John,
While reading chapter 4 on Constantine, I kept asking myself what difference did it make if Constantine was a Christian or not? Why have scholars put so much time in trying to answer that question? To put it in a modern perspective, I guess some people might consider Donald Trump a Christian. It really doesn’t matter if he is or not. He is worldly politicians that use people and circumstances for his personal gain and status. If he is perceived as being Christian then it helps him all the more to succeed.
The last paragraph of chapter 4 helped sum it up for me:
“There is abundant historical and archaeological evidence related to Constantine’s character and deeds; historians and archaeologists have produced a veritable mountain of information on him. Our purpose has only been to show that the historical evidence demonstrates that (1) Constantine remained a pagan at heart throughout his life and (2) Constantine reshaped the religion of the Apostates into a new form of paganism, which became known as Christianity.”
Based on the historical evidence that you pointed out, “Constantine remained a pagan at heart”. Whether he was perceived as being a Christian or not did not change the course of history. He was used by God, as you said, to “reshape the religion of the Apostates into a new form of paganism, which became known as Christianity.”
These are a few thoughts that came while reading chapter 4.
Thank you for giving us the historical facts on the life of Constantine and organizing them in a manner that can be understood.
Tom