if Constantine did actually convert and that his beliefs were not those of an orthodox Christian until much later in life. The work will assert that Constantine did not have a conversion experience before the Milvian Bridge, as shown in the Christian sources and that he took many years to become a Christian. [[File:Constantine's conversion.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The Conversion of Constantine by Reubens]]
==Background== After There are many who have argued that Constantine did not really convert to Christianity at the Third Century Crisis, the Roman Empire had been stabilized by a series time. There are those who doubt if Constantine did actually convert and that his beliefs were not those of Illyrian Emperorsan orthodox Christian until much later in life. Christianity at this time had been growing more popular especially in The work will assert that Constantine did not have a conversion experience before the urban areas of the EmpireMilvian Bridge, despite periodic bouts of persecution. At as shown in the time of Constantine’s birthChristian sources and that he took many years to become a Christian. ===Background===After the Third Century Crisis, the empire was experiencing something of a revival under the system known as the Tetrarchy established Roman Empire had been stabilized by Diocletian. During this emperor’s reign, there was a prolonged persecution series of the ChristiansIllyrian Emperors. The Tetrarchy involved several co-Emperor’s cooperating Christianity at this time had been growing more popular especially in the administration urban areas of the far-flung Empire and its long borders </ref> Cameron, Adespite periodic bouts of persecution. The later Roman EmpireAt the time of Constantine’s birth, AD 284-430 (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Pressthe empire was experiencing something of a revival under the system known as the Tetrarchy established by Diocletian. 1993)During this emperor’s reign, p 56</ref>. This system after there was a prolonged persecution of the death of Diocletian’s main heir, Galerius, collapsedChristians. The Tetrarchy involved several co-emperors who had under Emperor’s cooperating in the administration of the Diocletian system worked together, now fought each other for supreme power far-flung Empire and there was a civil war throughout in the Empire. Constantine’s father had been one defence of the co-emperorsits long borders. He had succeeded his father and was the de-facto ruler of much of western Europe<ref> Cameron, A. When Maxentius deposed the co<i>The later Roman Empire, AD 284-emperor in Italy, Constantine saw an opportunity to gain new territories. The Christian bishop Eusebius of Caesarea claimed that Constantine wanted to save Rome from a tyranny 430<ref/i> Eusebius(Cambridge, xviiiiMass.: Harvard University Press. 1993), p 56</ref> This system after the death of Diocletian’s main heir, Galerius, collapsed. Constantine The co-emperors who had advanced quickly from his base in France but his army under the Diocletian system worked together, now fought each other for supreme power and there was significantly smaller than his enemy’s. He approached Rome and camped his army before a civil war throughout the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD<ref>Cameron, p 113</ref>Empire. Then according to Christian accounts, he Constantine’s father had a dream or vision. The traditional account states that Constantine saw a Christian emblem in been one of the skyco-emperors. He saw this as a portent had succeeded his father and this that led him to order his legionnaires to mark their shields with was the Christian sign, de-facto ruler of much of western Europe. When Maxentius deposed the Chi Rhoco-emperor in Italy, similar Constantine saw an opportunity to a crossgain new territories. Lacentius relates how According The Christian bishop Eusebius of Caesarea claimed that Constantine wanted to the Roman writer Lacentius Constantine ‘had marked on their shields the letter Χ, with save Rome from a perpendicular line drawn through it and turned round thus at the top, being the cipher of CHRISTtyranny. <ref> LactantiusEusebius, De Mortibus Persecutorum Chapter XLIV xviiii</ref>. Many have seen this as proof that Constantine converted to Christianity before the Battle of the Milvian Bridgehad advanced quickly from his base in France but his army was significantly smaller than his enemy’s. Their argument is that after He approached Rome and camped his vision that Constantine became totally committed to Christianity. The next day the army of Constantine inflicted a great defeat on Maxentius and he marched into Rome, before the first Christian emperor Milvian Bridge in 312 AD.<ref> Lactantius. XCameron,IVp 113</ref>. Later Then according to Christian accounts, he defeated the ruler of the Eastern Empire and once more unified the Roman provinces under had a single emperordream or vision. The traditional account states that Constantine was saw a very effective ruler, he reformed Christian emblem in the administration and rebuilt many cities, but he was an autocratsky. He brought stability saw this as a portent and this that led him to order his legionnaires to mark their shields with the Christian sign, the Roman empire after the civil wars and established Chi Rho, similar to a dynastycross. Constantine also built Lacentius relates how According to the city of Constantinople (later Byzantium) Roman writer Lacentius Constantine ‘had marked on their shields the letter Χ, with a perpendicular line drawn through it and in doing so he laid turned round thus at the foundations for top, being the medieval Byzantine Empirecipher of CHRIST. His most important legacy was that he ended the persecution of Christians and legalized Christianity <ref> CameronLactantius, p 114<De Mortibus Persecutorum Chapter XLIV </ref>. ==Did Constantine Become a Christian==Many such have seen this as proof that Constantine converted to Christianity before the Christian writer Eusebius argued that Constantine’s order that his troops put a Christian symbol on their shields was proof his conversion before the Battle of Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. However, it was usual for a leader Their argument is that after his vision that Constantine became totally committed to seek Christianity. The next day the support army of Constantine inflicted a God. In the polytheismgreat defeat on Maxentius and he marched into Rome, prevalent in the Roman Empirefirst Christian emperor.<ref> Lactantius. X, people would simply offer sacrificSe and thanks to IV</ref> Later he defeated the ruler of the deity that they believed would be most likely to help themEastern Empire and once more unified the Roman provinces under a single emperor. Constantine’s instructions for his soldiers could be interpreted as merely seeking the support of Constantine was a very effective ruler, he reformed the Christian God administration and not as a sign of his conversion to Christianityrebuilt many cities, but he was an autocrat. Lacentius, a contemporary writer argued that because Constantine ordered his soldiers He brought stability to display the Roman empire after the civil wars and established a Christian symbol <ref> Lacentius XIV</ref>, it did not mean that dynasty. Constantine also built the city of Constantinople (later Byzantium) and in doing so he had convertedlaid the foundations for the medieval Byzantine Empire. Adopting a Christian symbol His most important legacy was a remarkable action, given that he ended the Roman elite scorned that religion persecution of Christians and that most of the population was paganlegalized Christianity. However<ref> Cameron, p 114</ref> ===Did Constantine had appeared to sympathize with Become a Christian?===Many such as the Christians during Christian writer Eusebius argued that Constantine’s order that his troops put a Christian symbol on their shields was proof his conversion before the persecution Battle of Diocletian the Milvian Bridge in particular312 AD. The Christian community in However, it was usual for a leader to seek the west had been generally spared the worst effects support of the persecutiona God. There is a long-standing argument in In the secondary literature that Constantine ‘conversion’ before polytheism, prevalent in the Milvian Bridge was a strategy to secure Christian support Roman Empire, people would simply offer sacrificSe and thanks to unify the empire. However, this is unlikely given deity that they believed would be most likely to help them. Constantine’s instructions for his soldiers could be interpreted as merely seeking the relative strengths support of Christianity the Christian God and paganism in the Empire not as a sign of his conversion to Christianity. Lacentius, a contemporary writer argued that because Constantine ordered his soldiers to display a Christian symbol,<ref> Roth, J. (2013). Constantine revisited (London, Wipf & Stock Pub, 2015), p. 67 Lacentius XIV</ref> Paganism was it did not in any way in decline in the Empire during Constantine’s reignmean that he had converted. In this context, Constantine’s alleged conversion would have been Adopting a Christian symbol was a remarkableaction, especially given his ambition to unify that the Roman Empireelite scorned that religion and that most of the population was pagan. The army was still largely pagan However, and every Emperor depended on for his authority and even his life, on Constantine had appeared to sympathize with the Christians during the soldiers' loyalty <ref> Cameron, ppersecution of Diocletian in particular. 104</ref>The Christian community in the west had been generally spared the worst effects of the persecution. Then there was There is a long-standing argument in the Roman and Provincial nobility, who were still pagan, secondary literature that Constantine ‘conversion’ before the Milvian Bridge was a strategy to secure Christian support and every Roman Emperor needed their cooperation to control unify the Empire <ref>Cameronempire. However, p. 102this is unlikely given the relative strengths of Christianity and paganism in the Empire.</ref>Roth, J. The fact that (2013). <i>Constantine did order his legionaries to display a Christian symbol in battle is significant in the development of his religious beliefsrevisited</i> (London, Wipf & Stock Pub, 2015), p. Because such a move 67 </ref> Paganism was politically risky, not in any way in decline in the Empire during Constantine’s reign. In this context of the times when so many were pagan. This , Constantine’s alleged conversion would suggest that Constantine did have some religious experience before been remarkable, especially given his ambition to unify the Milivian Bridge, even if it was not an outright conversionRoman Empire. Constantine’s experience in 312 AD The army was still largely pagan, cannot be regarded as a conversion because it was not followed by his baptism and the public profession of that religion. In the 4th centuryevery Emperor depended on for his authority and even his life, AD baptism was on the final and public proof of conversionsoldiers' loyalty. ==Constantine <ref> Cameron, p. 104</ref> Then there was the Roman and Provincial nobility, who were still pagan, and every Roman Emperor needed their cooperation to control the Church==If Empire. <ref>Cameron, p. 102</ref> The fact that Constantine did have order his legionaries to display a conversion experience before the Milvian Bridge then he would have championed the Church Christian symbol in battle is significant in the years after itdevelopment of his religious beliefs. The relationship of Constantine to Because such a move was politically risky, in the Church is essential if we are to understand if he had a genuine conversion experience in 312 ADcontext of the times when so many were pagan. He began immediately to favor This would suggest that Constantine did have some religious experience before the Christians after his victory over MaxentiusMilivian Bridge, even if it was not an outright conversion. In 313 AD he reached an agreement with the Emperor Constantine’s experience in 312 AD, cannot be regarded as a conversion because it was not followed by his baptism and the Licinius, public profession of that ended religion. In the persecution in 4th century, AD baptism was the eastern half final and public proof of conversion. ===Constantine and the Empire<ref> Drake, H.AChurch===[[File: Constantine Chiaramonti Inv1749., "The Impact jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|A bust of Constantine on Christianity", in Lenski, N (ed]]If Constantine did have a conversion experience before the Milvian Bridge then he would have championed the Church in the years after it.), The Cambridge Companion relationship of Constantine to the Age of Constantine, Cambridge, 2006: 111-136 </ref> . Constantine, after Church is essential if we are to understand if he had a genuine conversion experience in 312 AD began . He began immediately to favor the Christian clergy and he began a large scale Church building program in Rome and elsewhere in Christians after his empirevictory over Maxentius. He built Basilicas and churchesIn 313 AD he reached an agreement with the Emperor in the Licinius, especially that ended the persecution in Romethe eastern half of the Empire.<ref> Drake, H.A. Constantine promoted many Christians to important positions in his army and they were very influential at his court as advisors <ref>Drake, 2006"The Impact of Constantine on Christianity", p. 121</refin Lenski, N (ed.), <i>. These could be interpreted as The Cambridge Companion to the actions Age of a new convertConstantine</i>, Cambridge, who was eager to demonstrate his faith. However2006: 111-136 </ref> <dh-ad/> Constantine, there was much about Constantine that was not after 312 AD began to favor the Christian clergy and he was noticeably war-like, while most Christians at the time were pacifists. The began a large scale Church was elevated to a position of influence but it was clearly under the control of Constantinebuilding program in Rome and elsewhere in his empire. This favoritism towards the Christian Church did not lead to any conspiracies or revolts and there is little evidence of any resentment from the pagan majority He built Basilicas and churches, especially in Rome. Constantine was careful not promoted many Christians to offend the significant pagan population in the Empire. In factimportant positions in his army and they were very influential at his court as advisors <ref>Drake, 2006, at one stage the Emperor seemed to favor the worship of the Sunp. This period has been glossed over by Christian writers or conveniently ignored <ref> Cameron, p 115121</ref>. Constantine’s policies and legislation were These could be interpreted as the actions of a new convert, who was eager to demonstrate his faith. However, there was much about Constantine that was not explicitly Christian and he did not make it was noticeably war-like, while most Christians at the official religiontime were pacifists. These show that while he The Church was very much influenced by Christianity that he elevated to a position of influence but it was in no way an orthodox Christian Emperor, as shown in clearly under the Christian sourcescontrol of Constantine. [[File: Constantine Chiaramonti Inv1749This favoritism towards the Christian Church did not lead to any conspiracies or revolts and there is little evidence of any resentment from the pagan majority.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A bust of Constantine]]==Constantine and Church Unity==The Church was careful not to offend the significant pagan population in Constantine’s time was very dividedthe Empire. It was divided on theological issues and these had led to schisms in In fact, at one stage the Christian community. Constantine was Emperor seemed to prove to be very interested in favor the unity worship of the Church after 312 ADSun. This period has been glossed over by Christian writers or conveniently ignored. He held a series of Councils that was to be very important in <ref> Cameron, p 115</ref> Constantine’s policies and legislation were not explicitly Christian and he did not make it the development of the Church and its doctrinesofficial religion. At these Constantine attempted to persuade the Bishops to come to These show that while he was very much influenced by Christianity that he was in no way an agreement on theological matters such orthodox Christian Emperor, as shown in the nature of Christ, which was at the heart of the Arian controversyChristian sources. He attempted to ensure that there were no breakaway Churches ===Constantine and he prevented the formation Church Unity===[[File:Constantine multiple CdM Beistegui 233.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|A gold coin of independent Christians churches </ref> Eusebius, VI</ref>. Constantine constantly attempted to achieve unity ]]The Church in the Church Constantine’s time was very divided. It was divided on theological issues and one that these had a set led to schisms in the Christian community. Constantine was to prove to be very interested in the unity of beliefs founded on the scripturesChurch after 312 AD. These efforts would indicate He held a series of Councils that he had been genuinely converted at the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. Constantine was an autocratic ruler and he attempted to impose order on every aspect be very important in the development of Roman life, as indicated by his administrative reforms <ref> Cameron, p 112</ref>the Church and its doctrines. The Christian Church At these Constantine attempted to persuade the Bishops to come to an agreement on theological matters such as the nature of Christ, which was a very important part at the heart of the life of people in Arian controversy. He attempted to ensure that there were no breakaway Churches and he prevented the Roman Empireformation of independent Christians churches. Its theological disputes could potentially destabilize the Empire <ref> Rapp, C., "Imperial Ideology in the Making: Eusebius of Caesarea on Constantine as Bishop", Journal of Theological Studies, 49 (1998): 684-95VI</ref>. Eusebius portrays Egypt as ungovernable because of Constantine constantly attempted to achieve unity in the theological controversies Church and one that were dividing had a set of beliefs founded on the church scriptures. These efforts would indicate that he had been genuinely converted at the Milvian Bridge in that province <ref> Eusebius, IV</ref>312 AD. According to Eusebius in Constantine was an autocratic ruler and he attempted to impose order on every city ‘bishops were engaged in obstinate conflict with bishopsaspect of Roman life, and people rising against people’ as indicated by his administrative reforms.<ref> EusebiusCameron, Vita Constantini. Vi p 112</ref>. The deep interest that Constantine had in the unity of the Christian Church cannot be construed as indicating that he was a full professed Christianvery important part of the life of people in the Roman Empire. [[File: Constantine multiple CdM Beistegui 233Its theological disputes could potentially destabilize the Empire.jpgFile<ref> Rapp, C.png|200px|thumb|left|A gold coin , "Imperial Ideology in the Making: Eusebius of Caesarea on Constantine]]==Constantine and Conversion== To understand if Constantine did have a conversion experience at the time of the Battle as Bishop", <i>Journal of Theological Studies, 49</i> (1998): 684-95</ref>. Eusebius portrays Egypt as ungovernable because of the Milvian Bridge there needs to be an understanding of what conversion meant at theological controversies that were dividing the time church in that province <ref> RappEusebius, p. 65IV</ref>. Constantine was not technically a Christian after 312 AD According to Eusebius in every city ‘bishops were engaged in obstinate conflict with bishops, or for many years afterward, because he had not been baptized and was therefore not a full member of the Church. However, the conversion process could be gradual and people rising against people’ <ref> ElliotEusebius, Thomas GVita Constantini., 'Constantine's Conversion; do we really need it?' Phoenix 41 (1987), 420-438 Vi </ref> . The deep interest that Constantine only seems to have slowly accepted Christian doctrine. Before this, he probably still had some lingering faith had in some the unity of the pagan deities, especially the sun-god, whose worship Christian Church cannot be construed as indicating that he was very popular <ref> Elliot, pa full professed Christian. 430</ref>. ===Constantine was not suddenly converted to Christianity before and Conversion===To understand if Constantine did have a conversion experience at the time of the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, but that episode was very important in his growing attachment to there needs to be an understanding of what conversion meant at the Church and its doctrinestime.<ref>Rapp, p. The growing relationship between Constantine and the Christian Church would indicate his growing commitment to Christianity, but that is was a long-drawn out process65</ref> SmithConstantine was not technically a Christian after 312 AD, M.D.or for many years afterward, "The Religion because he had not been baptized and was therefore not a full member of Constantius I"the Church. However, Greek, Roman and Byzantine Studies 38 (1997): 187-209the conversion process could be gradual.</ref>Elliot, Thomas G. The ‘vision’ before the Milvian Bridge, that prompted him 'Constantine's Conversion; do we really need it?' Phoenix 41 (1987), 420-438 </ref> Constantine only seems to order his soldiers to enter battle with a Christian sign was crucial in his early religious developmenthave slowly accepted Christian doctrine. It seems that Constantine’s conversion was almost a life-long process and Before this, he was not a true Christian probably still had some lingering faith in 312 AD or for many years aftersome of the pagan deities, especially the sun-god, whose worship was very popular. Indeed he was probably an old man before he was a true Christian. He only accepted baptism on his deathbed and perhaps only then could he be considered a Christian <ref> SmithElliot, p. 189430</ref> [[File:File.png|200px|thumb|left|alt text]]==Conclusion==To conclude, tradition states that Constantine was not suddenly converted to Christianity before the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, but that episode was very important in his growing attachment to the Church and its doctrines. Eusebius alone states that The growing relationship between Constantine was converted and he was a the Christian bishop <ref> EusebiusChurch would indicate his growing commitment to Christianity, Vita Constantinibut that is was a long-drawn out process. Vi </ref>Smith, M.D. Constantine was already sympathetic to Christianity , "The Religion of Constantius I", Greek, Roman and Byzantine Studies 38 (1997): 187-209</ref> The ‘vision’ before the Battle Milvian Bridge, that prompted him to order his soldiers to enter battle with a Christian sign was crucial in 312 ADhis early religious development. and very gradually converted to Christianity. He did not receive baptism until just before his death. A prolonged It seems that Constantine’s conversion was almost a life-long process was typical of the period and it he was only with the onset of death that the emperor could convertnot a true Christian in 312 AD or for many years after. It would have been very difficult for him to rule a largely pagan population if Indeed he had become was probably an old man before he was a full member of the Churchtrue Christian. Constantine did not convert in 312 AD, but the vision of ConstantineHe only accepted baptism on his deathbed and perhaps only then could he be considered a Christian.<ref> Smith, before the Battle of the Milivian Bridge was an important stage in his eventual conversion p. 189</ref> ===Conclusion===To conclude, tradition states that Constantine converted to Christianitybefore the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. It can be said with some Eusebius alone states that Constantine was converted and he was a Christian bishop.<ref> Eusebius, <i>Vita Constantini</i>. Vi </ref> Constantine was already sympathetic to Christianity before the Battle in 312 AD. and very gradually converted to Christianity. He did not receive baptism until just before his death. A prolonged conversion process was typical of the period and it was only with the onset of death that the emperor could convert. It would have been very difficult for him to rule a largely pagan population if he had become a full member of the Church. Constantine did not convert in 312 AD, but the vision of Constantine, before the Battle of the Milivian Bridge was an important stage in his eventual conversion to Christianity. It can be said with some confidence that Constantine the Great was a life-long supporter of Christianity but did not actually become a full committed Christian until his baptism shortly before he died. that Constantine the Great was a life-long supporter of Christianity but did not actually become a fully committed Christian until his baptism shortly before he died. ===References===<references/> ==References=={{Contributors}}
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