Roman Empire Christianity in the 4th century

1 roman empire

1.1 under galerius
1.2 constantine i
1.3 roman legalization
1.4 constantius ii
1.5 julian apostate
1.6 nicaea christianity becomes state religion of roman empire

roman empire
under galerius

in april 311, galerius, had been 1 of leading figures in persecutions, issued edict permitting practice of christian religion under rule. 313 380, christianity enjoyed status of being legal religion within roman empire. had not become sole authorized state religion, although gradually gained prominence , stature within roman society. after halting persecutions of christians, galerius reigned 2 years. succeeded emperor distinctively pro christian leanings, constantine great.

constantine i

christian sources record constantine experienced dramatic event in 312 @ battle of milvian bridge, after constantine claimed emperorship in west. according these sources, constantine looked sun before battle , saw cross of light above it, , greek words ΕΝ ΤΟΥΤΩ ΝΙΚΑ ( this, conquer! , rendered in latin in hoc signo vinces ); constantine commanded troops adorn shields christian symbol (the chi-ro), , thereafter victorious. how christianity constantine adopted @ point difficult discern; influential people in empire, high military officials, still pagan, , constantine s rule exhibited @ least willingness appease these factions.

roman legalization

the accession of constantine turning point christian church. after victory, constantine supported church financially, built various basilicas, granted privileges (e.g., exemption taxes) clergy, promoted christians high ranking offices, , returned property confiscated during reign of diocletian. in 313 constantine issued edict of milan reaffirming tolerance of christians , returning confiscated property churches.

under influence of constantine i, christian movement gradually underwent major transformation underground , criminal movement officially sanctioned religion of first rank within roman empire. constantine chose take lead role in of transformation. in 316 acted judge in north african dispute concerning donatist controversy. more significantly, in 325 summoned council of nicaea, first ecumenical council (the council of jerusalem first recorded christian council considered ecumenical), deal arian controversy, issued nicene creed, among other things professed belief in 1 holy catholic apostolic church, start of christendom.

constantine began utilize christian symbols in reign still encouraged traditional roman religious practices including sun worship. between 324 , 330, constantine built new imperial capital @ byzantium on bosphorus (it came named him: constantinople)–the city employed overtly christian architecture, contained churches within city walls (unlike old rome), , had no pagan temples. in 330 established constantinople new capital of roman empire. city gradually come seen center of christian world.

the reign of constantine established precedent position of christian emperor in church. emperors considered responsible god spiritual health of subjects, , had duty maintain orthodoxy. emperor did not decide doctrine – responsibility of bishops – rather role enforce doctrine, root out heresy, , uphold ecclesiastical unity. emperor ensured god worshiped in empire; proper worship consisted of responsibility of church. precedent continue until emperors of 5th , 6th centuries sought alter doctrine imperial edict without recourse councils, though after constantine s precedent remained norm.

constantius ii

constantine s sons banned pagan state religious sacrifices in 341 did not close temples. although state temples in cities ordered shut in 356, there evidence traditional sacrifices continued. when gratian declined position , title of pontifex maximus, act brought end state religion because of position s authority , ties within administration. ended state official practices not private religious practices, , consequently temples remained open.

there not total unity of christianity however, , constantius ii arian kept arian bishops @ court , installed them in various sees, expelling orthodox bishops.

julian apostate

constantius s successor, julian, known in christian world julian apostate, philosopher upon becoming emperor renounced christianity , embraced neo-platonic , mystical form of paganism shocking christian establishment. while not outlawing christianity, became intent on re-establishing prestige of old pagan beliefs , practices. modified these practices resemble christian traditions such episcopal structure , public charity (hitherto unknown in roman paganism). julian eliminated of privileges , prestige afforded christian church. reforms attempted create form of religious heterogeneity by, among other things, reopening pagan temples, accepting christian bishops exiled heretics, promoting judaism, , returning church lands original owners. however, julian s short reign ended when died while campaigning in east. christianity came dominance during reign of julian s successors, jovian, valentinian i, , valens (the last eastern arian christian emperor).

nicaea christianity becomes state religion of roman empire

over course of 4th century christian body became consumed debates surrounding orthodoxy, i.e. religious doctrines correct ones. 4th century group in north africa, later called donatists, believed in rigid interpretation of christianity excluded many had abandoned faith during diocletian persecutions, created crisis in western empire. church synod, or council, called in rome in 313 followed in arles in 314. latter presided on constantine while still junior emperor. councils ruled donatist faith heresy, , when donatists refused recant, constantine launched first campaign of persecution christians against christians. beginning of imperial involvement in christian theology.

christian scholars within empire increasingly embroiled in debates regarding christology. opinions widespread ranging belief jesus entirely mortal belief incarnation of god had taken human form. persistent debate between homoousian view (the father , son 1 , same, eternal) , arian view (the father , son separate, both divine). controversy led constantine s calling council meeting @ nicaea in 325.

christological debates raged throughout 4th century emperors becoming ever more involved church , church becoming ever more divided. council of nicaea in 325 supported athanasian view. council of rimini in 359 supported arian view. council of constantinople in 360 supported compromise allowed both views. council of constantinople in 381 re-asserted athanasian view , rejected arian view. emperor constantine of divided opinions, largely backed athanasian faction (though baptized on death bed arian bishop eusebius of nicomedia). successor constantius ii supported semi-arian position. emperor julian favored return traditional roman/greek religion, trend quashed successor jovian, supporter of athanasian faction.

in 380 emperor theodosius issued edict of thessalonica, established christianity official state religion, faith established council of nicaea in 325: theodosius called council of constantinople in 381 further refine definition of orthodoxy. in 391 theodosius closed of pagan (non-christian , non-jewish) temples , formally forbade pagan worship. these adhering state churches can seen department of roman state. other christian sects explicitly declared heretical , illegal. in 385, came first capital punishment of heretic carried out on priscillian of Ávila.