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.
Monday, October 6, 2025
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"Moreover, in the case of the Christians especially we esteemed it best to order that if it happens anyone heretofore has bought from our treasury from anyone whatsoever, those places where they were previously accustomed to assemble, concerning which a certain decree had been made and a letter sent to you officially, the same shall be restored to the Christians without payment or any claim of recompense and without any kind of fraud or deception"
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt in particular points out a few crucial points.
First of all, it acknowledges that property of the church (and of Christians in general) was stolen. Second, it mentions the property being sold for a profit by those that stole it and that they were not punished for it. Third, the Edict demands that the property be returned *without* payment being made.
This last one was critical. The Christians were, at the time, still recovering from having everything taken from them, including family and friends. Their property could be replaced, yes, but those who died could not. In their grief, Romans could very well have planned to use their state of grief to benefit.
But Constantine refused this before it even occurred. The property was ill-gained; one should not further profit from it by selling it back to the people it was stolen from.
And yes, it sounds unfair (what if someone bought an old gathering place and made it into their home?), it was obtained in an unfair manner.
The Christians, thanks to the edict, were able to continue rebuilding their finances and their religion with less problems, something they were no doubt appreciative of.