Soldiering for God : Christianity and the Roman army / by John F. Shean.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Shean, John F.

Series:

History of warfare ; v. 61.

History of warfare ; v. 61

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Christianity--Rome.

Christianity.

Rome--Army--Religious life.

Rome.

Rome--History--Empire, 284-476.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (476 p.)

Place of Publication:

Leiden, The Netherlands ; Boston : Brill, 2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This new study argues that the religious attitude of the Roman army was a crucial factor in the Christianization of the Roman world. Specifically, by the end of the third century, there was a significant Christian presence within the army which was ready to act in the interests of the faith. Conditions at this time were thus ripe for the coming to power of a Christian emperor: when Constantine converted to Christianity he could rely upon the enthusiastic support of his Christian soldiers. Constantine strengthened his Christian base by initiating policies which accelerated the Christianization of the army. The continuation of these policies by Christian Roman emperors eventually allowed them to use the military as a vehicle for the suppression of paganism and ‘heretical’ Christian sects.

Contents:

Preliminary Material / J.F. Shean

Chapter One. Introduction: The Warrior’s Path To God / J.F. Shean

Chapter Two. Roman Army Religion / J.F. Shean

Chapter Three. Christian Attitudes Towards The Roman State, War, And Military Service / J.F. Shean

Chapter Four. Sociology Of Early Christianity / J.F. Shean

Chapter Five. Evidence For The Presence Of Christians In The Roman Army / J.F. Shean

Chapter Six. The Thirteenth Apostle / J.F. Shean

Chapter Seven. Church And State In The Fourth Century / J.F. Shean

Chapter Eight. The Impact Of ‘Barbarization’ On The Roman Army / J.F. Shean

Chapter Nine. Consequences Of Conversion / J.F. Shean

Table 1 / J.F. Shean

Bibliography / J.F. Shean

Index / J.F. Shean.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-283-03949-4

9786613039491

90-04-18733-2

90-04-18731-6

OCLC:

714568796

Publisher Number:

10.1163/ej.9789004187313.i-458 DOI