Constantine

Constantine, Constantine.

They will throw this one at you as well, to counter your arguments about the universe proving God exist, or the number pf prophecy's proven true, or the apostles not recanting under the most dire of circumstances.

"Well if it wasn't for Constantine and The edit of Milan stopping the persecution of Christians and making Christianity the state religion of Rome then Christianity wouldn't have been as successful as it was."

The fact is we don't know what might have happened if  Constantine hadn't converted, issued the edit of Milan etc.

Here's what Crowder has to say in his book (The New Mystics) were some of the effects of Constantine's conversion. (Paraphrased)

These are things you won't here from someone fighting against the church:

1) Church Building.

He began a massive program of church building projects (sounds fun to any one who has ever been involved in one right?). Prior to his conversion the church hadn't even considered buildings. It was a living network of people that met in homes and had nothing to do with the physical structures. They spoke to the vast beauty and glory of God but on the other hand the mesmerizing architecture made God seem distant and out of reach.

(The Mendenhall bible I received?

It suggest daily family worship and a family alter for the bible.

A prayer, a few verses or a chapter a day, singing, prayer, close.

Daily. 

At home. 

It goes on to say if small children are involved in the worship to make sure the verses or chapters are suitable, the classics, the great stories of the Bible, etc.)

2) Hierarchical Government

The Roman system of government was transposed into the church leadership model with Bishops, arch-bishops etc. Scriptures would leave the hands of ordinary believers and theological baggeage would be piled on top of them for centuries untill the reformation.

3) Clergy

They started wearing costumes that set them apart of average believers.

4) Pulpits and choirs were added

5)Rhetorical practices would bring polished snappy oratory into the church.

6) As well, the twisted unity between civil government and church authority caused problems (and still does)

7) Council of Nicea

After the Council of Nicea, church leaders who did not sign the Nicene Creed were persecuted.

For the first time, Christians were fighting among Christians.
(Hasn't stopped since)

Crowder:

"I believe Constantine was a legitimate believer, but a very confused, immature believer at best. He may have been sincere in his efforts to further Christianity, but without much depth of understanding, he did much more harm than good. The church can not be built by human means.

(Another supernatural birth anybody? :-).

So?

When people wanna point out what good Constantine did for Christianity?

Don't be afraid to point out the not so good things he did as well.

People will be shocked when you can repudiate their arguments.

They're just not used to hearing them.