The Effects of Constantine I on Christian Theology

Constantine I, became the sole emperor as a consequence of the sacred tetrarchy regime to provide the continuation of Rome and the subsequent enduring political manoeuvres. During this period, his inclusion of Christians in the process of establishing a new perspective of Rome by supporting Christianity brought about many controversial issues. Constantine, in his struggle with Maxentius at Milvian Bridge, had an experience that would bring him close to Christianity. Subsequent to this experience, Constantine, who declared the Edict of Milan with the joint ruler, Licinius, initiated a marked change among ChristiansThe approval of this change by the emperor resulted in granting many rights to the Christians and thus led them to have an active role in diplomacy, politics, and culture. The Christians went through this transformation process with full of turmoil during a period of cultural, diplomatic and political issues along with theological and philosophical conflicts. The rapid spread of Christianity in Rome, as a corollary of the Edict of Milan, brought about a series of debates. Arius's claim that the 'Son' in trinity belief embodies a beginning and that the 'Father' was infinite and unique caused a great deal of debate. His struggle on this issue with Alexandre, one of the bishops of his own time, and with Athanasius, the successor of Alexandre, led to in-depth debates and separations, and also divisions in Church. Constantine thought that the arguments on the faith among Christian communities brought his project towards the vision of the Empire to a halt. Constantine's convention of the council by using his dominance and his undertaking an active role in decisions made at the end of the meeting have carried many arguments about his intentions and his effects on Christianity to the present. Moreover, by moving the centre of Christianity from Rome to the East and as a result of the state's support of the church and church's support to him in return, he created a new and different kind of strong religion-politics relationship in Christianity. Key words: Constantine, Christianity, Nicea Council, Political Theology.