Where does cultural Christianity come from?

Spoiler alert: It’s Constantine.

Well, kinda.

The Rise of Cultural Christianity

Cultural Christianity, as we know it today, didn’t really exist until the 4th century.

By that I mean early Christianity didn’t have the cultural capital to produce opulent cathedrals, stunning works of art, public holidays, and the like.

That changed, however, when Constantine showed up on the scene.

The rise of Emperor Constantine as Rome’s first Christian leader remains one of the most significant moments in history.

Via Constantine's rule, Christianity was not only in the imperial palace but in Roman culture as well.

The floodgates were opened.

The Ends of the Earth

At the time, Rome was the most powerful and influential force on the planet.

Now that Christianity was its main religion, the faith enjoyed a reach the early Church would’ve never imagined.

As Christianity gradually encompassed more of the empire, its influence took root in its many arms.

With the backing of Rome’s many resources, churches and cathedrals were erected and Christianity gave shape to the culture’s very identity.

Even after the Empire, Christianity persisted, and, for the longest time, showed no signs of slowing down.

Christian teaching was the lens through which these cultures viewed the world.

Christian art was the medium through which they expressed themselves.

And it was through Christian academies that the brightest and best were educated.

Then, in the late 17th and early 18th century, the Enlightenment came along, steadily pushing the West away from Christian theology.

But the cultural framework remained.

As a result, the West became post-Christian in terms of faith while remaining Christian in terms of culture.

So the question remains - is that good or bad?

We’ll turn to that tomorrow.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

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