Peter Rollins recently held a parable writing competition (in conjunction with Paraclete Press). He has announced the winner, “Footprints” written by Kester Brewin.

The second place entry was Constantine’s Conversion by John Janzen. It isn’t a long read, but I really like it.

The Emperor Constantine, facing the biggest battle of his reign, looked into the setting sun at the Lilvian Bridge and saw a vision of the Cross of Christ. As he gazed at the cross he heard a voice say “By this sign, conquer”.

The next day he gave up his reign as Emperor, surrendered all his many possessions, and went to live and work among the poor.??And forever after he was known as one of the greatest heroes of the faith for his obedience to the voice of God.

Rollins explained his selection of this piece saying, “I chose this short parable for second place as I liked how it took a central moment in the development of Christianity and employed it to explore the importance of interpretation.”

The “historical” conversion of Constantine ushered in a dark chapter in the history of the Christian faith. The fresh breath of liberty to worship was smogged with complicity and the new cross symbolized empirical might instead of self sacrifice embodied by its predecessor.

Oh how things might have been different if Constantine had embraced the way of the cross rather than mutilating its message.

2 Responses to “Constantine’s Conversion by John Janzen”

1. Stephen says:

   September 16, 2009 at 2:41 pm

   Oh how things might be different if Christians today would learn this lesson.
2. richard says:

   September 16, 2009 at 2:42 pm

   @Stephen, well said.