Foreign Languages & Literatures ETDs
Publication Date
2-8-2011
Abstract
Focusing on Late Antiquity and in particular the fourth century AD, the question of Emperor Constantines policy of religious tolerance is examined. Constantine and his times and issues introduce the theme. The sincerity of Constantine's Christian belief and his relationship to the Church set the background of the debate, along with a look at three influences upon him, Eusebius of Caesarea, Ossius of Cordova, and Lactantius. Examining the atmosphere or climate gives added criteria for determining Constantine's religious policy. Lactantian views are investigated more fully for his influence on Constantine. Other problems looked at are the controversy over the Edict of Milan, the question of Eusebius' reliability and whether or not Constantine issued a ban on sacrifice. After exploring these issues, it is concluded that Constantine did maintain a policy of religious tolerance.
Keywords
Constantine, Religious Tolerance
Document Type
Thesis
Language
English
Degree Name
Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies
Level of Degree
Masters
Department Name
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
First Committee Member (Chair)
Graham, Timothy
Second Committee Member
Paine, Charles
Third Committee Member
Smith, Warren
Recommended Citation
Sharp, Pamela. "Constantine's Policy of Religious Tolerance: Was It Tolerant Or Not?." (2011). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/fll_etds/42
