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medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture --- "Gannett, Dulcie" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and > culture > > No, Constantine was *baptized* on his deathbed in 337, but his > conversion is more commonly dated around 312, when the "In hoc signo > vincet" vision led him to victory in battle. Lots of people put off > baptism as long as possible in those days, because they took > post-baptismal sin *very* seriously. We are clearly talking at cross-purposes. When I wrote of Constantine's conversion, I was referring precisely to his baptism. I realise that there are Christians of various denominations who would not accept this association, and I mean no disrespect for them, but I do not think Constantine would have shared their views. After the victory at Milvian Bridge he continued to act as a non-Christian, frequently taking human life (including that of his own son). It was precisely because his role as Emperor entailed his living a life incompatible with Christianity that he delayed his admission into the Christian Church until the last moment; not an unusual ploy in those days. Bill. ===== ___________________________________________________________ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun! http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com ********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html