1. Constantine
The Church

2. Constantine Was he really converted?
Some claim his conversion was the goal of the church and the empire all along
Some claim he was a shrewd politician and using Christianity
Truth probably in the middle

3. Constantine
People were put through rigiorious process then to become a church member
Had to understand the new faith, discipline, instruction and then baptized
The bishop became their shepherd
Constantine was different

4. Constantine He never placed himself under the guidance of a bishop
Lactantius and Hosius were a part of his Christian entourage but never fully submitted to their discipleship
He considered himself bishop of bishops so he intervened at times in church affairs
He took part in pagan rituals even after his conversion, but bishops didn’t say anything

5. Constantine Only baptized on his deathbed
He was viewed as one inclined to become a Christian so when he did something like pagan rituals it was excused
These people did not receive direction from the church

6. Constantine
However, using Christianity when he did would not have been a good political move
Most of his backers prior to his victory would have been old Roman aristocracy
Christians could offer no real support-they refused to serve in army-most were lower class

7. Constantine
Probably believed in Christian God and He was powerful who would support him as long as he took care of Christians
Seeking goodwill of God when he built churches and enacted laws
Still seemed to think Unconquered Sun and Christian God were compatible and consult Apollos on occasion

8. Constantine
He did not get rid of pagan gods or worship because most of the old guard still favored this
The progress was slow much like his conversion
Ordered end to persecution and property to be returned
Later he donated to the church

9. Constantine
He began to appoint Christians to high places in government
Never made Christianity the official religion

10. Changes Gave tax exemptions to churches and church properties
Church would come to own vast lands and become rich
Around 1,800 bishops at the time-granted tax exemptions and military exemption, and days of labor for public works

11. Changes Ended death by crucifixion
Stopped death by gladiators as punishment for crimes
Overturned laws punishing Christians who rescued abandoned children

12. Changes
These special exemptions led to corruption and arrogance in many cases with bishops
Simony-buying a church position
Bishops had judicial power so bribery was an issue

13. Laity Syncretism now popular again
People were buried with pagan and Christian symbols
Some attended gladiatorial games now
Decree issued that first day must worship Supreme God but some worshipped unconquered sun
This did allow Christians to not have to gather at dark

14. Worship
Until Constantine, worship had been simple but now more pomp was in it
Incense began appearing
Ministers began dressing in luxurious garments and called priests
Kneeling for prayer now was like kneeing before the emperor
Processionals now began worship
Congregation less active

15. Worship Digging up relics from martyrs
Some claim revelation from martyrs
Many wild claims and superstitions
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land were encouraged
Church was overwhelmed by number of converts so discipleship went down
Not much time to disciple so people were baptized before understanding

16. Church Buildings
Some were forced to give money or work on the construction
Buildings were more elaborate
Basicila-building divided into naves by 2 or more columns-
Many churches now took this name
Atrium, nave, and sanctuary
Marble and mosaics

17. Official Theology There was now an official theology
Some Christians favored this and said God ordained Constantine to help the church
Others opposed and some fled to the desserts because they didn’t want to formally break with the church
A mass exodus to Egypt and Syria
These people thought this was most devout way to live
Others believed in a break for the church

18. Today We see many of the affects still in use today
Basically forced the start of monastic life
Danger in church and world being intertwined