A statue of St. Patrick at Croagh Patrick mountain, a Catholic pilgrimage site in Ireland.
Synopsis
In the long run, the Constantinian experiment failed--Christianity couldn't hold the Roman Empire together. As barbarians conquered the empire, however, Christianity slowly converted the barbarians. The lesson profiles several notable missionaries from this period, ending with the story of Saint Patrick.
Key Quotes
- “Let God’s mercy be praised, even if this has taken place through our own destruction." (Paulus Orosius)
- “Teaching Christian doctrine and ethics—let alone the heritage of classical civilization—to nomadic peoples emerging from centuries of illiteracy and extreme violence was no easy task."
- “The Gospel had once conquered the Roman Empire. Now, it had outlasted it..”
- What did many Christians at the time believe God's purpose was in allowing pagans to conquer Rome?
- How did mass conversions differ from the evangelism we see in the book of Acts? Were there any benefits to them?
- How might the legend about Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland reflect a deeper truth?
- Saint Patrick's Confessio. Read what he actually said in his own words.
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