Christians are often accused of forcing our faith on others, but the idea that we shouldn't do that comes from the church.

For the Colson Center, I'm John Stone Street with the point.

Early Christians were persecuted because they refused to cater their faith to imperial power.

Across Rome, people could worship whatever gods they wish, as long as their worship did not preclude the empire, the emperor, and the Roman gods.

When Constantine the Great granted toleration with the Edict of Milan in 313, as their worship did not preclude the empire, the emperor, and the Roman gods.

When Constantine the Great granted toleration with the Edict of Milan in 313,

a new level of freedom extended, not just to Christians,

but with a few restrictions for public order to other religions as well.

Even when Christianity became the official faith of the empire, pagan worship remained legal.

Now, of course, Christians have not always recognized the religious freedom of others,

but the fact remains the idea came from the church.

This month, for a gift of any amount, join a breakpoint online course called The Essential Church,

why the world and Christians still need the body of Christ. It features Dr. Tim Padgett, Glenn Sunshine, and Peter Lightheart, as well as Colin

Hansen. Go to colsoncenter.org slash August. That's colsoncenter.org slash August to sign up.

I'm John Stone Street.