Pluralizing the church

Drake’s title – Constantine and the Bishops – says a lot. Instead of the usual “Constantine and the Church” or “Constantine and Christianity,” Drake’s title implies that Constantine had to deal with real actors with their own motivations, agendas, passions, some of whom are as imperious as the emperor, some of whom are as good at politics as he and enjoy a rough battle as much as the lifelong military man. If anything, Constantine’s letters show that he is shocked at how contentious the bishops are. Perhaps he was led to expect mildness and disinterested charity, but perhaps too the bishops are pricklier than deferential members of the court.