The impact of many historical figures often grows substantially in hindsight, and the example of Constantine is ample evidence of this. Very few figures have had as great an impact on Christianity, and to be more specific, Catholicism. In fact, with regards to the Catholic religion specifically, it can be argued that the many impacts he had on ancient, and by extention modern, beliefs, have actually been more than those originating with Jesus himself.
The word “Catholic” literally means “universal”, and this was Constantine’s goal as Roman emperor; to unite his vast empire. At the time of his becoming emperor, the empire was divided among numerous sects; followers of the Egyptian god Isis; Christians who, despite decrees to the contrary, were often persecuted; and Jews. There is sufficient evidence that, although he would become known for his tolerance, Constantine had, from a young age, a hatred of all thing Jewish, and this contributed to some of the decisions he would make. For example, despite common belief he was a lifelong Christian, he was a devout follower of the sun god, and late in life, he ordered coins minted with his face on one side, and the on the other a depiction of his “companion, the unconquered Sol (sun)." In honor of the sun god, and arguably to anguish the Jewish population, he selected Sunday as the day of worship for this god, severely impacting the Jewish Sabbath.
Although some changes had already been made, the steps Constantine took to unify both pagan and Christian factions furthered the alienation of the Jews, and moved Christianity a good distance from the actual teachings of Jesus. Since there were factions forming in the Christian realm, he called to order the Council of Nicaea, which openly included bishops and monks from all ends of the empire. It was here that the trinity doctrine, despite vehement protests by a select few of the attendees, was adopted. Nowhere in the Gospels or in any account of Jesus teachings is this found, and there is no indication his close followers believed in the concept of three gods being one; it was however, very common in pagan beliefs. Additionally, the Passover celebration, which was lingering in Christianity, but a steadfast tenet of Judaism, became Easter. Endorsing this change, Constantine announced: "It appeared an unworthy thing that in the celebration of this most holy feast [Easter] we should follow the practice of the Jews, who have impiously defiled their hands with enormous sin, and are, therefore, deservedly afflicted with blindness of soul . . . Let us then have nothing in common with the detestable Jewish crowd" (Eusebius, Life of Constantine 3, 18-19, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, 1979, second series, Vol. 1, pp. 524-525). Considering that Easter has nothing to do with Christianity, one can only wonder if the parents of the small children running around a yard have any clue that the practice they are enjoying was developed specifically to torment the Jewish people.
The sheer number of holidays and beliefs that were combined under Constantine are astounding. The very common depiction of the virgin mother Mary holding the baby Jesus originated with numerous earlier depictions of the pagan god Osiris holding Horus; initially the Christians did not even use original artwork, it being easier to worship borrowed Egyptian art while changing the names of the characters. And despite no biblical indications that Jesus even celebrated his birthday, and it not being a common practice by his followers immediately following his death, it became convenient to do so on December 25, since national celebrations were already happening to commemorate the birth of the sun for the winter solstice, a staple holiday for the pagans.
As is often the case with historical figures, the respect given Constantine for his tolerance and unification efforts is a byproduct of revisionist history. He deeply hated the Jewish people, and many of his religious and political decisions were based on this hatred. Despite claims that he was Christian, he actively participated in pagan beliefs and holidays, and did not actually become baptized as a Christian until his deathbed conversion. The modern day Christianity the world recognizes is far more a product of the religion Constantine implemented than any structure set up by Jesus, a combination of pagan and semi-Christian beliefs born out of political necessity and strong anti-Semitism.
