city of God

Christianity as the Imperial Religion

• Constantine and the Christianization of the Empire

  • Recognized that an empire requires internal coherence.

  • Chose Christianity to unify and give strength to the empire.

  • Historians, like Huston Gonzales, highlight that Constantine was only baptized on his deathbed, indicating a strategic rather than genuine conversion.

  • Christianity was adopted for the power it would confer upon him.

• Christianizing the Army

  • Method of making the army Christian involved lining up troops and marching them through a river, proclaiming them baptized.

  • This act reflects the significant connection between religious belief and military loyalty at the time.

• Constantine's Power and Legacy

  • His belief in the Christian God as a source of strength over his enemies was vital.

  • Remembered as "Constantine the Great" due to his abilities as an emperor.

  • Eusebius, a Christian historian, greatly praises Constantine, portraying him as a figure who completes Jesus' unfinished work.

  • Meaning of "Messiah"

  • "Messiah" implies rectifying the perceived upside-down state of the world.

  • The notion signifies the Jewish expectation that the world would be transformed, addressing issues like hunger and suffering.

  • Recognizes Jesus' work as incomplete, paving the way for the need for a second coming.

• The Notion of the Second Coming

  • Complex implications regarding the traditional American interpretations of the second coming.

  • Grounded in a recognition that the world remains flawed and unequal—children starving signifies an upside-down world.

• Christianity's Development Under Constantine

  • Eusebius's portrayal of Constantine raises theological concerns, suggesting Constantine assumes a messianic role, overshadowing Jesus.

  • Gonzales views Constantine’s late-in-life conversion to Christianity as hedging his bets.

  • Eusebius's writings represent a tension where he identifies Constantine’s power and authority with divine appointment, which leads to problematic theological implications.

• Corruption of the Christian Movement

  • The early Christian community began as an exploratory group grappling with religious beliefs.

  • Constantine's unification of theology led to a more dogmatic and oppressive Church, exiling and killing dissenters.

  • This shift dramatically altered the essence of Christianity, emphasizing power rather than community discourse.

Historical Context and Its Impact on Faith

• Significance of the Year 70

  • The gospel of Mark was composed after the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, a pivotal moment for Jewish faith.

  • The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple had a catastrophic effect, leading to a silent period in Jewish writing.

  • After about thirty years, there was a resurgence in Jewish writing, reflecting on the Temple's destruction.

• Jewish Responses

  • Various writings emerged questioning how the Temple could have been destroyed.

  • Some texts argued that the Temple was never earthly but a heavenly concept, indicating a need for theological adaptation.

• Book of Revelation

  • Describes a new Jerusalem without a Temple, suggesting God's direct presence negates the need for a physical Temple.

  • The absence of a Temple in the new Jerusalem signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among people.

The Complexity of Faith and Socioeconomic Status

• Observations from Sarah Miles' Book

  • Critique of urban life in San Francisco can either inspire or deter individuals; her perspective is notably cantankerous.

• Religious Faith Among Socioeconomic Classes

  • Discussion of perceptions regarding wealth and religiosity.

  • Miles argues wealthier, educated individuals often lack the same depth of faith as working-class individuals.

  • Counterexamples illustrate wealthy people who exhibit deep faith, emphasizing that analyzed trends may not capture the entire picture.

• Personal Anecdote

  • Author shares a story highlighting the altruism seen in impoverished communities, contrasting this with the behavior of wealthier individuals.

  • Recounts the generosity of a couple, Arnie and Nedra Johnson, who demonstrate genuine care and community spirit without power or privilege yet exhibiting true faith through actions.

• Conclusion on Power and Faith

  • A reflection on how individuals without power often display greater compassion and willingness to support others in need.

  • Raises ethical questions regarding how power dynamics affect religious beliefs and community engagement.