Senatorial Bishops in the Fourth Century
Frank D. Gilliard
In the triumph of Christianity after Constantine's victory at Milvian Bridge, no group has been more assiduously studied than senatorial aristocracy fourth and fifth centuries, clarissimi their families, whose initial reluctance to abandon paganism is as clear ultimate accommodation new religion. An important indication Christianization number them who were willing forego traditional political careers for ecclesiastical office. Ambrose comes immediately mind an example such a senator from century, Sidonius Apollinaris fifth. With precipitous speed resigned governorship Aemilia-Liguria become bishop Milan, accepted ordination see Clermont in year he had urban prefect Rome. Because these senators some others like them, students Late Antiquity have identify many fourth-century bishops members seemingly chose between two competing forms vita activa , Empire Church. The issue not trivial, especially if one believes with Arnaldo Momigliano that “when choice offered, when you can choose being consul, are longer ancient man, medieval one.” I think there few any men among century. propose argue here identification imperial cross-examined, it seldom carries conviction, episcopal lists century contain surprisingly names families.
Harvard Theological Review