States by their very nature reserve to themselves as the ultimate power of life and death over their individual members
Ineveitably come to thinks of themselves as divine:
"Jesus is Lord" confession is hersey in their mind. Idolatry is the unoffical religon of every state.
Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body and nothing else - Luke 12:4
First century church was persecutied for its first 275 years: non-conformity was the crime - Romans 12:2
In 313, major persecution ended with Edict of Milan. The tables had turned and Christian emperors favored the church and began persecuting the pagans
Privilege always comes with a price. For when the empire becomes Christan, the church becomes imperial. Proclaim to the whole world, right? - Luke 24:47
However, no one can serve to masters - Matthew 6:24, other priorities eventually creep in.
Jesus did not intend to mandate building cathedrals, wearing crosses, fish bummer stickers, Christian tatoos or clerical dress
Large building can be visibility initmidating more than inviting
It is the lives people that speak and act in witness to the love of God revealed in Jesus. Nothing else is required.