Christianity, a religion that began in a small corner of the Roman Empire, would go on to shape the history of Europe and the world for centuries. But what event or ruler led to Christianity’s rise from a persecuted faith to the official religion of the Roman Empire? Which emperor declared Christianity to be the religion of the Roman Empire? The answer lies with Emperor Constantine the Great, whose decision in the early 4th century transformed not only the Roman Empire but also the course of world history.
Constantine the Great and the Edict of Milan
The pivotal moment in the history of Christianity came in the year 313 AD with the Edict of Milan, issued by Emperor Constantine and his co-emperor Licinius. This decree allowed for the legal practice of Christianity within the Roman Empire and granted religious freedom to all religions, ending centuries of Christian persecution. But Constantine’s actions didn’t stop there—his support for Christianity grew, culminating in Christianity becoming the state religion.
- The Edict of Milan (313 AD)
- The Edict of Milan was a groundbreaking document that declared the official tolerance of Christianity and other religions within the empire. Prior to this, Christians had faced severe persecution under various emperors, particularly Emperor Diocletian. The Edict allowed Christians to practice their faith openly and restored confiscated properties to the Church.
- Example Usage: Constantine’s issuance of the Edict marked the beginning of Christianity’s transition from a marginalized belief system to one that was embraced by the imperial power.
Constantine’s Conversion to Christianity
What made Constantine’s decree even more significant was his personal conversion to Christianity. Before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, Constantine reportedly saw a vision of a cross in the sky, along with the words “In this sign, you will conquer.” He interpreted this vision as a divine message and adopted the Christian faith, leading to his victory in the battle. From that moment, Constantine became a strong supporter of Christianity.
- Constantine’s Baptism: Constantine was baptized as a Christian on his deathbed, making him one of the first emperors to embrace Christianity fully.
The Council of Nicaea (325 AD)
Another major contribution from Constantine to Christianity was his role in convening the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The council was the first ecumenical council of Christian bishops and aimed to address divisions within the Christian Church, most notably the Arian controversy regarding the nature of Christ. Constantine presided over the council, seeking to unify Christian doctrine across the empire.
- Nicene Creed: The Council produced the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian faith that became a cornerstone of Christian belief and is still used in Christian liturgy today.
Christianity Becomes the State Religion
While the Edict of Milan allowed Christianity to be practiced freely, Constantine’s subsequent actions paved the way for Christianity to become the official religion of the Roman Empire. In 380 AD, Emperor Theodosius I issued the Edict of Thessalonica, which declared Christianity to be the official state religion, specifically Nicene Christianity, and made other religions illegal.
- Theodosius I: The edict issued by Theodosius I was the final step in making Christianity the dominant faith in the Roman Empire, though Constantine’s earlier actions laid the groundwork for this shift.
Why Did Constantine Support Christianity?
Constantine’s support for Christianity wasn’t just a personal religious decision—it was also a political move. By embracing Christianity, Constantine was able to unify a fractured empire that had long struggled with internal divisions. Christianity offered a common faith and moral code, which helped bring stability to the Roman Empire, especially after the decline of traditional Roman pagan religions.
- Religious Unity: Constantine’s patronage of Christianity also gave him an opportunity to consolidate power by aligning with a growing and influential religious movement.
In conclusion, Emperor Constantine the Great played a crucial role in declaring Christianity a tolerated religion and eventually the official faith of the Roman Empire. His conversion, the Edict of Milan, and the convening of the Council of Nicaea marked the beginning of Christianity’s rise to prominence in the Roman world. By the time of Emperor Theodosius I and the Edict of Thessalonica in 380 AD, Christianity had not only survived but thrived, becoming the central pillar of the Roman Empire and shaping the course of Western civilization.
What do you think about Constantine’s decision to support Christianity? Do you think it was a purely spiritual or political move? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!