3/11/24
Schaff, Philip. (2014). "Chapter III.Alliance of Church and State and Its Influence on Public Morals and Religion." In History of the Christian Church. (The Complete Eight Volumes in One). Volume 3, Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity A.D. 311-600, from Constantine the Great to Gregory the Great. (pp. 1856-1908). (Original work published 1889). Amazon Kindle Edition. (Personal Library).
§14. Rights and Privileges of the Church: Secular Advantages." (pp. 1861-1865).
Schaff notes that in the Roman world paganism had always had governmental recognition which implied some privileges. With the Constantinian conversion these privileges were extended to Christianity as well (Schaff 2014, p. 1861), The privileges were accorded only to the forms of Christianity which were recognized as orthodox, with the brief exception of the Arians. Heretical groups were subject to fines and confiscation of property, and eventually the death penalty.
Schaff enumerates two privileges accorded to the Church, as follows (Schaff 2014, p. 1862). First, clergy were exempt from many public burdens such as military service, taxes, or conscripted labor. To counter abuse of these benefits, by 320 clergy faced limitations on wealth. Second, property and land which had been confiscated from churches was returned to them and the churches were now allowed to receive legacies and grants (Schaff 2014, p. 1863). Again, clergy had a temptation to accept legacies such as land. In general, though, Schaff observes the church increased greatly in its ability to care for the poor, including many widows.
Management of church funds was generally in the hands of bishops, who typically created four categories of spending, "for themselves, for their clergy, for the current expenses of worship, and for the poor" (Schaff 2014, p. 1864). Though there were temptations to profit unduly, Schaff notes Chrysostom and Augustine as model bishops who chose to avoid enriching themselves.