Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists

eligion." Because of Eastern sun cults, "from the
early part of the second century A.D., the cult of
Sol Invictus was dominant in Rome and in other
parts of the Empire."[36]
This popular religion made its impact on the
early church through the new converts. "Christian
converts from paganism were constantly attracted
toward the veneration of the Sun. This is indicated
not only by the frequent condemnation of this
practice by the [Church] Fathers but also by
significant reflexes of Sun worship in the Christian
liturgy."[37]
The fourth century saw the introduction of
Sunday laws. First Sunday laws of a civil nature
were issued, then came Sunday laws of a religious
character. The emperor Constantine decreed the
first civil Sunday law on March 7, A.D. 321. In
view of Sunday's popularity among the pagan sun
worshipers and the esteem with which many
Christians regarded it, Constantine hoped that, by
making Sunday a holiday, he could ensure the
support of these two constituencies for his
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