Constantine and the Conversion of Europe by A.H.M Jones

Reading this book I learned that I had a lot of misconceptions about Constantine.  One of the main misconceptions was that he used the Christians as a way to gain political control.  I am not sure where this notion came from.  After reading this book I now have a much clearer picture of Constantine and his relationship to Christianity.  Mr. Jones interpretation of Constantine is not the only one out there.  Mr. Jones presents a Constantine that really did have a conversion to Christianity, though did not have the mind set or view of a conversion as we might understand a conversion but he did so from the mindset of a Roman Emperor.  Constantine also had the title of Pontifex Maximus which gave the emperor rights over the the control and supervision of religion.  He felt it was his obligation to be involved with the Christian Church of the Roman Empire.  He referred to himself as the Bishop of those outside of the Church.  The Christian Bishops of the Roman Empire were more than happy to turn to him to mediate some of their disputes.  He was a man prone to a temper.  He would change his mind often.  He had his father-in-law, wife and oldest son killed. He was baptized a few days before his death.  He is considered a saint in the Orthodox churches. It was a fascinating and enlightening reading about a man who has had a profound influence on almost two millennium of history.