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We’ve all heard the story: A small, persecuted sect made a shady deal with Emperor Constantine, traded its soul for power, and took over the world by force. It’s a tidy narrative that fuels modern cynicism, but it has one major problem: It isn’t true.
In this episode, we dismantle the myth of the “Christian Conquest.” We explore why the Roman Empire (a world saturated with gods, hierarchy, and power) wasn’t looking for a Savior, and why the early Christians were viewed not as heroes, but as dangerous “atheists” and social disruptors.
Inside this episode:
• The “Atheist” Christians: Why refusing to burn incense was considered an act of treason.
• Pliny’s Dilemma: The survives letters of a Roman governor who couldn’t find a crime, yet still ordered executions.
• The Radical Table: How slave and free, man and woman, reshaped the meaning of “human” in a stratified world.
• The Constantine Reality Check: Why the Emperor didn’t “create” Christian influence, but merely finally recognized it.
Theology Made is a listener/reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
By Theology MadeWe’ve all heard the story: A small, persecuted sect made a shady deal with Emperor Constantine, traded its soul for power, and took over the world by force. It’s a tidy narrative that fuels modern cynicism, but it has one major problem: It isn’t true.
In this episode, we dismantle the myth of the “Christian Conquest.” We explore why the Roman Empire (a world saturated with gods, hierarchy, and power) wasn’t looking for a Savior, and why the early Christians were viewed not as heroes, but as dangerous “atheists” and social disruptors.
Inside this episode:
• The “Atheist” Christians: Why refusing to burn incense was considered an act of treason.
• Pliny’s Dilemma: The survives letters of a Roman governor who couldn’t find a crime, yet still ordered executions.
• The Radical Table: How slave and free, man and woman, reshaped the meaning of “human” in a stratified world.
• The Constantine Reality Check: Why the Emperor didn’t “create” Christian influence, but merely finally recognized it.
Theology Made is a listener/reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.