Covering Up Sins a Harmful Decision For Catholic Church in ‘Constantine’s Sword’

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CHICAGO – If there ever was an institution that has distressed itself through years of patriarchal rule, it is the Catholic Church. From examples of historical misdeeds through the recent priest scandals, the Catholic Church has done a dance around truth that would make Saint Vitus proud.

Former priest and author James Carroll journeys into this darkness through the relationship of the Vatican and the church with the Jewish faith in the new documentary “Constantine’s Sword”. What he uncovers is a scandalous disregard for humanity in pursuit of earthly power.

Read Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Constantine’s Sword” in our reviews section. View our full “Constantine’s Sword” image gallery.

Symbols mean a great deal in Christianity history. In the early church, it was the peaceful symbols of the lamb and the fish that represented the emerging faith.

That changed, according to the film, in early 4th century Rome when the warrior Constantine faced the empire armies at the Tiber River. He claimed to see a vision of his sword as the shape of Christ’s cross along with words “in this sign, conquer”.

He won the battle and claimed emperor status. This led to the adoption of the cross as a symbol of Christianity and the concept of “Christian soldiers,” which has evolved to the evangelicalism of today. At the same time, Carroll looks at his own history in the faith.

Author James Carroll as seen in “Constantine’s Sword,” which is a film by Oren Jacoby based on the book by James Carroll. Photo credit: Bob Richman

James Carroll at Arlington National Cemetery in “Constantine’s Sword,” which is a film by Oren Jacoby based on the book by James Carroll. Photo credit: Bob Richman

Read Patrick McDonald’s full “Constantine’s Sword” review.