Discussion # 6: Constantine and Christianity

Topic:

By the beginning of the fourth century, the number of Christians living within the jurisdiction of Rome was statistically insignificant, probably no more than 5 percent of the total population in the West and possibly 10 percent of the Greek-speaking East. In 312, Constantine wanted to gain power in the West and decided to march on Italy, which was now in the hands of a man called Maxentius, who had declared himself emperor in the West and was trying to build up a coalition of supporters. Among them was the Christian community of Rome. It may have been this that gave Constantine the idea of currying favor in the same way, or it may have been another kind of inspiration that led him to emblazon Christian symbols on his banners and the shields of his soldiers the night before a major battle north of Rome, at the Milvian Bridge over the Tiber. According to later legend, Constantine had seen a vision of two intertwined Greek letters inscribed on the sky, the first two letters in the name of Christ, and was told that “In this sign, you will conquer.” 

Directions:

Read your text and notes, do some careful research, and watch the videos. This involves some role-playing: pretend you are a general accompanying Constantine on the eve of this pivotal battle. You believe that the empire could benefit from making Christianity a legal religion and perhaps it would even help if Constantine worshiped the Christian deity. Try to convince him that this would be a good idea and how he and the empire would benefit from accepting this small religion. 

This post is your opinion and there is no right or wrong answer. Your points will be based on completion of the assignment (based on the rubric) and whether you use support from the text, lecture, or internet. 5 points total, 3 for your initial post and 2 for replying to someone's post. Your post should be about a paragraph long and your reply to someone's post should be a paragraph as well.

I recommend that you create your initial post by Nov 4, at 11:59 pm so that others may have an opportunity to reply.

You must also contribute a Response to 1 classmate's post: Read another student's post and pretend you are a different general and you think that allowing a small religion that rejects the divinity of the Emperor would be a really bad idea. Try to convince Constantine that the traditional pagan religion needs to be protected and that an Christianity has nothing to offer to the Empire and to Constantine himself.

Posts can have more than one reply. Follow the netiquette guidelines below and use evidence to support or disagree with the original post. This is not a place for insults or arguments so use proper language.

Your Response is due by Nov 6, at 11:59 pm

• There is no option to turn this assignment in late.
• Click on the reply button, below to get started.

Purpose:

To evaluate student's critical analysis of historical events.

Rubric:

To view the rubric attached to this discussion, click on the gear box in the upper right and select Show Rubric. 

Netiquette:

• Be kind and respectful to others
• Use full sentences
• Avoid jargon and acronyms
• Use language that supports others