In this section of reading we see yet another pretty major shift in the structure of the church. Now Christianity is the religion of the state. Under Emperor Constantine, Christianity was not only no longer persecuted but it was elevated to a higher status. Constantine the Emperor himself gave special consideration and personal allegiance to Christianity. (Though he was not baptized until on his deathbed and he still practiced the rites of the Pagan gods, he did “worship” Christ as well.) Christianity for the first time was in favor. Now the church began to grow and flourish, (if only monetarily), and the system of Bishops became even more engrained. Now there was a group of “advisors” to Constantine, bishops who helped him as a part of his entourage. The Church had meeting places, rather ornate ones, to meet in rather than just homes. This shift brought about interesting changes in the church theologically and practically, but as far as the church structure goes, the changes were mostly positive. The centralization of leadership gave the church more unity in doctrine and this time period saw some of the most prolific writing in church history.
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