Andrew, Emily, & Tim –Constantine & Nicaea

Constantine converted to Christianity after receiving what he thought to be a vision from God before battle; from there he saw his conversion as a mechanism to end the persecution of Christians across the Empire, potentially guaranteeing unity. The Edict of Milan that he issued during his reign secured religious freedom across the Empire, not only for Christians but for every religion that anyone wished to practise. He called the Council of Nicaea to resolve the dissension between Christians around the Arian Conflict; he could not have 50% of his empire quarreling among themselves. Eusebius of Caesarea opened the Council with a profession of the Arian faith, including a baptismal confession in which he stressed the individuality of the three Persons: God the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. This was not received well at all…