Comparison of Constantine, Akhenaten, and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux - Essay Example

Comparison and Contrast Constantine is often considered as one of the most influential person in the history of Christianity. Probably, he is the onewho gave shape to the present day Christianity and its basic and fundamental principles. Historical facts suggest a dramatic rise of Constantine on the power stage of Christianity and term him as the person who established not only the first Christian empire but also the basic canons of Christianity. However, what is often termed as extraordinary is the way the fate of Christianity was turnaround by the men of Constantine’s stature and how the political foundations of Christianity as a religion was laid down. This dramatic turnaround and the consolidation of Christianity under Constantine give him strong credentials to be recognized as one of the most important and influential person in the history of the world. AKHENATEN was a Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Egypt and is famous for his role for compelling the population of Egypt through the Monotheistic worship of Aten. The most important comparison between the two persons is the fact that both witnessed a shift in their existing religious beliefs and both took steps which are considered as radical in any sense as they marked a beginning of entirely new paradigm and thinking on the religious values of the time. However, what is contrasting between the Constantine and the AKHENATEN is the fact that later formed a new religion whereas former just consolidated a new and nascent religion. However, on the similar grounds both are considered as radical thinkers in terms of their religious orientation and propagation of new religious values of their time. One important religious fact which must also be noted is the fact the religion of AKHENATEN was followed and practiced by AKHENATEN and his wife only (Hollis, 2001) whereas the religion which was practiced and promulgated and improved upon by Constantine is a religion which is one of the largest practiced religions in the world now even therefore in terms of the influence and strength of the character is concerned, Constantine is far better than AKHENATEN. Further, the Aten cult which was formed by the AKHENATEN soon fell out of the successors of AKHENATEN and it was even officially renamed and finally became a moribund cult which was not practiced by many. However, in terms of the Political orientation of the two persons, it must be noted that the AKHENATEN is commonly known for his international relations and foreign policy of his time. His relations with the neighboring states and the subsequent diplomatic powers are considered as superior to those of Constantine. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was a French abbot primarily known for reforming the Cistercian Monastic order. The role of the Bernard of Clairvaux can be better understood within the context of his role as a person who fulfilled his role as a mediator and a person who helps founded the rules for the Knights Templar. Within that context Bernard can be termed as a person who not only founded a separate order but also became the part of the reformation process within the religion. However, while comparing him with the Constantine, one must also understand the relative positions of the two persons. Constantine was a person who was ruling an empire with enormous power to make change happen whereas Bernard was just an abbot with little or no influence over the political scenario of his time. However, as far as religious influence is concerned, Constantine was a person who is credited as the person who formulated the basics of the Christianity as a religion whereas Bernard was viewed as a person who worked as a chief motivating force behind organizing Christianity to face the greatest challenges of its time including organizing the second crusade against Muslims besides forming Knights Templar on more organized footings. (Wikipedia, 2008). Further, Bernard was a person who largely organized the Church to lessen the influence of Kings and Princes in the affairs of the Church thus what was started by Constantine as a process where religion and government was seen an integral part with kings having significant influence in shaping the direction Christianity as a religion whereas Bernard was a person who crudely presented the idea of separating the religion from the affairs of the state. Conclusion All three persons have their definite roles in reforming the religious values of their time however; Constantine seems a more distinguished historical personality given the fact that he radically altered the path of Christianity. Though some consider it as a political move and an effort to take shelter of the new and fast emerging religion however, what remains as a historical fact is that Constantine was a decisive factor in shaping the future course of action for the religion which emerged and played one of the most significant part in the history of human kind. Bibliography Hollis, S. T. (2001). Akhenaten and the Religion of Light. The Journal of the American Oriental Society , 121, 500+. Wikipedia. (2008). Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Retrieved May 14, 2008, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_of_Clairvaux Read More