Constantine The Great

I wonder why there is so much mystery concerning Constantine’s status as a Christian. That he chose to be baptized on his death bed, or continued sinning after having met Christ, does not diminish his contributions to the Church that I summarize below.

Constantine Contributions*:

• Accepted Christ on October 28 312 A.D
• Favored Christianity openly
• Allowed Christians ministers to enjoy tax exemption as pagan priests did
• Abolished executions by crucifixion
• Made Sunday a public holiday so Christians could worship
• Made December 25th the offical day to celebrate Christmas (Collins, 100)
• Financed the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D
• Financed and built Magnificent Churches (e.g Nativity, Sepulcher, Ascension, etc)

helly, pp. 91-107.

It is true. “Plenty of paganism remained [after his conversion]. He conspired; he murdered; … [but] a purely political conversion is hard to maintained in the light of his public and private actions (Shelly, p94).”

His contributions have advanced the kingdom of God.

References:

1. Collins, Ace. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas
2. Shelley, Bruce L. Church History in Plain Language. 2nd ed. 1995
3. “In This Sign Conquer”
4. Council of Nicaea
5. Magnificent Churches