The Impact of the Edict of Milan on Christian and post-Christian paganism
The Impact of the Edict of Milan on Christian and post-Christian paganism

Summary/Abstract: Christian freedoms gained through St. Constantine the Great’s Edict of Milan (313 AD) struck a powerful blow to Roman paganism; but paganism was not eliminated. Paganism continued to exist throughout late Antiquity and into the Christian Middle Ages, making a strong comeback during the Renaissance. Paganism has been updated into modern and post-modern neo-paganism. Certain pagan elements (e.g., the diversity of the cults, the influence of Eastern cults, magic, and astrology, as well as a syncretism among science, philosophy and religion) are fundamental to the phenomenon of today’s neo-paganism. Therefore, the Church needs to be aware of this trend and protect contemporary Christians from neo-pagan and other anti-Christian influences through its catechetical and missionary work.

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