A frequent accusation by some critics is that “the Catholic Church was founded by Constantine.” This claim, however, is a misinterpretation of Christian history and doctrine.
In this article we analyze the role of Constantine, the evolution of the term “Catholic” and the way in which the Church was constituted since the apostolic era.
Constantine and the Edict of Milan
In 313, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire and ended centuries of persecution. This edict allowed Christians to practice their faith without fear of retaliation, which facilitated the spread of Christianity. However, it is important to note that the Church had been in existence long before Constantine.
- Before 313: The Church consisted of the apostles, bishops, and priests. By the time Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, several centuries of Christian existence had already passed. At least 33 popes have been documented, and bishops and patriarchs existed in Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch.
- Constantine’s Role: Constantine did not found the Church, but rather recognized and protected it. His intervention consisted of legalizing the faith and convening the Council of Nicaea in 325, whose objective was to resolve theological controversies, in particular the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ.
The Evolution of the Term “Catholic”
The term “Catholic” comes from the Greek katholikos, meaning “universal.” This adjective was used from the beginning of Christianity to describe the Church that included all believers who followed the teachings of the apostles.
- Testimony of St. Ignatius of Antioch: In the first century, St. Ignatius used expressions that link the bishop to the universal Church, stating that “wherever the bishop is, there is the Church.” This is a clear reference to the apostolic and universal Church, which was not founded by Constantine.
- The use of the term “Catholic”: References to the “Catholic government” or “Catholic Church” are found as early as the first century, which shows that this designation existed long before the time of Constantine. The word “Catholic” designates the universality and integrity of the faith, and is not an invention after the Edict of Milan.
The Importance of the Council of Nicaea
In 325, Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea, which was a milestone in the history of Christianity. Its purpose was to establish the correct doctrine against the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ.
- Theological objective: The council was not convened to found the Church, but to order and clarify the Christian faith that was already in practice.
- Result of the Council: It was defined that Jesus Christ is “true God and true man,” thus consolidating the doctrinal basis of the Church.
The Use of Pagan Elements in Evangelisation
Another point of criticism is the adoption of pagan festivals and elements in Catholic practice. This strategy is not exclusive to the Catholic Church, but a mechanism of inculturation used since the beginning of Christianity.
- Example of Saint Paul in Athens: When he arrived in Athens, Saint Paul used the altar to the “unknown god” to preach the Gospel.
- Evangelisation Mechanism: Adopting certain cultural customs facilitated the clash and transition to Christianity, allowing the faith to be better understood in the local context.
Conclusion
The claim that “the Catholic Church was founded by Constantine” is a big lie that ignores essential historical and doctrinal facts:
- The Church was formed from the apostolic age, with a succession of bishops and spiritual leaders, long before Constantine.
- The Edict of Milan, issued in 313, legalized and protected Christianity, but did not found it.
- The term “catholic” means “universal” and was already used in the first century to distinguish the faithful who followed apostolic teaching.
- The Council of Nicaea was called to clarify the faith in the face of heresies, not to found a new Church.
- The adoption of cultural and pagan elements was an evangelizing strategy of the early Church, also used by St. Paul.
- The Catholic Church is based on the teaching of Jesus Christ and on apostolic succession, not on the edicts of an emperor. In defending our faith, it is vital to know the history and truth revealed in Sacred Scripture and Tradition.
If you found this article useful, please share it and help us spread the truth about the origin of the Catholic Church.
