Constantine Flashcards
who became emperor when constantius died?
maximians son, Maxentius
who did Constantine marry?
maxima’s daughter Fausta
who did Constantine go into battle with and what happened
Constantine marched into Italy in summer ad312 engaging his brother in law Maxentius at the battle of Milan bridge to which he won
what did Constantine and licinius do
met in milan issuing an edict of religious toleration for all citizens
why did licinius start persecuting christians again
tensions between the two rulers resulted in a war where licinius lost most of the east to Constantine leading to licinius persecuting the church again because of its perceived loyalty to Constantine
what did Constantine do to resolve licinius’ persecution (324AD)
increasing perception led to a final conflict between the two emperors where Constantine emerged victorious and in the same year founded a new city as his capital
describe the conversion of Constantine to christianity according to Eusebius account
Constantine was convinced he needed greater aid than military force he declared the co-operating power of God was irresistible therefor he began considering what god he should choose
Constantine saw the contrast between paganism gods who failed to protect their worshippers and his father deciding to choose christianity
describe Constantine’ conversion to christianity through lactanius’ account
Constantine was directed in a dream to mark the heavenly sign of God on the shields of his soldiers and thus to join battle with a cross shaped letter x and was completely victorious
what is the difference between Eusebius and lactanius accounts on Constantine conversion
Eusebius Downplays any political motivations behind Constantine’s conversion whereas lactanius says conversion was partly motivated by the need for divine assistance in his political struggles
Eusebius Wrote in the early 4th century when Constantine had already embraced Christianity whereas lactanius wrote during the time of Constantine reign
what aspects of constantine’ early life made him sympathetic to the christian faith
his mother Helena became a christian which could of influenced him growing up
his father constantius was known for his moderate stance towards christians with little to no persecution carried out in his area
Constantine spent time growing up in the court of emperor diocletian whose wife and daughter were christians being surrounded by christian influence
what reasons imply Constantine’s conversion to christianity was not genuine
Constantine’s coins revealed a continuing reference to the sun god
despite converting he still engaged in certain pagan practises and remained some elements of pagan worship e.g holding pagan name title
edict of Milan enacted policies of religious tolerance for other faiths including paganism
how did Constantine show his commitment to christianity
financial and legal privileges for clergy - had exemptions, boosted social status
edict of Milan - restored confiscated church property
church clergy financially paid by state
construction of church buildings - constructed basilica of st Peter in Rome showing establishment of the faith within empire, covered cost of production of new bibles
view of his role - believed God to have authority and he was protector of church and promoter of teachings
how did Constantine’s religious policies have positives effects on the church
persecution ended, edict of Milan granted religious tolerance
many new laws favoured christianity had imperial support, forbade crucification as a punishment
church became important aspect of the Roman Empire
how did Constantine’s religious policies have negative effects on the church
politics entered church - Constantine got involved with donates schism after he was asked by church allowing him to use his power
church began to lose independence - emperors increasingly intervened in matters compromising its religious freedom
clergy excused from taxation - meant wealthy men entered the church to use it as a loophole
describe chuck colson’s conversion to christianity (human experience)
known for role in Watergate scandal, whilst in prison he went through a personal crisis then introduced to christianity through fellow inmates and the bible
once released dedicated life to christian ministry
how does the king concern himself within politics (religious leader)
primarily uses christian faith as a foundation for his public service advocating for social justice and unity drawing in christian values - has the role of ‘defender of the faith’ to which he is doing a poor job of due to decline of faith
how does the Republican Party use christianity in politics
many of their policies are rooted in christianity making it unpopular in todays secular society however they still use their own logic to add as we see this with stance on abortion
