Contrary To Popular Belief, Emperor Constantine Was Not A Christian

Ancient Christian propaganda

(By Marie-Lan Nguyen — Own work voir aussi : Gallica : https://gallica.bnf.fr/iiif/ark:/12148/bpt6k399046w/f143/full/full/0/native.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1602842)

Emperor Constantine I, also known as Constantine The Great, was one of the most influential leaders of the ancient world. His decisions, administration, and marital prowess changed the world forever. It was Constantine who turned the fishing village of Byzantium into the greatest city in the world. It was Constantine who ended the periodic persecution of Christians within the Roman Empire. It was Constantine who fortified the Eastern Roman Empire and set it up for survival long after its Western counterpart fell into ruin. Constantine was many things, but he was not a Christian.

Emperor Constantine has long been held up by Christians as a pillar of the faith. The Eastern Orthodox Church holds Constantine as a saint, and some writings have even suggested that he be held in the same regard as the original Apostles. For a church that was built and supported by Constantine’s person and lineage, this is not surprising. What is surprising is the fact that so many people still consider Constantine to be a great Christian leader.

But in order to understand Constantine’s theological views we have to take a look at the theology of the time.