Early Christian Movement: Impacted by the Roman Empire

The underpinnings of Christianity as it relates to the Roman Empire is one that benefited from great widespread expansion throughout the height of the empire as never seen before. With Rome under stable control around the time of 27 BC, the society had entered an age of prosperity, expansion, and political stability. It was during this same period that Christianity began to develop. This growth was made possible through the inner orderliness of the church, which caused it to spread and eventually become institutionalized.

The very beginning of Christianity's official growth occrued with the church. "Since the very start of the religion, Christianity was scattered throughout the Roman Empire , however keeping Christianity unified was a major concern of the church leaders."(Novak, 32) It was the structure and arrangment of the Roman Empire that influenced how Christianity first came about. It also affected how it spread throughout other regions, which started out in urban cities, which were mainly populated by slaves and the poor, eventually spreading throughout Rome and a vast majority of the citizens.

One of the most important factors in the growth of Christianity by the Roman Empire was when Constantine was emperor. He saw the religion as a potential coalesce for society, and began to rapidly expand it. He began this by constructing several churches throughout Rome, and also passed decrees allowig many religions to be tolerated, but making clear that the people of Rome would benefit from Christianity the most. Many people were initially skeptical at this idea, since Christianity had taken nearly three centuries to fully develope, but he still adhered to the hope that it would gain imperial support as the others religions of that time had. He also appointed many bishops in order to help him with his movement and thus, Constatine's reign not only made early Chirstianity popular, but also equipped it with prestige in order for it to flourish.

Additionally, another person who would prove to have a significant impact on the growth of Christianity during Rome's history was Theodosius I. Although he was not a very well-known emperor, there is no doubt that he had a major role in expanding Christianity. As Michael Grant put it, "He earned the title Great becasue of his devout Christianity." "The main reason for this was that he used his power to actively enforce the religion, which ended up placing the power under the church, which set a standard for more than a millenium."(Addis, 42) Theodosius first displayed that he was a supporter of early Chirstianity and relied on God's help when he was witnesses in distress during a riot, and was observed publicly pleaded for God's mercy. It was clearly perceived that these actions marked a new chapter in Rome's history- one that would be marked in history as unifying church and state.

Yet another Roman emperor who devoted a majority of his reign in spreading Christianity was Jovian. At this point, both the Roman and Christian Empires celebrated at the arrival of another Christian as the leader of the state and his attention was primarily on impacting the Roman empire by turning all paegan temples in the area to churches. Another major step taken, was reestablishing Christianity as the official religion of Rome and continuing even farther, it was during his reign that Christianity remained the primary religion in both the Western and Eastern Roman Empires.

At the heart of Christianity's rise to prominence within the Roman Empire, credit can be given to many of the emperors named above. In addition, a result of this, many people converted to Christianity as a result of both because of the early church and the Christian emperors who devoted their power and prominence to help it continue in its strength. The ultimate attempt at seperating church and state was no longer possible during this time, as this religion was both the official and dominant belief throughout Rome. Despite its slow progression, early Christianity, under the Roman influence, came to domination.

Novak, Ralph. Christianity and the Roman Empire: Continuum International Publishing Group: 2001.

Addis, William. Christianity and the Roman Empire: Sunday School Association: 2006.