"This is certainly the Will of the Supreme God, who is the Author of this world and its Father, (through whose goodness we enjoy life, look up to heaven, and rejoice in the society of our fellow-men), that the whole human race should agree together and be joined in a certain affectionate union by, as it were, a mutual embrace... Let us...my Brothers, follow after the things that are ours, let us walk in the way of the Commandments, let us by good actions keep the Divine Precepts, let us free our life from errors and with the help of the mercy of God, let us direct it along the right path" -Constantine
Yes, and No. After seeing a cross in the sky just before battle to take back Rome from an Usurper Army, he bade everyone paint a cross upon thier shields. The battle was so decisive, he commanded all convert to Christianity which was to be the new Religion. Constantine turned over the foundation and administration in trust to appointed Bishops, or "Papas" (Pope). The term Pope was then given exclusivity to be used only by the Holy Roman Church. Unfortunately, Constantine gave the church so much power and autonomy it began working to solidify that power to become the unquestioned authority of "The World" for hundreds of years. No King could be such without approval first from the Vatican. This was not the intent of Constantine.
So while Constantine was responsible for founding in good intention, he was not for those appointed to take advantage of the power and turn into what it had become: a corrupt and evil center of power under protection and cloak of Religion.
This is, of course, a highly abridged version of what happened. Quite an interesting read on the full history though, if you're interested. Highly recommend!
Perhaps you should go back in time and tell that to Constantine and the fledgling Roman Catholic Church? I have no say in the matter so your statement is misdirected.
That aside, obviously that's true today.
However, in the past this was not true. Read History of the Catholic Church. Start with one of the most known if you like: The Inquisition. After, you can branch out into the not-so-violent interludes on how Parishes and Bishops compelled non-believers to convert or lose lands, title, and wealth, effectively "mandating" Christianity "or else".
Consider this a homework assignment to reveal truths, in light of your statement.
I’ve read Foxe’s Book of Martyrs and the inquisition. Christ knows the true Church, His Bride, and every name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. There is always the true and counterfeit growing side by side like the parable of the wheat and tares.
Yes and the knights Templar,then the order of Christ,many name changes and many infiltrations of “secret society’s” Later here we are there still at it
Maxentius was a legal "Emperor" of the 4 ruling the Empire.
Constantine was "illegal" and wanted power consolidated.
The Chi Rho was painted, not a cross.
If Constantine ever converted it was later in life.
Christianity as the official religion was after the death of Constantine.
Because of all the different ‘religious’ beliefs at the time, Constantine held the Council of Necea in 325AD. This brought religious leaders together where they decided what books to include in ‘The Bible’, although he was still an atheist he felt this would bring less squabbling among the people. This is why many of the books and apostles were excluded from the Bible.
Actually, they didn't convert before the battle, or even right after, but that sign did appear and they painted the sign on their shields. So, Christianity had its first Roman emperor, Constantine, who was not baptized until the very end of his life.
"This is certainly the Will of the Supreme God, who is the Author of this world and its Father, (through whose goodness we enjoy life, look up to heaven, and rejoice in the society of our fellow-men), that the whole human race should agree together and be joined in a certain affectionate union by, as it were, a mutual embrace... Let us...my Brothers, follow after the things that are ours, let us walk in the way of the Commandments, let us by good actions keep the Divine Precepts, let us free our life from errors and with the help of the mercy of God, let us direct it along the right path" -Constantine
In Hoc Signo Vinces - "In this sign (the Cross) you shall conquer"
Hmm, Keanu Reeves has much work to do.
https://harvardfilmarchive.org/calendar/johnny-mnemonic-2018-03/1
In order to get pagans to convert...
Is this also what brought us the Roman Catholic Church?
Yes, and No. After seeing a cross in the sky just before battle to take back Rome from an Usurper Army, he bade everyone paint a cross upon thier shields. The battle was so decisive, he commanded all convert to Christianity which was to be the new Religion. Constantine turned over the foundation and administration in trust to appointed Bishops, or "Papas" (Pope). The term Pope was then given exclusivity to be used only by the Holy Roman Church. Unfortunately, Constantine gave the church so much power and autonomy it began working to solidify that power to become the unquestioned authority of "The World" for hundreds of years. No King could be such without approval first from the Vatican. This was not the intent of Constantine.
So while Constantine was responsible for founding in good intention, he was not for those appointed to take advantage of the power and turn into what it had become: a corrupt and evil center of power under protection and cloak of Religion.
This is, of course, a highly abridged version of what happened. Quite an interesting read on the full history though, if you're interested. Highly recommend!
No one can mandate Christianity. Each soul is convicted by the Holy Spirit and converts.
Perhaps you should go back in time and tell that to Constantine and the fledgling Roman Catholic Church? I have no say in the matter so your statement is misdirected.
That aside, obviously that's true today.
However, in the past this was not true. Read History of the Catholic Church. Start with one of the most known if you like: The Inquisition. After, you can branch out into the not-so-violent interludes on how Parishes and Bishops compelled non-believers to convert or lose lands, title, and wealth, effectively "mandating" Christianity "or else".
Consider this a homework assignment to reveal truths, in light of your statement.
I’ve read Foxe’s Book of Martyrs and the inquisition. Christ knows the true Church, His Bride, and every name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. There is always the true and counterfeit growing side by side like the parable of the wheat and tares.
Agree. So why wag the finger at me for stating historical fact?
Err, did I wag a finger at you? Did I give you a homework paper assignment? Come on man!
Sorry, your initial statement seemed directed since it was not in context with anything else.
Typed word sucks at times
Many things are done by man in the name of God. That doesn’t change how someone enters His kingdom, past, present or future.
Something tells me that most of those conversions eventually came undone...
Yes and the knights Templar,then the order of Christ,many name changes and many infiltrations of “secret society’s” Later here we are there still at it
May 29 was the anniversary of the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the Muslims. Is this post just a coincidence?
My Father talked about this battle...a lot.
Maxentius was a legal "Emperor" of the 4 ruling the Empire. Constantine was "illegal" and wanted power consolidated. The Chi Rho was painted, not a cross. If Constantine ever converted it was later in life. Christianity as the official religion was after the death of Constantine.
Because of all the different ‘religious’ beliefs at the time, Constantine held the Council of Necea in 325AD. This brought religious leaders together where they decided what books to include in ‘The Bible’, although he was still an atheist he felt this would bring less squabbling among the people. This is why many of the books and apostles were excluded from the Bible.
It's plain to see that, despite all its human foibles, God used the Roman Empire to rapidly spread His word.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbFtMXytMj8
Actually, they didn't convert before the battle, or even right after, but that sign did appear and they painted the sign on their shields. So, Christianity had its first Roman emperor, Constantine, who was not baptized until the very end of his life.