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What difference did Christianity make?

The future Emperor Constantine embraced the Christian faith in 312. From that time (or shortly before), Christianity went from being a persecuted minority religion to enjoy "most favour religion" status. In 380, Emperor Theodosius I went as far as to outlaw all but "catholic Christianity". So what impact did Christianity have on society in the Roman Empire, particularly during the first century of its ascendancy 312-410?

In an article dating back to 1986, MacMullen asked this very question. He focused on five areas where Christianity could have had an impact: slavery, sex, the theatre and gladiatorial games, cruel judicial punishments and corruption. MacMullen's conclusion was, sadly, that Christianity had little or no impact on these key areas during the period 312-410, and any improvements during the early Christian period had already begun beforehand. Others have taken a more favourable view.  

One area omitted by MacMullen in his analysis, but described by Peregrine Horden, was the development of hospitals. While there were pre-Christian antecedents, it was in the 300s that these "took off" beginning with Leontius of Antioch, Marathonius and Eustathius. However, it was Basil of Caesarea's complex of facilities which is best-known. Organised care for the infirm became widespread throughout the Christianised world. 

Another area highlighted by Christian historian Schaff is the position of women.

A third area, which became more significant later on, was education. 

 


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