Please do not take this as I am trying to be a trolling atheist, for I believe the same as all of you. I'm just looking for a little guidance.
Why do you believe in Christianity?
Let's say the bible disappeared tomorrow, why would you keep believing the way you do? I've been doing a lot of reading in mythology (one of my favorite topics to read about). But the more I read, the more everything looks like Christianity. Hell, heaven, messiahs, God, all that stuff. Yet, when we read about mythology, we automatically say: "Ya that stuff's not real." Yet then we go back to church and do the same stuff everyone else was doing for their "Gods."
Help me out.
Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.
He is as real to me as any thing I can see with my eyes.
Faith, that wonderful thing, is alive with Spirit.
Hi Sage,
QuoteBut the more I read, the more everything looks like Christianity
Maybe that is because the "God thing" (now Christianity) is the original and all the other myths are created trying by those trying to arrive at the truth???? I know that there are "thoughts"..myths..religions, older than Christianity, but, none of them are older than God.
Debbie :)
Why do I believe in Christianity? Probably cause that's what I was born into. But, now, it is proving to be very reliable and oh so true.
Some myths are created from the lost, corrupted or perverted truth.
Others, from observation of the natural.
Depends on what part of the world.
There are wisps of glory in them all.
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 10:47:34 PM
But the more I read, the more everything looks like Christianity.
Yes. But why? Just coincidence? (think not) What what first?
OT seems to predate everything that has a similar story.
http://www.greatcom.org/resources/handbook_of_todays_religions/03chap07/default.htm
I wonder about Zarathustrism, interesting religion, the 3 magis are said to have been Zarathustrists, some say Zarathustra foretold a messiah, there might a connection between the prophet Daniel and Zarathustra, but I don't know sure facts.
I think the Catholic church borrowed much from the pagans, other religions might have borrowed from the bible, Islam e.g.
Quote from: sven on June 20, 2009, 11:45:47 PM
I wonder about Zarathustrism, interesting religion, the 3 magis are said to have been Zarathustrists, some say Zarathustra foretold a messiah, there might a connection between the prophet Daniel and Zarathustra, but I don't know sure facts.
I think the Catholic church borrowed much from the pagans, other religions might have borrowed from the bible, Islam e.g.
Zoaraster was a student of Daniel.
QuoteZoraster "was a student of Daniel when he was in Babylon."
"He learned from Daniel that a star would appear in the
constellation of COMA when that one whom it was foretold
would be born."
http://www.mazzaroth.com/ChapterSix/TheStarOfBethlehem.htm
Quote from: WhiteWings on June 20, 2009, 11:41:23 PM
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 10:47:34 PM
But the more I read, the more everything looks like Christianity.
Yes. But why? Just coincidence? (think not) What what first?
OT seems to predate everything that has a similar story.
http://www.greatcom.org/resources/handbook_of_todays_religions/03chap07/default.htm
I'm saying most religions have books, stories, and all of that stuff. But why do we believe this one? For all we know the bible could be another story book. There are older religions, with older books. I'm just looking for some things people have discovered for themselves, but not from reading the bible.
Let me make it known again, I'm not trying to start an argument. I really am just confused/lost whatever you want to call it.
QuoteZoaraster was a student of Daniel
actually? I have often heard now that Zarathustra was a universalist, interesting if both were true...
http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/how_hell_became_eternal_vincent.htm
Zoroaster was a Universalist, as he says in his Hymns to God , "If you understand these laws of happiness and pain which God has ordained, O Mortals,
there is a long period of punishment for the wicked and reward for the pious,
but thereafter Eternal Joy shall rein forever " (Y 30:11 emphasis added).
might reming one on Daniel 12:2 (if you interpret contempt refering to conscious punishment)
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 11:49:20 PM
I'm saying most religions have books, stories, and all of that stuff. But why do we believe this one? For all we know the bible could be another story book. There are older religions, with older books. I'm just looking for some things people have discovered for themselves, but not from reading the bible.
I know what said/asked that.
I think your questions has two answers. Or should I say two half answers.
The first half of the answer is that the oldest religion is probebly the source. So most likely the real one.
The second half of the answer "yes it could another story book"
Why it isn't a story book is hard to explain. It called
believeI think there are many different reasons why people believe.
For me the complexity of the story that spans over such a long time. Plus some "scientific facts".
QuoteLet me make it known again, I'm not trying to start an argument.
No worries :thumbsup:
Sage,
There is only One you can call out to if you are lost.
Try all the other gods — if you will.
Only One will respond.
Then! you will know that you are on holy ground.
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 10:47:34 PM
Please do not take this as I am trying to be a trolling atheist, for I believe the same as all of you. I'm just looking for a little guidance.
Why do you believe in Christianity?
Let's say the bible disappeared tomorrow, why would you keep believing the way you do? I've been doing a lot of reading in mythology (one of my favorite topics to read about). But the more I read, the more everything looks like Christianity. Hell, heaven, messiahs, God, all that stuff. Yet, when we read about mythology, we automatically say: "Ya that stuff's not real." Yet then we go back to church and do the same stuff everyone else was doing for their "Gods."
Help me out.
For me Sage, it is about Intelligence. I don't know if I would believe in Christianity without the Bible though. I find the intelligence behind it to be above what I believe a humans (apart from God) is capable of. Take for example, fullfilments of prophecy. Many atheists will say things are coincidence, but at some point so many coincidences tell me that something intelligent is being played out. For example, we have Prophecies showing us that the Messiah would come. And those prophecies are very abundant and non contradicting. They are so abudnant and detailed and they are time driven. Furthermore, these prochecies were out of man's power in coming about. I could tell you that tomorrow a man will show up at your house wearing certain clothes and tell you something very specific. But those things may be well within my power to do. But the things these prophecies relate to are out of man's power to accomplish. Some of the most amazing evidence comes from the Jews themselves. They would have a motive to not let Jesus look like His words and deeds were true. But the Jews recorded in the Talmud how that 40 years before the destruction of their temple that the miracles that were being performed therein, no longer happened. This is significant because 40 years before the Temple was destroyed was when Jesus was Crucified. The scarlet ribben tied to the goat no longer would turn white. Doors of the Temple would remain open, candles would not stay lit, etc... The Jewish Rabbis recorded these events. So here we have those that would be most opposed to Jesus Christ providing some of the most provoking evidence towards His authority.
Paul
Quote from: sven on June 20, 2009, 11:45:47 PM
I wonder about Zarathustrism, interesting religion, the 3 magis are said to have been Zarathustrists, some say Zarathustra foretold a messiah, there might a connection between the prophet Daniel and Zarathustra, but I don't know sure facts.
I think the Catholic church borrowed much from the pagans, other religions might have borrowed from the bible, Islam e.g.
Was there really 3 magi though?
Paul
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 11:49:20 PM
Quote from: WhiteWings on June 20, 2009, 11:41:23 PM
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 10:47:34 PM
But the more I read, the more everything looks like Christianity.
Yes. But why? Just coincidence? (think not) What what first?
OT seems to predate everything that has a similar story.
http://www.greatcom.org/resources/handbook_of_todays_religions/03chap07/default.htm
I'm saying most religions have books, stories, and all of that stuff. But why do we believe this one? For all we know the bible could be another story book. There are older religions, with older books. I'm just looking for some things people have discovered for themselves, but not from reading the bible.
Let me make it known again, I'm not trying to start an argument. I really am just confused/lost whatever you want to call it.
Sage, trust in Logic. God gave it to you. Follow it. Reason as to how could Jesus really NOT be the Messiah in light of all the prophecies that foretell His arrival, mission, death, etc...
Paul
Quote from: trettep on June 21, 2009, 12:06:50 AM
Take for example, fullfilments of prophecy. Many atheists will say things are coincidence,
Surely some say that but most know it's statistically impossible.
So the arguments are/become prophecies are written after the fact. Can't be verified. Description is so vague it always fits.
QuoteSome of the most amazing evidence comes from the Jews themselves. They would have a motive to not let Jesus look like His words and deeds were true. But the Jews recorded in the Talmud how that 40 years before the destruction of their temple that the miracles that were being performed therein, no longer happened. This is significant because 40 years before the Temple was destroyed was when Jesus was Crucified. The scarlet ribben tied to the goat no longer would turn white. Doors of the Temple would remain open, candles would not stay lit, etc... The Jewish Rabbis recorded these events. So here we have those that would be most opposed to Jesus Christ providing some of the most provoking evidence towards His authority.
Interesting. I never heard about any of it. Do you have links to articles that have a bit more info?
Quote from: WhiteWings on June 21, 2009, 12:16:09 AM
Quote from: trettep on June 21, 2009, 12:06:50 AM
Take for example, fullfilments of prophecy. Many atheists will say things are coincidence,
Surely some say that but most know it's statistically impossible.
So the arguments are/become prophecies are written after the fact. Can't be verified. Description is so vague it always fits.
QuoteSome of the most amazing evidence comes from the Jews themselves. They would have a motive to not let Jesus look like His words and deeds were true. But the Jews recorded in the Talmud how that 40 years before the destruction of their temple that the miracles that were being performed therein, no longer happened. This is significant because 40 years before the Temple was destroyed was when Jesus was Crucified. The scarlet ribben tied to the goat no longer would turn white. Doors of the Temple would remain open, candles would not stay lit, etc... The Jewish Rabbis recorded these events. So here we have those that would be most opposed to Jesus Christ providing some of the most provoking evidence towards His authority.
Interesting. I knew never heard about any of it. Do you have links to articles that have a bit more info?
Sure - check this out for example:
http://www.biblehistory.net/newsletter/scapegoat.htm
I'm not saying I endorse everything on that site but I did check out the claims of this site with actual Talmud sources.
Paul
willieH: Hi Debbie... :hithere:
Nice to see you around here again! :thumbsup:
Quote from: dboutwell on June 20, 2009, 10:56:49 PM
Hi Sage,
QuoteBut the more I read, the more everything looks like Christianity
Maybe that is because the "God thing" (now Christianity) is the original and all the other myths are created trying by those trying to arrive at the truth???? I know that there are "thoughts"..myths..religions, older than Christianity, but, none of them are older than God.
Debbie :)
Why do I believe in Christianity? Probably cause that's what I was born into. But, now, it is proving to be very reliable and oh so true.
...willieH :happygrin:
willieH: Hi Sage... :hithere:
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 11:49:20 PM
Quote from: WhiteWings on June 20, 2009, 11:41:23 PM
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 10:47:34 PM
But the more I read, the more everything looks like Christianity.
Yes. But why? Just coincidence? (think not) What what first?
OT seems to predate everything that has a similar story.
http://www.greatcom.org/resources/handbook_of_todays_religions/03chap07/default.htm
I'm saying most religions have books, stories, and all of that stuff. But why do we believe this one? For all we know the bible could be another story book. There are older religions, with older books. I'm just looking for some things people have discovered for themselves, but not from reading the bible.
Let me make it known again, I'm not trying to start an argument. I really am just confused/lost whatever you want to call it.
Belief in
CHRIST is not an "imagined" thing. It is a LIVING thing... As real and experienced as hitting a baseball or eating a steak, or falling in LOVE...
When one actually
KNOWS the Savior... it's nothing like "believing in Ghosts" or that "they went to the moon"... It is an
EXPERIENCE...
LOVE is something that cannot be measured or "bottled" or "bought"... It cannot be seen, or heard, nor can it be shown on a TV... Yet it is the MOST important thing on the EARTH, and it is the ONE THING that we ALL share in common, NEED and pursue...
It cannot be "scientifically explained", nor proven or disproven. It just EXISTS... and when you EXPERIENCE it... it is the GREATEST of ALL experiences...
That you ask such a question, indicates to me, that He is yet "knocking at the door" of your heart Sage... When you KNOW, instead of just BELIEVE... than Christianity will find itself to be a profound reality in you, not something that you might consider as an "imagination" of the mind.
...willieH :cloud9:
Intelligence? Logic?
We are to lean not on our own understanding.
Quote from: trettep on June 21, 2009, 12:09:44 AM
Quote from: sven on June 20, 2009, 11:45:47 PM
I wonder about Zarathustrism, interesting religion, the 3 magis are said to have been Zarathustrists, some say Zarathustra foretold a messiah, there might a connection between the prophet Daniel and Zarathustra, but I don't know sure facts.
I think the Catholic church borrowed much from the pagans, other religions might have borrowed from the bible, Islam e.g.
Was there really 3 magi though?
Paul
Actually it could have been 40 men on horseback, something that would have produced more of a stir with Herod. Who they were was also significant to those in political power in the ancient world. The Magi were "king makers." They were "keepers of wisdom" that they taught to whoever was enthroned or destined for the throne. That this group was seeking a king long prophecied to come and rule over all whose cosmic portents were announcing his arrival was significant enough to Herod that he had all the boy babies slain from 2 years old and under in the area he was supposed to be. Some have supposed that Daniel was the founder of the Magi, having saved the lives of all whose work in the world was wisdom. The gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were from Daniel.
Thank you all for your replies.
willieH and Beloved Servant hit it on the head for me.
Beloved Servant, your post just made me laugh at myself. I can think back to times when I have asked for help, and I got it. I guess I needed someone to remind me, thank you.
willieH, your post made me remember some of the best church services I've been to. The ones where everybody in the room can feel a presence. Thank you for bringing up those beautiful memories.
Once again, thanks to everyone for everything. I knew it all along, but it seems my logical reasoning side got the best of me. I'll just need to learn that not everything needs to be explained, just felt.
Quote from: Beloved Servant on June 21, 2009, 12:57:03 AM
Intelligence? Logic?
We are to lean not on our own understanding.
I'm not saying to lean on our understanding. I'm saying to use the logic in understanding God's ways. After all where does logic come from? - God. Nobody understands His ways without exercising logic.
Paul
Quote from: Beloved Servant on June 21, 2009, 12:57:03 AM
Intelligence? Logic?
We are to lean not on our own understanding.
Yeah, I cringed when I read that part as well bro. . .For me . . it's pretty much identical to what Willie wrote . . . another aspect would be that in all the other religions out there . . ."you" choose which one to follow . . .with Christ . . .it's not you choosing first, it's him choosing you first. Big difference. Everything after that is just a reaction to his choosing me.
Can Buddha choose anyone? Paul spoke much about this as well . .these idols . . .they were created from the intelligence and logic of men . .but they can't do anything. But God is not an idol made by human minds and imaginations, he is living and he's chosen us before we were even consciously aware of his existence. Even if we don't "choose" to pursue him, we're still chosen by him to be his children.
There is really only one Lord, one God . . .
Mark 12:32
And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
Romans 3:30
Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
1 Corinthians 8:6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Ephesians 4:6
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
James 2:19
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
The thing about the Word . . .whether it existed or whether it doesn't, the message in it is the same message that's written in us. All the Word does, is agree with, affirm with the Word written in each one of us.
What's written is not what's living, it is a sign that points to what's living. God's word is a living word, not in a book or translation, but an experience within us. We are all epistles written by God, we are the book of life, read by others through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. How else can the river flow from our bellies if we don't allow ourselves to be openned and read by others?
When you have Christ in you, it does not matter what disappears. The world and all the things in it will be gone one day..and when you have built your house on the ROCK, you can not be shaken. It is not about religion or even doctrine, but knowing him...Jesus...That makes the difference in EVERYTHING. :)
Quote from: reFORMer on June 21, 2009, 01:01:47 AM
Quote from: trettep on June 21, 2009, 12:09:44 AM
Quote from: sven on June 20, 2009, 11:45:47 PM
I wonder about Zarathustrism, interesting religion, the 3 magis are said to have been Zarathustrists, some say Zarathustra foretold a messiah, there might a connection between the prophet Daniel and Zarathustra, but I don't know sure facts.
I think the Catholic church borrowed much from the pagans, other religions might have borrowed from the bible, Islam e.g.
Was there really 3 magi though?
Paul
Actually it could have been 40 men on horseback, something that would have produced more of a stir with Herod. Who they were was also significant to those in political power in the ancient world. The Magi were "king makers." They were "keepers of wisdom" that they taught to whoever was enthroned or destined for the throne. That this group was seeking a king long prophecied to come and rule over all whose cosmic portents were announcing his arrival was significant enough to Herod that he had all the boy babies slain from 2 years old and under in the area he was supposed to be. Some have supposed that Daniel was the founder of the Magi, having saved the lives of all whose work in the world was wisdom. The gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were from Daniel.
Yes, that is my point, the scriptures don't indicate how MANY wise men there were. This is why many atheists and others get confused as to what is the Truth because they keep finding contradictions to traditions and writings.
Paul
Quote from: sven on June 20, 2009, 11:53:49 PM
QuoteZoaraster was a student of Daniel
actually? I have often heard now that Zarathustra was a universalist, interesting if both were true...
Yep that would mean it was probably Daniel who thaught him UR.
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 11:49:20 PM
Quote from: WhiteWings on June 20, 2009, 11:41:23 PM
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 10:47:34 PM
But the more I read, the more everything looks like Christianity.
Yes. But why? Just coincidence? (think not) What what first?
OT seems to predate everything that has a similar story.
http://www.greatcom.org/resources/handbook_of_todays_religions/03chap07/default.htm
I'm saying most religions have books, stories, and all of that stuff. But why do we believe this one? For all we know the bible could be another story book. There are older religions, with older books. I'm just looking for some things people have discovered for themselves, but not from reading the bible.
Our religion is the only one with an empty tomb.
Not only that but our Lord and Saviour fulfilled many prophecies about Him made over thousands of years prior to his appearing.
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 10:47:34 PM
Please do not take this as I am trying to be a trolling atheist, for I believe the same as all of you. I'm just looking for a little guidance.
Why do you believe in Christianity?
Let's say the bible disappeared tomorrow, why would you keep believing the way you do? I've been doing a lot of reading in mythology (one of my favorite topics to read about). But the more I read, the more everything looks like Christianity. Hell, heaven, messiahs, God, all that stuff. Yet, when we read about mythology, we automatically say: "Ya that stuff's not real." Yet then we go back to church and do the same stuff everyone else was doing for their "Gods."
Help me out.
I don't believe in Christianity since that is just a name. If the bible disappeared tomorrow then I would continue the path of spirituality because love doesn't need a book.
"Of all the ancient writings, most scholars agree that the Old Testament of the Bible is the oldest of religious books. It was first written at 1000 BC through 500 BC and the words were given by God to its writers. In comparison, most others are relatively young."
When you study the Old and New Testament, it eventually becomes clear that the whole book was written by One hand. :mshock:
Quote from: Sage on June 20, 2009, 10:47:34 PM
Why do you believe in Christianity?
Let's say the bible disappeared tomorrow, why would you keep believing the way you do?
Well, for 97% of people in the USA who say they're "born-again" Christians that go to church meetings regularly the Bible never appeared in the first place. For them, the Bible has never been read through even once. Many are those described by Jesus in the key parable of "The Sower" as having no root in themselves.
In the second birth we are initially like sheep. If we are caught by people groups using many words of the spirit's language but are in intimacy with religious institutions rather than the living God, we may not develop much spiritually. To even know "the LORD is my Shepherd" is a challenge when we are born in a brothel of Babylon. Very many never get free in this life.
When my soul is restored enough to express the authority claims of peace sufficient to raise animosity in those surrounding me, God "prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies." No longer sheep, but prepared for the bridal intimacy that will reproduce the exact image of the Shepherd to rule the nations, we are living epistles written within and upon by the Spirit promised of the Father.
"
Quote"living epistles"
That is golden reFORMer!
QuoteWhy do you believe in Christianity?
the evidence suggest that Jesus was either
a) a culmination of all previous myths and legends about "god-men",
b) or totally unique
some members here said that his tomb is the only one which is empty...
if compared to other myths, legends and "god-men"...this is not true
there are numerous examples of risen gods (Osiris from Egypt, Tammuz-Adonia from Mesopotamia, Dionysus from the Geeks/Romans)...even the Islamic prophet Mohammed is said to have ascended to heaven from the temple mount
even in the OT Moses was not buried but "taken up"
these "gods" and "god-men" were just as real to the people of their times as Jesus is today to Christians
Christianity as we know it today (the religion) was founded by the Romans...it replaced Mythraism as official roman religion after Emperor Constantine declared Christianity the ONLY state religion allowable in future, thousands of Mythraists were killed when at first they denied this new religion
I think there should be a clear distinction between christianity and obeying God...through Jesus God showed us HOW to go through the door to Him, the Almighty ie to follow the example of Jesus...love your enemies, do unto others etc etc
how many "christians" do this? not many I know
most I know are shouting to kill Islam...or kill the enemy...or kill this....slaughter that....take other people's stuff and their countries with it...so in fact, nothing has changed since the roman days, it is actually worse now
i know very few people who follow in Jesus' footsteps to the Father, as Jesus said himself that the Father prefers us to worship Him directly...the Almighty...not His son, or His son's mother...or some other fallable human being we make a "saint"
the path to the Almighty is to love like Jesus loved...no less, no more...christianity is just another enslaving religion thought up by men who want to control the people
noname: I can't think of a more beautiful way to start my day then by reading that message.
Bingo!!!,noname :icon_king:
Quote from: noname on June 22, 2009, 03:04:28 PM
Christianity as we know it today (the religion) was founded by the Romans...it replaced Mythraism as official roman religion after Emperor Constantine declared Christianity the ONLY state religion allowable in future, thousands of Mythraists were killed when at first they denied this new religion
For 300 years there was a religion in the world that had no priest, no temples, no objects of veneration. Constantine only made Christianity one among the other Roman religions, radically changing it. He gave financial support for Christian priests which did not previously exist. We were all the priests and it was to the rest of the world. He built and adapted temples for "Christians." We had been the temple. The pagan's temples were dedicated to the name of a certain God, so they began to attach the names of "saints" like, the Church of St. Joseph, or the Church of St. Mary. Before this there was no special "Bible" or "Christian" name taken by converts. We still are all saints. (Though the Priesthood of all believers has yet to be established in a broad and practical way among Christians. The ministry has to be retuned to the people of God.) They used their pagan names, even named after pagan gods (which are nothing) and the only difference from the world around them was they didn't use last names and were even buried together with only first names. People would know if you were of a slave or noble birth from last names. Besides, we have one Father and are all brothers. "Saul" even changed his Bible name to the pagan "Paul." That's so radical it's worth meditating on.
Constantine did not make Christianity the exclusive religion of the Empire. Where you got the idea of thousands of Mythraists being killed because they wouldn't accept Institutional Christianity I'd be interested to find out. It sounds like the sort of things Dan Brown of
The Da Vinci Code fame made up.
Quote from: ReformerWe still are all saints.
I remember how surprised I was when this was first revealed to me. This was well known in the church as recently as 100 years ago. You can tell by the songs they wrote. But, now we seem to be living in some sort of dark age of the church. Yes, we are saints, and those that minister to us are angels...
Romans 15:25
But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
1 Corinthians 1:2
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints...
Hebrews 1
13But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Quote from: reFORMer on June 25, 2009, 07:41:51 AM
Constantine did not make Christianity the exclusive religion of the Empire. Where you got the idea of thousands of Mythraists being killed because they wouldn't accept Institutional Christianity I'd be interested to find out. It sounds like the sort of things Dan Brown of The Da Vinci Code fame made up.
I didn't say he made christianity the exclusive religion...I said state religion
the religion of the legions of Rome were Mythriasm...until Constantine changed it to Christianity to gain influence in the eastern empire amongst others...subsequently many civil wars were fought within the Roman army which weakened the legions not loyal to constantine...pagan temples were also raided as they possessed a lot of wealth and Christians all of a sudden received special priviledges (ie priest did not pay taxes anymore, welath of the state was put into building churches etc)...Constantine's actions resulted in a new kind of christian converting from paganism to gain financially and socially...after Constantine, paganism and other religions were severely prosecuted, these also included severe prosecution of Jews (see Theodosius)
"Nothing is more welcome to a military empire than a religious doctrine that counsels obedience and acquiescence."
– Hyam Maccoby, The Mythmaker, p163.