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A site that publishes some brief articles and other teaching of Father Thomas Reeves, the Priest/Pastor at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Bloomington, IL (stmattsblm.org) and author of "Was Jesus an Evangelical: Some Thoughts about the American Church and the Kingdom of God" released by eLectio Publishing (a traditional publisher - available on Amazon.com). For some of Father Tom's recent video sermons see https://www.youtube.com/@fathertomreeves2872.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

It’s Hard to Fake Authenticity


Every once in a while, I get hooked into a documentary about art forgery.  It is amazing the detail and work that goes into a good forgery, and correspondingly, the hours and expertise it takes to spot one. 

But why make such a fuss over a good reproduction?  If a painting looks so much like a Picasso that no one else can tell the difference without a special scanning device, then why all the uproar? 

But for the art community, it does matter and it matters to the tune of thousands and sometimes millions of dollars.  A painting by Picasso holds great value and prestige not only because of the beauty of the painting, but because of the history, skill, and context of an artist’s life in a certain place and time.  Authenticity, i.e., artistic purity is highly valued.

Moralism is the enemy of purity, integrity, and authenticity.  On its surface, moralism looks
helpful, but the surface is deceiving.  Moralism is very concerned with what it does and how it looks.  It is obsessed with public relations and the perceptions of those that it is trying to impress or motivate.  Moralism, in its most basic definition, is the doing of good things, the embrace of good behavior, and the measurability of said things in comparison with others.  Moralism is self-serving under the guise of serving and sacrificing for others.  This is why it is such a dangerous, capricious, and duplicitous enemy.  It (and the Evil One’s subtle use of it) often fools us all.

Moralism produces visible and short-lived behaviors without changing a person’s beliefs and character.  In other words, if the “heart” of a person or an organization does not change, a lasting, loving, authentic behavior will not take root.  Integrity cannot be faked, and in the end, is seen most clearly when one has something to be gained or lost.  Only a “heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19-20) can be genuine in its intentions and good works.

Our true character is revealed when it matters when the pressure is on, and when doing what is right trumps every other option…even if it means our pain and discomfort.  We can fake activity and surface do-gooding, but our motivations remain what they are.  Only resurrection power that is welcomed and embraced can change the condition of our true character.


As we begin our series on the “Authentic Christian Life” in C.E. in September, we look to engage what the scriptures (and our Lord) teaches us about the importance and impact of genuine authenticity.  In his book, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis challenges the common misconceptions often engaged by those who are more concerned with how they look, than with who they really are.  We will be using this book as we try to flesh out what it means to grow in our ability to be truly pure vessels; to be shaped and effective in the hands of our creator for Gospel and Kingdom living.  Come join us as we seek our God.