Quote:
Originally Posted by Twosugars
Disagree. Have you both conveniently forgotten about bloody persecution of early Christianity? People were risking lives to practice their religion. 300 years is hardly quick for any religion to establish itself. Constantine stopped persecution of all cults, not just Christanity. The fact that he was the first emperor to convert gave Christanity the final impetus in becoming officially accepted.
It's true that adopting one official religion promoted stability in the empire. But Christianity was chosen because it was already relatively widespread and popular, a position it had achieved despite the state not because of it.
wikipedia:
[For Edict of Milan read Constantine announcing toleration of Christianity. The Edict of Milan gave Christianity a legal status, but did not make Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire; this took place under Emperor Theodosius I in 380 AD.]
|
So you are agreeing it was given PR to quell rebellion?
Just like it was sprinkled with supernatural things to make it attractive and aspirational