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 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?
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...