Haase_UZ_x007E_DTh (2).pdf - South African Theological Seminary

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Rome, ‘The Way’ (i.e., Christianity) was allowed to prosper as a Jewish sect. As
Christianity became more Gentile and less Jewish, however, Rome became more
intolerant. Various persecutions arose, those under Nero and Diocletian among the most
violent.
The early church routinely refused to accept the marginalised Roman status as cultus
privatus (i.e., private cult). Many early believers chose instead to maintain their public
posture, which meant living in tension with prevailing culture, and the general values of
society. The Roman government typically moved according to the whims of the Caesar.
Rome purposed to dominate all ideologies, especially those it perceived to be a threat.
We see much the same thing over the years as Totalitarian governments (e.g., Nazi
Germany, Soviet Union) felt threatened by the church and consequently worked to
undermine its influence. In our day, such states still exist (e.g., China), where the
government really cares little about the religion people embrace, so long as they do not
threaten the hegemony of the state and its ruling elite. Not a few over the years have
interpreted John’s Revelation in the light of the tension between God’s people and the
rulers of earthly kingdoms.
Historically, Christendom effectively begins with Emperor Constantine’s embrace of
the faith. Historians continue to argue whether Constantine embraced Christianity for
personal or political reasons, but it seems certain his political reasons were strong.
During his famous march to Rome in 312 AD, he knew his formidable opponent,
Maxentius, would be relying on pagan magic and quite likely felt it worthwhile having
the Christian God on his side in addition to other favourite pagan deities. Whatever his
true motivations, Constantine won the decisive with Maxentius at Mulvian Bridge, his
enemy Maxentius perishing in the Tiber River, along with thousands of his troops.
Constantine “entered Rome the welcomed and undisputed master of the West” (Durant,
1944:654).
To consolidate support in all provinces, Constantine decided to embrace Christianity,
rather than oppose it as several of his predecessors had unsuccessfully done. The Edict of
Milan (313 AD) officially declared Roman tolerance for the faith. His policy of religious
toleration did not then make Christianity the sole state religion: that would follow under
University of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa