I've been reading some exerpts from John Chrysostom lately and finding them quite insightful. For those who don't know, Chrysostom was a fourth-century preacher who was really the first to deal with what it meant to be Christian in a world where those in power were Christian—particularly what it meant for issues of political power and social justice. Chrysostom was eventually exiled from the Roman Empire and died in transit, which, aparently, was the plan of the bishops who banished him. His speaking on behalf of the poor and the powerless in the face of a Christian authority structure in league with the political empire of his time eventually forced him to lose his life. He had this to say about the popularity of true Christian preaching:
"When we live according to the moral principles of our faith, those around us may respond in three possible ways. First, they may be so impressed by the example of our goodness, and so envious of the joy which it brings, that they want to join us and become like us. That is the response which we most earnestly desire. Second, they may be indifferent to us, because they are so bound up with their own selfish cares and concerns; although their eyes may perceive our way of life, their hearts are blind, so we are unable to stir them. THird, they may react against us, feeling threatened by our example and even angry with us; thus they will cling even more firmly to their material possessions and selfish ambitions, and slander us at every opportunity. Naturally, we dread this third type of reaction, because we want to live in peace with our neighbors, regardless of their personal beliefs and values. But if no one reacts to us in this way, we must wonder whether we are truly fulfilling the commandments of Christ."