Question

Why did Constantine’s support of the church prompt people to move to the wilderness, or desert, and become monks or nuns?

They perceived Constantine’s support purified the church.
They perceived Constantine’s support strengthened the church.
They perceived Constantine’s support encouraged them to abandon cities.
They perceived Constantine’s support cleansed the church.
They perceived Constantine’s support corrupted the church.

Answer 1

They perceived Constantine’s support corrupted the church.

Explanation: imperial patronage made the church wealthy, powerful, and entangled with state politics. Many Christians saw this as worldly corruption and sought spiritual purity by withdrawing to the desert as monks and nuns (e.g., Anthony of Egypt and the rise of 4th‑century monasticism).