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Constantine & councils. Changes initiated by emperor Constantine. Rise of monasticism. Incarnation & Trinity. Councils. Constantine’s Vision. Constantine defeated Maxentius here. Milvian bridge near Rome. Constantine’s Arch in Rome (312-15).
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Constantine & councils Changes initiated by emperor Constantine. Rise of monasticism. Incarnation & Trinity. Councils.
Constantine defeated Maxentius here. Milvian bridge near Rome
Emperor Valentinian I (364-375) holds labarum.4th c. coin (imitation).
CHURCH & STATE BEFORE CONSTANTINE AFTER CONSTANTINE max. 10% of the population more than half of the population • illegal religion favored and protected by Emperor • persecuted minority persecuting majority • relatively poor, little property wealthy • tended to undercut family and tribal relations cemented social and family ties other-worldly and ascetic world-embracing monasticism as a separate movement
HOLY PLACES, SACRED SPACES BEFORE CONSTANTINE AFTER CONSTANTINE • sense of non-belonging, homelessness the whole Empire became home no holy places holy land recovered • secret gatherings in private houses public buildings (basilicas) became churches
Cross-shaped basilica. Plan. St. Simpliciano, Milan, late 4th c. Plan.
Cross-shaped basilica. St. Simpliciano, Milan, late 4th c. Exterior.
Crucifixion. Door from St. Sabina, Rome. 432-440. Cypress wood.
SACRED TIME BEFORE CONSTANTINE AFTER CONSTANTINE • expected Jesus to return soon apocalyptic expectations faded • alienation from pagan calendar & feasts replaced pagan feasts with Christian holidays
Incarnation and Trinity • Arius: the Son (Jesus Christ) is inferior to God the Father • Council of Nicaea 325: The Son is of one essence with the Father • Council of Constantinople 381: Trinity: one essence, three persons. • Council of Chalcedon 451: Christ is fully divine & fully human.