Author Topic: Why isn't Constantine a saint? (Read 3047 times)

forlorn · « **on:** December 09, 2021, 10:38:13 AM »

He's recognised as a saint by the Eastern Catholics, as well as the Eastern Orthodox and the Copts since before the schisms. Having been chosen by God to convert the Roman Empire and end the Christian persecution, as well as host the first ecuмenical councils, I thought he would be.

Ladislaus · « **Reply #1 on:** December 09, 2021, 10:46:43 AM »

Hard to say. Constantine was a great historical figure, and his mother's an obvious saint. But he was one of those who deferred his Baptism until the end of life for whatever reasons. And he was in fact responsible for some immoral slaughters that he later repented of. Early saints weren't officially canonized but were recognized as such by grass roots movements of the faithful (which does not necessarily have the note of infallibility about it).

Romulus · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2021, 11:19:57 AM »

Yeah, its the delaying of his baptism and he killed his wife and son. His wife manipulated him into thinking his son was plotting against him and he killed his son. He later found out he was wrong about it so when his wife was taking a steam bath, he locked her in and turned up the furnaces underneath effectively killing her from suffocation and high temperatures.

Meg · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2021, 11:41:51 AM »

Quote from: Romulus on December 09, 2021, 11:19:57 AM

Yeah, its the delaying of his baptism and he killed his wife and son. His wife manipulated him into thinking his son was plotting against him and he killed his son. He later found out he was wrong about it so when his wife was taking a steam bath, he locked her in and turned up the furnaces underneath effectively killing her from suffocation and high temperatures.

Yes, hopefully he repented of those horrible crimes.

Constantine did help the Catholics. And he called the first Council of Nicea, so that the Catholics and Arians could work out the problem of Arianism (if I recall correcly). Fortunately, Arianism was soundly denounced at the Council. Constantine, for all he did for the Catholics, tended to favor the Arians; hence, his baptism by an Arian heretic bishop, on his deathbed.

Prayerful · « **Reply #4 on:** December 09, 2021, 11:45:21 AM »

Quote from: Ladislaus on December 09, 2021, 10:46:43 AM

Hard to say. Constantine was a great historical figure, and his mother's an obvious saint. But he was one of those who deferred his Baptism until the end of life for whatever reasons. And he was in fact responsible for some immoral slaughters that he later repented of. Early saints weren't officially canonized but were recognized as such by grass roots movements of the faithful (which does not necessarily have the note of infallibility about it).

Late baptism was apparently a common custom as baptism cleansed sin and it might be prudent to wait for a time when no sinful action or order would seem necessary. That said his fight against Maxentius involved a daring invasion against a stronger opponent sheltering behind walls. Maxentius was not too popular, but the invasion was risky and hopefully priests around him made clear there was no special dispensation for an Emperor. Constantine was nowhere as merciless as his family members who came after him, defeated Emperors or would be emperors like Severus were allowed to live and only executed or kill after revolting again. His baptism was by Eusebius of Caesarea who was at least semi-Arian. Constantine Magnus had great merits, but never shrunk from ruthless actions if it seems necessary, so I can see how this Emperor cannot be clearly regarded as saintly.

CathInfo.com

Author Topic: Why isn't Constantine a saint? (Read 3047 times)

forlorn

Why isn't Constantine a saint?

Ladislaus

Re: Why isn't Constantine a saint?

Romulus

Re: Why isn't Constantine a saint?

Meg

Re: Why isn't Constantine a saint?

Prayerful

Re: Why isn't Constantine a saint?