In what I think was one of the greatest moments in church history, the new emperor of Rome, Constantine, honored one of his latest victories in the name of Jesus, and not the traditional son god. The very life of a Roman centered on their gods. In a typical Roman household, they would have the names of their gods everywhere they belonged. There was never a good tolerance of other religions in the Roman sta

te. The emperor was to be the most grateful for the gods, and the closest to them. To defy the son god, and honor Jesus was a risky move. Constantine had a vision before the battle that said, he would win with a new symbol and the symbol was Christ. Constantine’s mother was a Christian, and he himself, a pagan. So in the case of the church being centered on the belief of Christ, and the most powerful man at the time, Constantine, was a depiction of the greatest state. The relationship worked perfectly. Later reform would incorporate The Edict of Milan, issued by Constantine, which made the practice of Christianity legal. This would bring a large amount of people to the religion, and would start a new era for the church. Constantine believed that encompassing a common religion would unite the countless diverse cultures that occupied Constantinople at the time. Another big step had been taken in the becoming of the papal leading authority. This was only allowed because he had been so grateful already, and for one more reason. Christianity had been the practice of the poor, and the oppressed. Having a unity with the state, and by that I mean Constantine, they were able to glorify Christianity, and let it be heard. Church and state had made a good start with this unity. Will we come to see rulers who help the church out even more in its amalgamation?

Throughout history the confines of religion and rules of society have conflicted with each other’s significance of being in the citizens every day life. Church and State have had their ups and down’s through history, but I think it’s very comfortable where it is right now. There is a balance between each others authority, and their connection to us. Another thing that’s great is the power the church feels outside of Europe, in places like the U.S., or Canada. Though the tie between the ruling hierarchies was broken, and is broken, they don’t see each other as enemies, but instead, in peace. I know where I’m at. I am both a citizen of the United States of America and of the Catholic Church.

King Henry VIII had the title “Defender of the Faith” given to him by Pope Leo X. This would hardly describe the events that were about to unfold in England. Henry needed a son to become the heir to his throne.

Some topics in this essay:
Eastern Western, Anglican Church, Edict Milan, Western Empire, It’ Church, Rome Constantine, John Ireland, Church England, Western Europe, Clement VII, feudal society, catholic church, relationship church, church relationship, son god, unity charlemagne, john ireland, church consideration, feudal system, pope leo,