By the late fourth century, many Christian beliefs and practices were already well established among the laity. But the increasingly precise definition of orthodoxy called some of them into question and created conflicts that varied from region to region. The distinction between correct practice and so-called pagan survivals, heresy, and Judaizing depended on one's point of view. This matter was at the heart of the differences between the world-views of church authorities and the laity. Those who encouraged unity and orthodoxy faced a problem larger than an issue of cleaning up a few inconsistent rituals. Instead, they were faced with disparate perceptions of the religious importance attributed to one's actions and thoughts and to particular times and places. For example, after the conversion of Constantine, widespread reverence for martyrs' tombs and the sites of Jesus' life in Palestine led to the proliferation of new Christian holy places and more holidays in the liturgical year. Eusebius considered holy places to be important for pagans and Jews, but not for Christians. Although Gregory of Nyssa and Jerome agreed with this view, Cyril, bishop of Jerusalem in the mid-fourth century, prized the holy places in his see, while Augustine changed his mind on these matters over time.

Chrysostom agreed with the view that did not distinguish certain times and places as more holy than others.