"There are those who, infatuated with a dancer, a charioteer, or a gladiator fighting wild beasts, scheme and do everything possible so that their favorite is not defeated in the games. They weave great praises, defending them against their accusers and heaping insults upon their adversaries. Instead, when it comes to speaking in favor of Christianity, everyone looks at the ground, scratches themselves, yawns, and walks away mocked. Is it not a matter deserving of the greatest anger, when Christ turns out to be of less value to you than a dancer? You go to great lengths to defend the behavior of these people, even if it is the most indecent, but regarding the miracles of Christ, which have nevertheless attracted the attention of the entire world, you refuse to give them a single thought or care."

–St. John Chrysostom, Homily 17 on the Gospel of John, 4.