Christianity: The 307-337 AD Era

There are many different types of people all over the world that practice Christianity. Christianity is the most popular religion in the world but, how did this religion come about prospering so much? While many preach Christianity openly today, in the 307-337 AD era this such ‘behavior’ was not allowed. Constantine, Roman emperor, was sole reason for Christians rights and prerogatives. Prior to Constantine, Christian worship was prohibited, churches were ordered to be destroyed, church properties to be confiscated and many more unfortunate events against the favor of many Christians. Most importantly, there were large persecutions of Christians by the Roman government. Like all conquerors, Constantine believed he was sent a “sign,” a cross …show more content…
Constantine had been given the title of a “God” after his death by the senate. Constantine might have the main reason for the evolution of Christianity but, he was also a Roman Emperor. As Roman emperor, executions were performed. Executions may have been needed but, as a religious ideal, executions do not fit well under the description of a person responsible for the prosperities of Christianity. Being that Constantine was still ordering executions, my belief is that he ordered to be baptized after his death to prevent from having sins after being set into his final resting place. As Christianity Today put it, “Sins of worldly men, especially those with public duties, were considered incompatible with Christian virtue, some church leaders delayed baptizing such men until just before death,” (3). I personally believe Constantine knew he would continue to commit sinful actions and did not want to be held back because of a commitment to a religion through baptism. If Constantine knew he would continue to sin, there would be no reason for him to get baptized. Religiously speaking, Baptism was meant to wash away any sins committed, the start of a new life. Also, I believe Constantine might have gotten baptized after his death do to the idea that he could not believe he could live without ever sinning again. In the era of Constantine, “Many Christians believed they could not be forgiven after baptism,” (National Geographic, 1). Constantine had been accepted as is, without declaring Christianity as his main practicing religion but, I do not believe people would accept him sinning after baptism. Such commitments, such as baptism, was considered a sacred promise and bond that could not be