The reign of Constantine is certainly an important turning point in the history of Rome and in the history of the church. Please read through the Edict of Milan. Cite one line that particularly well shows a way in which Constantine changes things for the church.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
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"We thought it fit to commend these things most fully to your care that you may know that we have given to those Christians free and unrestricted opportunity of religious worship. When you see that this has been granted to them by us, your Worship will know that we have also conceded to other religions the right of open and free observance of their worship for the sake of the peace of our times, that each one may have the free opportunity to worship as he pleases ; this regulation is made we that we may not seem to detract from any dignity or any religion."
ReplyDeleteI like that he wants everyone to be free to follow their own religions and not feel judged in doing so, and I feel like this line really brings those facts to light.
“Wherefore, for this our indulgence, they ought to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the republic, and for their own, that the republic may continue uninjured on every side, and that they may be able to live securely in their homes.”
ReplyDeleteConstantine was a very important person for the Christians, and really all religions of faith. For a period of time in Roman society and culture, the Romans had difficulties for supporting Christians and Jews for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons include Christians supporting one God, whereas Romans believed in many. Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire, the Emperors, and even the Roman government. This continued to occur for a period of time, until Constantine came into power, and changed that making the persecution of Christians illegal through the passing of the Edict of Millan. This was an important step for Christians, and it was important for them to practice their religion, freely, and without harm of persecution. I think this line fits that mould perfectly, discussing how Christians can pray to their God for safety, while at the same time praying for the safety of the Roman Empire. We’ve discussed previously how much of a trying time it really was for the Roman Empire, and in my last blog post, I talked about Constantine and Diocletian, and how they were taking steps in the wrong direction, whether intentional or unintentional. Maybe for Constantine, this was the first step he needed to take in order to maintain the stability of the Roman people or to open a door of saving grace, and hope that the Roman Empire would survive these trying and difficult times.
- Nile Hesson
"...and now any one of these who wishes to observe Christian religion may do so freely and openly, without molestation."
ReplyDeleteThis is a big leap forward for the church considering the past. Christians were persecuted relentlessly for so many years, and now that Constantine has protected Christians' right to worship freely, they don't have to fear for their lives every three seconds.
-Lauren Bland