The Imperial Church -- Constantine, Part 2 (The History of Christianity #81)

Our History of Christianity Scripture verse today is Romans 13:1 which reads: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Eusebius. He said: "Constantine saw with his own eyes the trophy of a cross of light in the heavens, above the sun, and bearing this inscription: conquer by this. At the sight, he himself was struck with amazement and his whole army also."

Last time, in the History of Christianity, we looked at "The Imperial Church - Constantine" (Part 1).

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at "The Imperial Church - Constantine" (Part 2) from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez's fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1).

The truce lasted until 322 AD, although there was an ever-increasing tension between the two emperors. The main reason for conflict was still the ambition of both men, which found expression in the question of what titles and honors were to be given to their sons. But by the time war finally broke out, the question of religious policy had also become a bone of contention.

Licinius' religious policy needs to be clarified, for after Constantine's victory some Christian writers, in order to justify his actions against Licinius, made the latter appear in a bad light. For a number of years after the Edict of Milan, Licinius took no measures against Christians. Actually, a contemporary Christian writer, in telling the story of Licinius' victory over Maximinus Daia, makes it sound very similar to Constantine's victory over Maxentius - including a vision. But Christianity in Licinius' territories was divided over a number of issues, and such divisions led to public disorders...