In 325, the "Abraham-like old man", Hosius, bishop of Cordoba, drew
the conference of Nicea, "held at his instigation", to a successful
conclusion. The Church had decided the nature of God. The emperor
banished and burned what she now deemed unacceptable. She had wed the
state.
Then over thirty years later, that emperor=92s son harried the now a
hundred years old Hosius to go back on Nicea=92s decision. Holding out,
the old bishop wrote =85
"God has put into your hands the kingdom; to us He has entrusted the
affairs of His Church; and as he who would steal the empire from you
would resist the ordinance of God, so likewise fear on your part lest
by taking upon yourself the government of the Church, you become
guilty of a great offence. It is written, Render unto C=E6sar the things
that are C=E6sar=92s, and unto God the things that are God=92s =85 Neither
therefore is it permitted unto us to exercise an earthly rule, nor
have you, Sire, any authority to burn incense"
But "fallen into dotage", he broke and went over to the "unfaithful
party".
A lesson for today? Turn the state into your enforcer and it may turn
around and go for you ...
