Edict of Milan

Q: Did Constantine’s toleration of Christianity change Christians in any negative ways?

The key points about Constantine’s toleration of Christianity and its negative effects on Christians were:

1. Loss of “outsider” purity

Before Constantine, Christians were a persecuted minority, living a life defined by courage and moral rigor. Once Christianity became tolerated and favored, it attracted people joining for social or political gain, which diluted the radical simplicity of the early faith.

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2. Wealth and political entanglement

Constantine gave the Church land, buildings, and tax privileges. Bishops gained influence in politics. This strengthened the Church, yes — but also introduced materialism, corruption, and compromises that conflicted with spiritual ideals.

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3. Internal conflicts magnified

Doctrinal debates like the Arian controversy became state-level political battles. Imperial intervention meant heretics could be suppressed with the force of law — a sharp contrast to the earlier, persecuted-but-independent Church.

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4. Shift from martyrdom to establishment

Under persecution, martyrdom was the ultimate witness. Once tolerated:

Martyrdom faded as an ideal.

Christianity became socially respectable, even fashionable.

This could weaken the spiritual vitality forged by persecution.

** Blessing or Trojan Horse?**

1. Eusebius of Caesarea — the cheerleader

Eusebius, a bishop and historian, loved Constantine.

He framed him as a divinely chosen ruler who ended persecution and made Christianity triumphant.

For Eusebius, imperial favor was God’s blessing, proof that Christianity had arrived in history’s “big leagues.”

Downside: Eusebius sometimes ignored the messiness of power, praising Constantine even when he used force against dissenting Christians.

2. Lactantius — the cautious optimist

Lactantius, an advisor to Constantine, admired him but warned against arrogance.

He saw imperial power as useful for spreading the faith, but feared that luxury and worldly ambition could corrupt Christians.

Basically: “Yes, it’s great we’re free, but don’t let the state spoil our souls.”

3. Augustine (a bit later) — the theologian of caution

Augustine noticed that Christianity was now entangled with politics, power, and coercion.

He worried that some Christians followed the Church for prestige, not faith.

He also struggled with the question: if the emperor can enforce orthodoxy, are beliefs truly sincere, or just socially convenient?

4. General theme

Blessing vs. trap: Many early writers celebrated freedom from persecution but worried about the moral and spiritual risks of imperial favor.

The Church gained safety, influence, and resources, but at the cost of simplicity, martyrdom ideals, and internal purity.