Undeceptions with John Dickson 169. Against Coercion
Mar 1, 2026
Dr. Kirsten McHarris, Oxford-trained scholar of Lactantius and early Christian moral theology, and Elizabeth de Giza, UC Santa Barbara professor of Roman history and author on Lactantius and Constantine. They trace how Lactantius shaped Constantine’s approach to religious tolerance. They discuss persuasion over force, Neoplatonic opposition, justice and charity, and the roots of freedom of conscience.
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From Persecuted Rhetorician To Imperial Tutor
- Lactantius rose from persecuted rhetorician to imperial tutor after the Great Persecution, moving from Nicomedia to Trier and teaching Crispus, Constantine's son.
- John Dickson highlights this turnaround as a dramatic personal arc that placed Lactantius at the heart of power and influence within a decade.
Constantine's Policy Favored Tolerance And Persuasion
- Constantine's Edict of Milan guaranteed freedom of religion and equal privileges, aiming for peace and hoping persuasion would gradually lead pagans to Christianity.
- John Dickson and Elizabeth de Giza suggest Lactantius likely influenced the tolerant language in Constantine's proclamations.
Worship Requires Free Will Not Coercion
- Lactantius argued that true worship requires the willing assent of the will, so coercion produces only meaningless external acts.
- He reasoned during the 303 persecution that religion must be won by persuasion and endurance, not forced sacrifices or violence.
