Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Clivedurdle · 02-19-2007, 11:17 AM

I'm checking Barbarians and it is quite clear that Ambrose in 380 outlawed Arianism. Before that Arianism was the major grouping and catholicism a small fanatical sect. Remember all of this is co-evolving continually.

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Ambrose's version of Christianity had been installed at the heart of power.

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Catholicism was aggressively intolerant, displaying all the Christian ferocity that had so appalled Julian. Throwing Christians to the lions was almost humane compared with throwing Arians to the Catholics. The inhabitants of Constantinople felt they were living under an alien occupation, as their churches were suddenly declared heretic and their tax privileges withdrawn. Ordinary people there, in defiance of their Emperor, became vigourous enthusiasts for Arianism and for the notion thAat Christ, having been born human, was less than God. Everyone became a bar-room theologian. ...if you remark the bath is nice, the attendant announces that the son was created out of nothing.

The chapter about this starts at page 197 and notes that Stilicho who burnt some books in 406 has been credited with the end of the Roman Empire.

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But the story does show the extraordinary significance of prophecy and divination to the Romans, who truly believed that their Empire was uniquely protected by the gods. And it shows the profound depth of the revolution that swept through the Empire as Christianity took hold.

Clivedurdle · 02-19-2007, 11:22 AM

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absolute (military) power and the
proselyting will of the supreme imperial mafia thug, and eminent
christian theologian, Constantine.

He did not have absolute military power as a major reason for founding New Rome was to protect the Roman Empire from Persia.

Was he actually interested in xian theology? Does not his edict of freedom of religion demonstrate he was actually weak in allowing xianity to usurp the position of the pagans? Cannot his use of the cross and Sol Invictus demonstrate the political art of attempting to bring together factions?

Casper · 02-20-2007, 08:39 AM

LOL @ OOP for BC&H

Except that in addition to class/instance, these classes all inherit from one another in a vicious circle. And they are all private

Arias does not have a bad name among the contemporary Orthodox I have spoken with. Athanasius does though.

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02-20-2007, 08:39 AM	#23
Casper Regular Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 430	LOL @ OOP for BC&H Except that in addition to class/instance, these classes all inherit from one another in a vicious circle. And they are all private Arias does not have a bad name among the contemporary Orthodox I have spoken with. Athanasius does though.

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