nomad
October 17th 2006, 12:12 PM
Julian, known as the Apostate, was emperor of the Roman Empire not long after Constantine. He has a short reign of only about 19 months. He is mostly known for his attempts to restore paganism to being the central religion of the empire. He did not persecute Christians too much but he did issue some edicts directed at Christians, primarily attempts to limit teaching as Christians.
However, one thing he did do that was interesting is this: Constantius (the previous emperor and Julian's uncle) was pro-Arian, and had exiled most non-Arians out of the empire. Julian recalled all the orthodox Christians back from exile. His hope was that the orthodox and Arian factions would begin infighting (as he noted that Christians were really good at this) and destroy the church from the inside. This didn't happen.
Julian was starting to lean towards increasing persecution of Christians, but died before he could do any real damage. And, he restored all the orthodox christians back to the empire. A christian emperor would either have participated in the infighting or kept them out.
So maybe having a pagan emperor on the throne for a short time was good for Christianity?
However, one thing he did do that was interesting is this: Constantius (the previous emperor and Julian's uncle) was pro-Arian, and had exiled most non-Arians out of the empire. Julian recalled all the orthodox Christians back from exile. His hope was that the orthodox and Arian factions would begin infighting (as he noted that Christians were really good at this) and destroy the church from the inside. This didn't happen.
Julian was starting to lean towards increasing persecution of Christians, but died before he could do any real damage. And, he restored all the orthodox christians back to the empire. A christian emperor would either have participated in the infighting or kept them out.
So maybe having a pagan emperor on the throne for a short time was good for Christianity?