Question

1. What were the conditions in the Roman Empire that allowed Christianity to grow while the Empire itself declined? (between the years A.D. 90 and A.D. 400)
2. Why do religions tend to grow in times of conflict or trial?

Answer 1

1.) Emperor Constantine saw the Church as a potential unifying force in the Empire, but knew that the Church could not unify the Empire unless it was, itself, united. He set out to impose order and create a stable hierarchy under his leadership. The most important event of this period for Christianity was the Council of Nicaea, which he chaired in 325 to obtain consensus on important issues facing the Church. Constantine gave the Church control of the distribution of food to the poor. Although the food continued to be supplied and paid for by the state, the Church was able to claim the credit and to proselytise among its new clients.  
  
2.)  In the Third Century, due to invasions and other political issues, the Roman Empire lost their Philosophical and Religious beliefs. Due to confusion, people began to lean toward newer religions, like, Muslimism and Christianity.