Constantine the Great was the 306 – 337 AD Roman Emperor and of Greek origin. In 324 AD, he was strong in civil wars which made him a sole ruler of both west and east after his father’s death in 306AD (Burckhardt, J. 2011). Constantine was important in Christian development since he brought to an end bloody persecution of Christians and offered religious tolerance through Edict of Milan, unlike his predecessors. During his campaigns, he converted from a pagan to a Christian. Through Council of Nicaea, he brought together different church leaders to discuss various controversies including if God the Father and Jesus the Son were of different essences or same essences. At the Council, the orthodox doctrine was determined that they were of the same essence. The determination assisted in the development of common Christian doctrine, interpretation of the scriptures and helped avoid division in the church. During his reign, Christianity was made the official religion. He commanded the construction of the church at a place which was purported to be Jesus tomb, which became the holiest site in Christendom.
Constantine played a crucial role in developing a good relationship between the Christian Church and the state, and how the church should be run and governed. He was also instrumental in placing the Easter Day on the calendar. He further supported the church financially and returned property confiscated by prior emperors. Also, he changed the earlier view of Christianity as counter-cultural and against the government to a cultural standard of Europe (John B. 2016). The effect was the creation of shared Christian culture in Europe; promoting unity among the people and especially Christians. Constantine was very instrumental in the development of Christianity through support and leadership that promoted unity.
References
Burckhardt, J. (2011). The age of Constantine the Great. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press
FIRTH, JOHN BENJAMIN. (2016). CONSTANTINE THE GREAT: The reorganization of the empire and the triumph of the church
Grant, M. (2009). Constantine the great: The man and his times. New York: Barnes " Noble.
