Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
Berceau argues that Constantine brought real social goods (outlawing abortion, prostitution, gladiator games) but that the deeper issue was “the impact the world had on the church”; what indicators would reveal that a church has gained cultural influence at the cost of becoming unregenerated in its membership?
Another way to ask: If Constantine brought some good laws but also changed the church, how can you tell when a church gains cultural power but ends up with many members who aren’t truly changed by Christ?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests the key indicator is not whether society becomes “more moral,” but whether unconverted people flood into the church for advantage—producing a church comfortable with violence, coercion, and worldly ambition rather than a regenerated life.
- He acknowledges Constantine’s “very good things”: “outlawed abortion…prostitution…gladiator games,” plus “godly laws.”
- Yet he says the problem was “the impact the world had on the church,” especially once Christianity was endorsed and became tied to the state.
- He explains a motive for nominal conversion: if you wanted to “climb the political ladder,” “the way to do that was to become a Christian.”
- Result: “all kinds of people flocking into the church” who “seem to be unregenerated” and “certainly don’t live a regenerated life.”
- He describes symptoms: no qualms about “killing a religious opponent…killing a pagan,” then “killing each other…torturing people…persecuting people who dissent.”