Mythology: Christianity The Conversion of Constantine: 'Emperor Constantine the Great' by T. Hardenbrook

Constantine's victory over the then governor of Italy, Maxentius, at Milvian marked the end of an era of fighting and in-fighting among Caesars and Augustuses; and the beginning of a reunified, more religious Roman Empire. Following the victory, an arch with the encryption 'Prompting of the Deity' was erected at the Milvian Bridge. To the Christian community, the 'Deity' meant Christ the Son of God; and to the Pagans, it represented the Unconquered Sun. It is widely believed that Constantine converted to Christianity after his victory at Milvian; but then one could ask, 'what then was he before the battle with Maxentius?'

The postponement of his own baptism and the fact that he did not make Christianity the imperial religion immediately after assuming power are not sufficient proof that he was Pagan. The former can be well explained by the fact that he was looking forward to being baptized at the Jordan. Furthermore, a number of phenomena evidence the fact that Constantine may have embraced Christianity long before the Milvian war, even if he did not promote it publicly; first, his mother was a Christian, and he had therefore been exposed to Christian living since very early in life; and secondly, the dates he enacted...

Constantine's Orthodoxy faith has further been questioned given that he did not receive baptism until he was on his deathbed. However, salvation is not only restricted to those who are baptized. One's deeds and actions evidence salvation more than the rite of baptism does; and the fact that Constantine openly supported religion financially, morally, and structurally is proof enough.
The Impact of the Fall of the Western Empire on the Church: 'Persecution and Martyrdom of Christians in the Roman Empire from AD54 to 100: A Lesson for the 21st Century Church' by E. Ekeke

The Western empire fell in 476 following recurrent periods of instability. Prior to its fall, Emperor Theodosius had merged the state and the church, but had not necessarily made the latter dominant. Following the collapse of the empire, the influence and power of the church increased, thanks to its fluid-like organization. Several years after the collapse, the western government's remnants were totally paralyzed and could no longer produce and distribute grain; and the eastern government was overwhelmed. The Vatican took on a number of government functions, hiring armies to defend Rome, and even negotiating treaties with barbarians. Eventually, the papacy…