Did Constantine Impact Christianity Positively, Negatively, or at All?

Constantine helped the Christian movement by building churches and removing pagan images of various gods from Christian places of worship. His favor toward Christianity gradually grew, as did his protection of it. At first, he ended persecution and demanded that all confiscated Christian property be returned to its rightful owners. He however still showed favor to paganism, for as emperor, he was the High Priest of paganism. He also defeated Licinius who had persecuted Christians due to their favor of Constantine, even after the signing of the Edict of Milan. This allowed him to appoint many Christian leaders in the kingdom as well.

In A.D. 324 there was an imperial edict for all to worship the Supreme God on the first day of the week. This was the day Christians celebrated the resurrection of Christ. Because this was also the day of the Unconquered Sun, the pagans had no reason to contest. Constantine called the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea. He also put the imperial posts at the disposal of the traveling of bishops (123).

He also founded Constantinople as the capital of his "new Roman" empire. Through his creating of this "new Rome," Constantine indirectly took away power from the previous families, mostly pagan, who had enjoyed power for many years. In spite of all these advances in favor of Christianity, Constantine still died as the High Priest of paganism; and after his death, his three sons allowed him to become a pagan god.

Constantine's Influence on Christianity

Constantine's immediate impact on Christianity was his ending of persecution. Because the emperor declared himself a Christian, there were many flocking to the church. Some saw this as a great blessing while others viewed this as apostasy.

Some negative aspects were the unfortunate blurring of Christian worship and respect for the emperor. For example, incense which was a sign of respect for the emperor found its place in Christian worship. Other signs of respect for the emperor found their place in Christian services as well (125). Martyrs were very well respected and it became customary to commemorate their death by celebrating communion where they were buried. Eventually, the relics of these martyrs and the relics of previous saints were viewed as possessing miraculous power. Empress Helena, Constantine's mother, even claimed to find the cross of Christ (125-126).

Constantine also influenced the shape of churches. Before Constantine converted, churches met in homes and small rooms; but with Constantine's influence came an emphasis upon worshipping in certain structures that became known as basilicas. Largely, the ancient church continued in its traditional customs. Communion was the central act of worship, celebrated on the first day of every week. Baptism was by immersion, and kept much of its ancient symbolism. Because the church's situation and culture was changing, there was debate as to how the church should adapt. They wanted to remain faithful to the original faith of the church while still adapting (128).