Constantine's Influence to Christianity
The history of religion continues to play an important role in defining why certain aspects of religion are the way they are today. Understanding religion’s history can also help one appreciate the importance, value, and determination that certain individuals went through in order for that particular religion to gain freedom and acceptance in society. Throughout history, Christianity has shown exactly this. By learning about its history, one can gain an understanding of how it emerged into being one of the most popular religions in the world. Furthermore, better understanding of the religion, both historically and contemporarily, can help dispel any negative preconceived notions about Christianity. In the first three centuries after Christ, Christianity continued to develop and gain general acceptance in areas outside of Mesopotamia, such as the Roman society. In fact, it’s influence and popularity had become so strong that it was deemed necessary to bring forth a change in the overall religious thought of the Empire. Emperor Constantine the Great had ushered this specific change in. He was solely responsible for uniting the formerly pagan Roman Empire into Christian Empire by emerging Christianity into part of the state.
Constantine’s determination to bringing an end to the persecutions of Christians was something that can be greatly appreciated. Furthermore, this is highlighted by his figurative canonization by the followers of Christianity. By emerging the state with Christianity, however, a number of long-term problems had arisen from his hasty actions. Furthermore, many of these specific issues lasted centuries, with a select few still in existence today. Things such as religious wars, the crusades, political feuds, and the separations of Christian denominations to form new ones are examples of these problems. It is certainly impossible to argue against the fact that most cultural tension, or political strife was not caused by religious tension. Although
Constantine’s determination to bringing an end to the persecutions of Christians was something that can be greatly appreciated. Furthermore, this is highlighted by his figurative canonization by the followers of Christianity. By emerging the state with Christianity, however, a number of long-term problems had arisen from his hasty actions. Furthermore, many of these specific issues lasted centuries, with a select few still in existence today. Things such as religious wars, the crusades, political feuds, and the separations of Christian denominations to form new ones are examples of these problems. It is certainly impossible to argue against the fact that most cultural tension, or political strife was not caused by religious tension. Although
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