-
WeWantAChristmasTree, page : 48
observed that those who claimed to follow the teachings of Jesus were excellent,
law abiding citizens. Within their society there was love and care for one another
and they were always prepared to lend a helping hand wherever needed. The
only objection to them was that they refused to offer sacrifices to the gods of
Rome, and because of this many, under previous emperors, had been put to
death.
It was to Constantine's political advantage to adopt and befriend those who
claimed to follow Jesus. His observation convinced him that these law-abiding
citizens had already started to succeed and influence a sector of the Roman
society and this was a most desirable factor to stabilize his crumbling empire.
However, there was a problem. There were two groups claiming that they
followed Jesus with very different doctrines. One group was lead by a man called
Arius who worshipped one God and taught that Jesus was His Prophet. The
other group who called themselves Christians claimed that God was three gods
in one – which was very similar to the pagan religions of Rome and also Greece.
17
law abiding citizens. Within their society there was love and care for one another
and they were always prepared to lend a helping hand wherever needed. The
only objection to them was that they refused to offer sacrifices to the gods of
Rome, and because of this many, under previous emperors, had been put to
death.
It was to Constantine's political advantage to adopt and befriend those who
claimed to follow Jesus. His observation convinced him that these law-abiding
citizens had already started to succeed and influence a sector of the Roman
society and this was a most desirable factor to stabilize his crumbling empire.
However, there was a problem. There were two groups claiming that they
followed Jesus with very different doctrines. One group was lead by a man called
Arius who worshipped one God and taught that Jesus was His Prophet. The
other group who called themselves Christians claimed that God was three gods
in one – which was very similar to the pagan religions of Rome and also Greece.
17