Articles in this Issue
From the Archives: The “Edict of Milan”
Selections from an agreement, made in 313, that changed the course of history
From the Archives: Nero’s Cruelties
An account from Roman historian Tacitus (C. 115)
From the Archives: Emperor Hadrians moderate policies
This rescript, c. 124, protected Christians
Persecution in the Early Church: Did You Know?
Beginning as a despised, illicit religious sect, Christianity endured 300 years of hostility to emerge as the dominant force in the Roman Empire.
When Christianity Triumphed
The achievement brought new difficulties.
The Piety of the Persecutors
In the Roman mind, there were valid religious reasons to halt the spread of Christianity.
Rome’s Religious Ferment
The first-century Empire swirled with an exotic mix of religions.
Controversial Constantine
The famous emperor ended the persecution of Christians. But was he a true believer, or merely a superstitious political opportunist?
Constantine’s Famous Emblem
The chi-rho symbol he adopted is now displayed in churches throughout the world.
How the Early Church Viewed Martyrs
Christians held a theology of martyrdom that gave them courage to endure.
From the Archives: Cyprian’s Letter to Banished Christians
Encouragement for believers sentenced to the Roman mines.
The Faith Behind the Famous: Charles Dickens
Some of his novels mercilessly lampoon Christians. Yet the great Victorian author also wrote a reverent account of Jesus’ life.
How Dickens Viewed Jesus Christ
Selected quotations from The Life of Our Lord.