Direct Answer
Because Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, early Christians used no worldly force against anyone. They left people in God's hands. After Nicaea the church joined itself to the world and accepted killing people as heretics.
Support from the Message
- For years Christians stated the principle that they do not put people to death or persecute others. Putting someone out of the church was the limit. - David Bercot says the bishops should have told Constantine that their kingdom is not of this world, which was Jesus' answer to Pilate. - After the council, Constantine ordered the writings of Arius burned, and anyone caught hiding them could be put to death. - None of the bishops protested. - Just 20 years earlier or less, people had been killed for being Christians. Pretty soon the ones put to death were not even real heretics.
Discussion Follow-up
Where might Christians today be tempted to use worldly power to win a spiritual argument? What would it cost to refuse?