Week 3- Christianity in the time of Christianity
A CHANGE OF HEART: From Persecuted to Accepted
Page 1: Introduction
Title suggests a narrative about transformation.
Highlights the journey from persecution to acceptance in the context of Christianity.
Page 2: Instances of Change
Reflection on personal experiences of changing one's perspective.
Factors that lead to a change of heart:
Personal growth and understanding.
Exposure to new ideas or significant events.
Page 3: Transition of Christianity
Christianity evolved from being persecuted to gaining acceptance.
Key figure: Emperor Diocletian during the last major persecution.
Page 4: Expansion of the Roman Empire
Expansion led to negative consequences:
Centralized control issues.
Challenges from usurpers, rebels, and barbarian invasions.
Resulted in anarchy due to lack of clear political institutions.
Page 5: Tetrarchy
Definition: A system governing the Roman Empire divided into four regions.
Structure:
Two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior emperors (Caesares).
Page 6: Diocletian’s Governance Plan
Aimed to stabilize the empire amid chaos.
Division of rule among four emperors to curb rival ambitions.
Page 7: Diocletian and Christianity
For 18 years, Diocletian ignored the rise of Christianity despite personal pagan beliefs.
Notable Christian presence in court, including family members.
Construction of impressive churches, especially in Nicomedia.
Page 8: Persecution of Christians
Abrupt shift: Diocletian purged Christians from the army.
Issued edicts against Christianity:
Destruction of church buildings.
Prohibition of Christian worship.
widespread persecution of Christian leaders and communities.
Page 9: Key Figures in Tetrarchy
West: Maximian
East: Diocletian
Constantius Chlorus
Galerius
Page 10: End of Persecutions
Acknowledgment of the futility of continued persecution.
Galerius’ reluctant edict of toleration marks cessation of severe persecution.
Page 11: Continuity of Imperial Premise
Constantine shared Diocletian's views on imperial rule and religion.
Page 12: Constantine's Unification Efforts
Desire to unify the empire by declaring himself the sole Augustus.
Context: Seven rivals at the beginning of 310.
Page 13: Constantine's Background
Born a pagan; accepted baptism only at death.
Advocated for Christianity as a unifying force of the empire.
Page 14: Maxentius
Rival emperor opposing Tetrarchy.
Controlled western territories, particularly Italy and North Africa.
Son of Maximian.
Page 15: Christianity’s Political Ascent
Questions the motivations behind Constantine's favor toward Christianity:
Initial political incentives evolved into a genuine embrace.
Page 16: Constantine's Military Gambit
Context of struggle for power post-Galerius' death.
Constantine's advance from the Alps to challenge Maxentius in Rome.
Page 17: Battle of the Milvian Bridge
Legend of Constantine's vision of the chi rho before the battle.
Enlisted Christian symbols for his army.
Page 18: Favoring Christianity After 312
Legislative actions to benefit Christians:
Tax exemptions for Christian ministers.
Bans on crucifixion and gladiatorial executions.
Sunday declared a public holiday.
Page 19: Edict of Milan
Issued in June 313, decree allowing freedom of worship for Christians.
Rooted in prior agreements with Licinius.
Page 20: Constantinople - New Rome
Constantine founded a new capital in 330, named Constantinople after himself.
Page 21: Extent of the Byzantine Empire
Visual representation of the empire's vast reach under Justinian I.
Page 22: Architectural Features of Constantinople
Key structures from the 4th-6th centuries:
Symbolism of Hagia Sophia's grand dome.
Centralized design emphasizing Christ's place in the universe.
Inclusion of the emperor's throne highlighting political-religious mediatory role.
Rich decoration underscoring hierarchical relationships.
Page 23: Historical Evolution of Constantinople
Renaming to Istanbul in 1930.
Historical significance retained through centuries.
Page 24: Christianity's Context Amidst the Roman Empire
Emergence of Christianity aligned with Roman political and cultural unity.
Page 25: Price of Alliance with Power
Constantine’s governance style impacted church autonomy:
Bishops expected to obey imperial edicts regardless of church matters.
Resulted in secularization and political use of religion.
Page 26: Features of Hagia Sophia
Symbolism of architecture reflecting divine authority:
Grand dome representing heavens.
Centralized layout emphasizing Christ's omnipresence.
Elegant designs showcasing hierarchical order and divine atmosphere.
Page 28: Rivalry Between Rome and Constantinople
Future positioning of Constantinople as a major rival to Rome.
Both cities pivotal to the empire's religious significance.
Page 29: Christianity's Dual Nature
Initial liberation from persecution leading to later abuses within the church.
Page 30: Reflection on Human Behavior
Critiques of societal behavior:
Those who have struggled may inadvertently cause suffering to others.
Page 31: Continuation of Harm
Inquiry into the cycle of hurt and its perpetuation in society.
Page 32: Message of Love
Affirmation that love remains central to the Christian experience: