Who was Constantine? Senior Luke Suttmeier strove to answer that question in his February 28th honors thesis presentation. Entitled 'The Reluctant Theocrat: Perspectives on Constantine, the Troubled Father and the Cautious Friend,' Suttmeier's project investigated those who influenced Constantine as well as the experiences that impacted him most profoundly. Suttmeier's research also dealt with Constantine's 'Christianization' of the Roman Empire, examining his motivations and the degree to which he impacted the development of Christianity. The thesis presentation focused on what Constantine attempted to achieve throughout his life and how he dealt with 'legacy issues' towards the end of it. Suttmeier concluded that Constantine's primary objective early in his reign was to gain power and seize control of as much territory as possible. Because he was, according to Suttmeier, a 'micromanager' enthralled with ultimate authority, he strove for unity, but unity only through his own control. Suttmeier also examined Constantine's Christian transformation, as the emperor gradually understood and accepted more about Christianity as he grew older. Being a Christian theocrat, Suttmeier suggested, was the ultimate solution for his control and unity 'issues' as he hoped to unify Christian thought and pacify the Empire. Suttmeier pointed out that Constantine also became frustrated regarding his legacy at the end of his life. The unity that he strove for eluded him as the Christianization of the Empire fused church politics with state politics and as the Arian controversy drove a wedge through the Church leadership. In the latter half of his life in particular, Constantine played up the role of 'theocrat,' and his church building campaign during these years was his way of demonstrating his power as well as his deep concern about the Christian Church. Then and now, Constantine has been designated as a Christian conqueror and an exalted theocrat. Constantine himself accepted this perception because it allowed him to wield the authority to unite and control. As a result of this popular exaltation, Suttmeier concluded, Constantine continues to be regarded as the great prototype of a 'Christian Emperor.'
