The Nature of Atheism, Christianity, and the State (Part 1)

[Note: This is the opening quotes for a debate concerning the nature and existence of God and his proper relation to the state.]

Throughout the rest of this discussion, each debator’s entry will be posted seperately. But for now we’ll include the quotes together. First, the selection from Mr. Brown:

The quote I have chosen is from the Emperor Theodosius I, who in the 4th century proclaimed Trinitarian Christianity – the modern form of Christianity whose specific dictates are today ascribed to by some one billion people, no doubt based on the self-evident truth of its particular theology rather than due to any series of historical accidents involving violent threats and political expediency – to be the official and legal religion of the Roman Empire.

It is our desire that all the various nations which are subject to our clemency and moderation, should continue to profess that religion which was delivered to the Romans by the divine Apostle Peter, as it has been preserved by faithful tradition, and which is now professed by the Pontiff Damasus and by Peter, Bishop of Alexandria, a man of apostolic holiness. According to the apostolic teaching and the doctrine of the Gospel, let us believe in the one deity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, in equal majesty and in a holy Trinity. We authorize the followers of this law to assume the title of Catholic Christians; but as for the others, since, in our judgment they are foolish madmen, we decree that they shall be branded with the ignominious name of heretics, and shall not presume to give to their conventicles the name of churches. They will suffer in the first place the chastisement of the divine condemnation and in the second the punishment of our authority which in accordance with the will of Heaven we shall decide to inflict.

I look forward to engaging Mr. Carter further on this subject as the debate commences later today.

In keeping with the theme, I will also select a quote from an Roman Emperor—though one that I think is more fitting with the spirit of Christian toleration. In a.d. 324 Constantine I issued an edict to the Eastern Provinces which included the following statement:

My own desire is, for the common good of the world and the advantage of all mankind, that thy people should enjoy a life of peace and undisturbed concord. Let those, therefore, who still delight in error, be made welcome to the same degree of peace and tranquillity which they have who believe. For it may be that this restoration of equal privileges to all will prevail to lead them into the straight path. Let no one molest another, but let every one do as his soul desires. Only let men of sound judgment be assured of this, that those only can live a life of holiness and purity, whom thou callest to a reliance on thy holy laws. With regard to those who will hold themselves aloof from us, let them have, if they please, their temples of lies: we have the glorious edifice of thy truth, which thou hast given us as our native home. We pray, however, that they too may receive the same blessing, and thus experience that heartfelt joy which unity of sentiment inspires.

I too look forward to a fruitful and engaging discussion.

You can find all of the posts in the discussion at this link .