Was Constantine right? (moral, gospel, disciples, preach, church)

[Ceridwen018]

Well, that's pretty much the way things were run back then-- freedom of religion was still a concept ahead of Constantine's time.

Basically, it was either Christianity or some other religion. Either way, people were to be persecuted. I actually think that Christianity did very well in furthering our society back in the day, but who is to say that things would have been negatively different without it?

[Luke, Anglican of Newcast]

I have to agree and disagree with you here Cerdiwen.

The easiest way back in the Acient times and Dark Ages, and still in certain places today, the easiset way to convert the people was to convert the King since the Kings would offence then display its influence throughout his land.

But to say that Christianity would not have worked out the same if it had gone through different methods, I would have to disagree with you.
If Christianity had not gone through the way it did, then many things today would be different and if the Christians had still been pesecuted their may have been no Christians left in places where Christianity is strong today.
Anyway that's open to discussion.

[Ceridwen018]

Luke,

Actually, I think we are agreeing here. I agree that Christianity would not have worked out the same if different 'methods' had been used. What I'm basically saying here, is that if some other religion besides Christianity had been pushed ahead by Constantine, our modern world would be much different, as it would be based off of different principles.

[Luke, Anglican of Newcast]

Thanks Ceridwen.
I tend to emphasise the idea that all things in the past have led to the current present and future, from the smallest blade of grass to medieval war to the house down the road.

[Mr Spinkles]

I would disagree here, Luke and Ceridwen. The early Christians, though they were persecuted, increased greatly in numbers even before Constantine. Even if Christianity had not been made the official religion by Constantine, there is no reason to suspect that this trend would not have continued. The Romans would have had to (eventually) accept Christianity one way or another, as persecution clearly never succeeded in stopping its spread.

I am surprised that Christians have not yet pointed out the fact that Constantine radically corrupted Christianity from its original form, a form which one can only assume was closer to the true teachings of Jesus than today's forms. For example, before Constantine, Christians were strict pacifists.....but when every citizen was required by law to be Christian, so were the soldiers, and the new state-run church (or church-run state) went back on its earlier beliefs to allow for Christians to engage in violent warfare.

[Ronald]

The WAY, a sect of the Jews was the first Church, gentiles were added into the Way when Peter was enlightened and the Elders of the Church gave halahka for the gentile believers. After the Temple destruction and the outlawing anything and everything Jewish, did anything resembling Christianity come into being.
Constantine was right for his Church! Wrong for the truth. It has taken almost 2000 yrs. to expose the truth again, only a few are getting glimpses of the "Truth."
Could this be, "Many are called and few are chosen"?????

[Ceridwen018]

Ronald, I'm sorry buddy but I can't tell what you're trying to say. Do you agree that Constantine altered the bible?

[Ronald]

No, he did not alter the Bible, He brought in Paganism tradition and outlawed anything Jewish. He changed times and the law. It has been great for haSatan and the Christian church. Dealing an almost fatal blow to the Way. The New Testament Body of the Messiah. The end is near and the Truth is coming to the fore.
Hitch your chariot to a star and hang on, you ain't seen nothing yet!!!!

[Ceridwen018]

First of all, how can something be good for Satan AND the christian church?

Secondly, you talk of 'fatal blows to the Way', when in fact it was Constantine's additions which kept it alive.

And lastly, in the highly unlikely event that the world is going to end, it wouldn't really make much sense for god to reveal 'the truth' then now would it? We'd already all be dead.

[Ronald]

Originally Posted by Ceridwen018

First of all, how can something be good for Satan AND the christian church?

Secondly, you talk of 'fatal blows to the Way', when in fact it was Constantine's additions which kept it alive.

And lastly, in the highly unlikely event that the world is going to end, it wouldn't really make much sense for god to reveal 'the truth' then now would it? We'd already all be dead.

Satan is on the loose, the Christian church is still front and center.

The word "ALMOST" you omitted, it is alive and is growing and Truth is coming to the fore. In spite of Constantine. You are mixing my words as satan would want. The Way was a sect of the Jews, Jewish except they believed in the Messiah/I am the Way.

It is highly likely the end will come with or with out God! Mankind is Hell Bent on Destruction. But, God will do as he said in his word. Salvation to those who believe and destruction to those who refuse to serve him and continue to aid and abet satan