Church and World

“There is no debate that significant shifts happened in theology, ethics, and the relationship of church and world following the advent of Constantine as the first ‘Christian emperor.’ The only debate is how we are to understand these changes. This carefully researched and well-organized book is ideal to move this conversation forward. Even where readers disagree—and at places I certainly do—Schmidt carries the discussion forward through a careful naming of the pertinent issues.”


—Mark Thiessen Nation, Professor of Theology Emeritus, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, author, John Howard Yoder: Mennonite Patience, Evangelical Witness, Catholic Convictions





“How to understand the Constantinian shift has been debated intensively for many years. Schmidt’s substantial contribution to the debate demonstrates how Eusebius, Augustine, and Yoder interpret this shift—illuminating how to be a church in the world but not of the world. This book is a remarkable combination of sober analysis and constructive ambition—letting voices of the past guide the church of the present.”


—Jeppe Bach Nikolajsen, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Lutheran School of Theology in Aarhus, Denmark, and Adjunct Professor of Missiology at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion, and Society in Oslo, Norway