I’m reading Henry Chadwick’s history The Early Church and there are some absolute gems which I’ll post for your reflection, edification and application.

In the 4th century AD Julian became Roman emperor and in 361 threw his weight behind the old pagan religions in an attempt to reduce or wipe out Christianity. Here is how Chadwick describes the task Julian faced:

“Julian set about the reorganization of paganism. He saw that it could only meet the Christian attack by modelling itself on its hated opponents…There was to be a system of stipends for [pagan] priests who would preach sermons and organize works of charity for the poor: ‘No Jew is ever seen begging, and the impious Galileans support not merely their own poor but ours as well.’ The standing and moral character of the pagan priests also had to be sharply raised. Like the Christian clergy, they were required to keep away from obscene shows, taverns, and all disreputable employment.” [emphasis added]

Wouldn’t it be great if it was obvious to everyone that Christians were of such moral standing and character that for atheists and whoever else decries the church that they had to get their own act together to our standards before they’d be listened to?