******"when Constatine became a "christian" and "christians" began meeting in buildings, safe from the persecution that caused it to explode in growth the previous 300 years."******
What a wild generalization! Tradition is a bad word nowadays, as well as dignity, soberness, and maybe a little fear of God. What we have now in too many 'churches' is double-espresso in 'worship'. I tire of it all.
I've heard the Constantine explanation over and over again, as to the church going 'off the rails' and it doesn't really expain anything.
I for one believe God used Constantine.
Gotterdammerung
Tradition, as in the edicts and creation of men, is exactly what killed Jesus Christ. He stood as a direct threat to the control and manmande traditions of men. Believe me, I am not comparing myself to Christ, but it's amazing how defensive people who hold to the traditions of men become when something "new" (although it's really not) threatens their position or their status quo.
I've heard the Constantine explanation over and over again, as to the church going 'off the rails' and it doesn't really expain anything.
I for one believe God used Constantine.
I believe Constantine was a well-meaning individual who sought to force Christianity upon the citizens of his rule. Constantine's efforts on behalf of Christianity made it fashionable and easy to become a Christian, although biblical discipleship requires much more than most of us are willing to give today (and I'm not talking about money!).
Christianity is completely relational and best thrives when open dialogue and visible respect of each other is expressed. However, as we all know, relationships are many times ugly in the making but beautiful in its more mature stages. Relationships are better fostered and strengthened when trials and tribulations are endured, which is why Christianity flourished in the first 300 years of its existence.
Persecution spread Christianity around the known world. Instistutionalization, brought on by Constantine, stopped the spread of the gospel and led to the power struggles of those who deemed themselves in "control" of the flock.