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Potestas and Auctoritas in the Context of Power of Constantine the Great
Kazimierz Ilski
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
The goal is to expand the arguments in research on the concept of "political theology" of Eusebius of Caesarea and the religious policy of Constantine the Great. At the beginning of the 4th century, along with social and religious changes, new justifications were sought for the monarchical power of emperors. Christianity was becoming the basis for shaping authority both in the structures of the Church and in the structures of the state. We examine this problem from the point of view of the concepts of potestas and auctoritas.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS
The problem belongs to several scientific disciplines: history, philology, classical theology, sociology, political science. The analysis of references is drawn from philological methods, but the interpretation retains interdisciplinary character.
THE PROCCESS OF ARGUMENTATION
After determining the semantic scope of key concepts and pointing to the risk of their divergence in different languages, the analysis of "political theology" takes place with a distinction between the views of the Latin West and the Greek-speaking East. The main focus is placed on Vita Constantini by Eusebius of Caesarea.
RESEARCH RESULTS
Eusebius, acting with full conviction from the beginning of his writing activity and ultimately, Constantine the Great, perhaps under Eusebius’ influence, co-founded the idea of political monotheism as the basis of a functional monarchy. Eusebius disseminated the idea of "God's people" in a relationship with One God and subject to one law and one emperor. To shape the ideal image of the emperor, even the emperor’s apotheosis was presented based on the Christian theology.
CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Despite the enormity of literature and a variety of hypotheses, studying the writings of Eusebius of Caesarea is not a completed task. Distinguishing his views from the political practice of Constantine the Great is a promising research task.
Keywords
Political Theology ; Eusebius of Caesarea ; Constantine the Great ; Potestas ; Auctoritas
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