Sincerity—also known as authenticity—is the fifth mark of the church (Rev. 3:1–6). Its opposite is hypocrisy, which derives from a Greek word for actor. Just as an actor dons a costume and assumes a character for the stage, so a hypocrite dons a public persona that is at variance with his private self. The church in Sardis was a hypocritical church: “I know your works,” Jesus says. “You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” Several years ago, I read an article praising hypocrisy in The New Republic. The author did not voice a full-throated praise of … Continue reading Sincerity: The Fifth Mark of an Ideal Church (Revelation 3:1–6)