Eusebius authorial goals in the Life of Constantine - Essay Example

Eusebius’ ial goals in the Life of Constantine Eusebius’ ial goals in the life of Constantine are that he fully devoted himself to worship and spread of the gospel of God. He states that he stood when none did in the Roman Empire to spread and protect the gospel of God. He thinks that Constantine should be highly rewarded for the hectic work he did in spreading the gospel. Therefore, his goal is that Constantine was devoted worshiper of God as witnessed from his scripts. Secondly, He states that Constantine received a reward from God Himself for the work he did in spreading the gospel. Even though he was widely detested by the public for the work, he was doing he proclaims that Constantine was favored by God in the work he did in the after life as he was widely detested by those whom he spread the gospel. His goal here is to prove that God rewards those who are devoted to him and continue with his works. Thirdly, Eusebius believes Constantine was one of his own in the service of the lord. This was because he was instrumental in spreading the gospel and encouraged many believers to come out and proclaim the victory of the Lord despite the wide denial that they were experiencing. His goal her is to prove that Constantine was a devoted worshipper and worshipped only God alone not the other gods that were being worshipped by members of his society. Fourthly, his goals point out to the fact the Constantine used his political office to encourage the spread of the gospel as he had managed to convince the army to help him in his task of spreading the gospel. His goal here is to highlight that Constantine used wisely his office to spread the work of God. Fifthly, he states that Constantine did not fail in his career despite serving God as he was rewarded like others who occupied the same position in the society as he. Moreover, his goal is to state that serving God can not prevent one from pursuing his or her dream career. Sixthly, he states that the Lord’s work is subject to opposition from different parties as Constantine faced challenges when his followers lamented for him to choose their path and live his path. Seventhly, he states that God deserves our appreciating on the good things he does in our daily life. He uses Constantine as an example by saying that he was thankful to God even after his baptism; thus he was not corrupted in his works to God. Eighthly, His goals on Constantine were that he was a true servant who believed in his work and even requested for an opportunity to be allowed to serve God by requesting the Bishops to allow him to be baptized and baptize people. Reflecting on the life of Constantine, he believes that he was a true giver to God as he contributed in the spread of the gospel by contributing to such things like building monuments for the work of God. Moreover, he travelled for the sake of the church by carrying along Bishops for expedition and celebrating various religious ceremonies like the night vigil. Lastly, Eusebius believes that God protected Constantine health as he lived the normal years that was expected of man according to the mortality rate at the time ("Eusebius of Caesarea the Life of the Blessed Emperor Constantine"). Eusebius’ authorial goal in the life of Constantine also suggests that God was responsible for fighting many of the battles and challenges that Constantine faced. With those who had faith in him and with God’s support, Constantine succeeded in conquering nations and spreading the gospel of God amidst denial and betrayal. Eusebius authoritatively states that his victories would not have been if it were not for God’s protection and love. His love and zeal in spreading the word of God earned him favors in the presence of the lord and his reward was protection against his enemies who opposed him and planned against him. Eusebius also states that Constantine conquered the entire world as he ruled for many years. He also categorically points out that all his undertakings turned out successful as he subdued nations and proclaimed Christianity in the different corners of the world. His success is also present in the manner in which he was celebrated by different individuals coming from different nations as he stood for the word of God and did everything possible to encourage its spread. In addition, he states that the acts of God which were being performed by Constantine were a gift as he hailed from pious family. Therefore, his goal is to state that Constantine was destined to be a leader long before his birth as he hailed from the royal family. Being a royal, his authority over the citizens was widely accepted and he met little resistance as many of those who were under him and those he conquered had faith in his leadership quality. Eusebius’ goal here is to state that Constantine earned the respect and was celebrated partly because of his status in the society. How Eusebius’ Authorial Goals in the Life of Constantine Affect Our Use of the Source for Historical Reconstruction Eusebius’ authorial goals in the life of Constantine affect our use of the source for historical reconstruction because it enables us to have keen study on the general culture of humans, their reception and their production within the society. It gives as solutions to the different conflicts of cultural beliefs and gives as the ability to discern the good elements from the bad elements. Secondly, it enables use to understand the concept of race and ethnicity by exploring into the different racial and ethnic histories of mankind. Moreover, it addresses political struggles, creative and cultural practices and identity formation thus enhance our understanding of the formation of our cultures and countries. Thirdly, Eusebius’ authorial goals in the life of Constantine affect give us a self designed concentration. This is built from focusing into cultural themes which enables us, to understand emerging issues in our societies like gender and culture. A deeper understanding of emerging issues within our societies enables us to live a life that is in accordance to the teachings and practices of God and Christianity. Lastly, the goals give us a sense of space and identity as we explore the different geographic places from his goals. It also makes us understand the difference existing in our geographical landscape and the need to protect this space by respecting the space and privacy of others ("Eusebius of Caesarea the Life of the Blessed Emperor Constantine"). Works Cited "Eusebius of Caesarea The Life of the Blessed Emperor Constantine." Internet History Sourcebooks. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2013. . Read More