Knowing Faith Was Constantine Bad? with James Wood
Nov 27, 2025
James Wood, an Associate Professor of Religion and Theology at Redeemer University, dives into Constantine's complex relationship with Christianity. He discusses whether Constantine's conversion was genuine and how monasticism emerged as a response to martyrdom in a more politically accepted church. The conversation also explores the benefits of Christendom, contrasting pagan Christianity with a sincere public faith, and the importance of subordinating secular authority to divine principles in shaping a faithful Christian witness.
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Constantine's Transformative Turn
- Constantine shifted Christianity from a persecuted minority to a publicly patronized religion, initiating Christendom.
- That public shift created new social benefits and new theological tensions for the church's identity.
Conversion vs. Consequence
- Constantine's conversion plausibly had genuine religious motives despite political benefits.
- Whether it was sincere matters less than the public consequences for the church.
Monasticism Replaces Martyrdom
- Christendom produced both goods and 'mess' that required new responses from Christians.
- Monasticism rose partly to replace martyrdom as a counter to ecclesial comfort.
