So, what happened between 313 and 538 which resembles the church of Pergamum from ~90 AD?
Pergamum is the compromised church for the period from AD 313 to 538, when a new "papal" system was
established. A lot of "new" doctrine came into Christianity - an event that fits this era well. The
Catholic historian Bokenkotter (no protestant) writes in his "A Concise History of the Catholic Church" that a lot of syncretism, merging with the pagan system of Rome came into the church at that time.
============== quotes from "A Concise History of the Catholic Church"
At first Constantine observed an attitude of formal correctness toward paganism. He remained its Supreme Pontiff, paid homage to the sun god on the official coinage, and in general was careful not to alienate the pagan masses…But he gradually revealed his true feelings. He imposed restrictions on pagan practice and publicly displayed the Christian symbols He attached the standards of the
army to a cross emblazoned with the monograme of Christ and issued coins picturing himself wearing a helmet stamped with the same monogram…he increasingly identified the interests of the state with those of Christianity.
(Bokenkotter "A Concise History of the Catholic Church" page 38)
“The emperor showed great generosity to the Church in lavishing donations on it and erecting numerous sumptuous basilicas, including the magnificent one over the supposed site of the tomb of Peter at Rome and another over the tomb of Christ in Jerusalem.
He surrendered HIS Lateran palace in Rome to the bishop of Rome for a residence and it remained the Papal residence until 1308. When
in 324 AD he moved the capital of the Empire to Byzantium, which was renamed Constantinople after him, he erected numerous churches there…
"This
alliiance with the state profoundly influenced every aspect of the church's thought and life. It carried many advantages, but it also entailed some serious drawbacks; ...
mass conversions where social conformity was the chief motivating factor; the widening gap between clergy and laity thanks to the official status conferred on them;
persecution of dissenters as a menace to the unity of the state. The
church would never be the same again - for better and for worse - and so Constantine's conversion is certainly
one of the greatest turning points in the history of the Catholic church and of the world." Ibid - Pg 39
"This
alliiance with the state profoundly influenced every aspect of the church's thought and life. It carried many advantages, but it also entailed some serious drawbacks; infringements on the church’s freedom as civil authorities exploited the relationship for political purposes (and vice versa); mass conversions where social conformity was the chief motivating factor; the widening gap between clergy and laity thanks to the official status conferred on them
; persecution of dissenters as a menace to the unity of the state. The
church would never be the same again -
for better and for worse - and so Constantine's conversion is certainly
one of the greatest turning points in the history of the Catholic church and of the world." Ibid - Pg 39
"The
liturgy itself was considerably influenced by the
Constantinian revolution. Millions of pagans suddenly entered the church and some of
their customs inevitably crept into the liturgy; the use of the kiss as a sign of reverence for holy objects, the practice of genuflection, devotion to relics, and the use of candles, incense and other
ceremonial features derived from the imperial court. Under this pagan influence Christians began to face the east while praying which made it
necessary or he priest to lead prayers with his back to the congregation." P42.3
