Rethinking Constantine: History, Theology, and Legacy

by Edward L. Smither (Editor)

What happens to the church when the emperor becomes a Christian? Seventeen hundred years after Constantine's victory at Milvian Bridge, scholars and students of history continue to debate the life and impact of the Roman emperor who converted to faith in the Christian God and gave peace to the church. This book joins that conversation and examines afresh the historical sources that inform our picture of Constantine, the theological developments that occurred in the wake of his rise to power, and aspects of Constantine's legacy that have shaped church history.

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Ed Smither (PhD, University of Wales; PhD, University of Pretoria) is Dean of the College of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University.

Ed joined the CIU faculty in 2012. Prior to that, he taught intercultural studies and church history at Liberty University for six years. Ed previously served for fourteen years in intercultural ministry working primarily among Muslims in France, North Africa, and the USA.

Ed earned a PhD in Historical Theology from the University of Wales (UK) and a PhD in Intercultural Studies from the University of Pretoria (South Africa).

As a teacher, Ed loves coming alongside students and helping them discover their place in the mission of God. While he believes that the classroom is a passionate environment for mentoring for mission, he also enjoys meeting students for coffee and meals and serving together in ministry projects and short-term mission trips.

Since 1999, Ed has been married to Shawn and together they parent Brennan, Emma, and Eve whom they refer to as “three amazing, hilarious, wild kids.” As a family, they enjoy hiking, watching movies, and discovering new lighthouses at the North Carolina Outer Banks. Ed is an ordained Southern Baptist minister and the Smithers currently worship at Gateway Baptist Church in Irmo. In terms of hobbies, Ed enjoys road biking, coaching youth soccer, drinking bold coffee, and listening to bands in the genre of Switchfoot and U2.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief introductory summary of current historical perspective on Constantine: the scholars chosen seem relatively minor in comparison to names like Barnes, Drake, or MacMullen. Yet their work is generally referred to, although less frequently than should probably be the case given that these are top scholars in the field. But this would be a good recommendation for undergrads or MA students to get a handle on current debates and perspectives concerning Constantine, "Constantinianism" and other issues involved with the fourth century.