Defending Constantine - Peter J Leithart

Published by InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, Illinois, 2010.

Recently, I met someone who is theologically suspicious of Constantine. I realise that numerous people are, but this person is of the opinion that Constantine was 'playing' the Council of Nicaea, cynically attempting to take over the Church, and even changing Scripture! As someone who has studied Theology, including Church History, this hasn't sat well with me - it doesn't feel accurate to the historical record, or to my theological understanding of the purpose of Scripture. 

So, I have been re-reading some theological works I enjoyed in years past, and making sure I understand the arguments for and against Constantine. Guess which side Defending Constantine takes!

This book begins with a focus more on the history of the time period and a biography of Constantine. Author Leithart gives the reasons why he is convinced that Constantine experienced a 'genuine' conversion to Christianity, and argues persuasively that the first Christian Emperor was always seeking to do the right thing by his faith, even if at times he was acting 'less' than Christian - like all Christians are guilty of at times, myself definitely included. Leithart takes the time to look at many of the early sources, and quotes from such works as the City of God, various writings of Eusebius, and other works of the Early Church Fathers.

As the book progresses, Leithart (intentionally) focuses less on the biographical elements and more on his philosophical and theological arguments about Christianity throughout history, always using the life of Constantine as a basis. He is specifically focussed on refuting the arguments of another theological writer, John Howard Yoder, who is also quite negative towards Constantine and what he calls Constantinianism (the idea that church and state get too tied together post-Constantine). Some of Leithart's arguments in this latter section could be more contentious - I personally am a bit more at the pacifist end of the theological spectrum than where Leithart falls - but his arguments are worth taking heed of, and his interpretation of Constantine's life is one that sits well with me.

After all, if you were the Emperor of Rome and suddenly became a Christian, how would you act?

Definitely worth reading for fans of church history or theology, whether you end up agreeing with the author or not.

Completed 31 October 2025.

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