After Constantine’s conversion (AD 312) the Roman Empire recognized the Christian church. Official persecution of Christians ended. Orthodoxy was affirmed and summarized in the Nicene Creed (AD 325). But the new imperial favor meant Christianity was politically and socially popular. Corruption grew in both high society and church-state relations.

Enter John Chrysostom (AD 347-407). Born in a well-educated family in Antioch, he became known as the “Golden-Mouth.” John's sermons and writings were Bible-based, clear, practical, and attracted large crowds.

After he became bishop of Constantinople, he was a public witness against social immorality, callous treatment of the urban poor, and the extravagant spending in the imperial capital. So John made enemies in both the church and state, including the Emperor’s wife. He was charged with treason and deported from Constantinople. Chrysostom died in exile.

There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9), so it’s “back to the future.” If the state and the church do not stay free and independent, corruption grows. The church may curry the state’s favor to promote or protect its work. Or the state may seek to control the church and to regulate its prophetic witness.

Last week, a U.S. Representative from my home state said that the Washington Cathedral’s bishop should be deported. Others in Congress have called for the POTUS and the government to seize or shut down the Cathedral. Lost in the political drama and theatrics — historical ignorance and irony.

Should churches be regulated, or sermons state-controlled, if not ideologically aligned? American patriots fought for religious liberty against a state-controlled church. Nazis required the state German church to comply with party ideology. The People's Republic of China regulates religion, pursues “sinicization,” disbands house churches, and registers only state-controlled churches.

So, where are today’s Chrysostom’s? Bonhoeffer’s? Or Wáng Yí’s? All who love their countries but whose citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). The need in an imperial state: a public witness to Jesus Christ with more ”golden mouths” — and fewer religious sycophants and court jesters.