The absolute and extreme limit of sensationalism has been reached once again, right here in Sinclair Lewis's brilliant Elmer Gantry!

As always, ol' Red has a remarkable talent for writing about his era in a way that is highly relatable. It is truly bizarre that the story is set 100 years ago, a time that ordinarily seems astonishingly exotic. The world described in the book is clearly different from the one we live in today. However, at its core, many of the struggles, questions, and issues remain the same. The people themselves are essentially the same, just shaped by and reacting to different environments.

When it comes to the actual story of the book, there isn't usually a complex plot. It is more of an episodic progression of Elmer's career, filled with many entertaining and thought-provoking events, much like real life and many of Lewis's other works. It simply chronicles Elmer's life from college to the peak of his success as a preacher, raising numerous issues regarding the roles, relationships, and truths of religion, especially fundamentalist Protestantism as practiced in early 20th-century America.

Babbitt remains my favorite Sinclair Lewis novel, but of the five I have read so far, Elmer Gantry comes in at a close second.

Forget Main Street.

Forget Babbit.

Elmer Gantry is Sinclair Lewis' undisputed masterpiece.

No matter what critics or detractors may say, this novel remains as relevant and powerful in the 21st century as it was when it was first published.

Elmer Gantry, the central character, is a larger-than-life figure.

He is loud, boisterous, and unapologetically himself.

His story is both funny and sad, filled with moments of absurdity and poignancy.

And yes, it's politically incorrect, but that's part of its charm.

It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our society.

So stop reading this and go out and get a copy of Elmer Gantry.

You won't be disappointed.

Beliefs are an integral part of the human condition. Since the dawn of homo sapiens, for the past 50,000 years, beliefs have firmly rooted themselves in the human psyche. The vast majority of these beliefs are formed by combining a scant amount of evidence with a heavy dose of emotion. Lacking a necessary foundation, such as a moral conviction of right and wrong or the scientific process, they fail to form anything resembling a solid truth. Consequently, a society founded upon such beliefs cannot thrive.

Sinclair Lewis直击这些信仰的核心，在《埃尔默·甘特里》中。他的故事旨在说明这些信仰是多么随意、权宜和短暂。没有稳定的基础，它们很容易被侵蚀，或者更糟糕的是，变异成其他信仰，以服务于我们自己不断变化的欲望。而刘易斯传达他的攻击的方式是通过丰富而崇高的讽刺的智力路径。

至于埃尔默·甘特里这个角色，刘易斯创造了一个具有智人形象的人。甘特里是一个缺乏任何真正道德信念且不需要科学过程的人。因此，甘特里是那种随意形成和抛弃信仰的情感的传递者。在某一时刻，他讨人喜欢，而在下一刻，他又令人憎恶，而且毫无破绽。埃尔默·甘特里在我的意识中留下了深刻的印象，他让我能够评判他的虚伪，感受他行为的痛苦。而任何能够实现这种情感联系的书都超越了其他书籍。

这本书关注20世纪初的宗教，强调了整个宗教机构是如何建立在这些脆弱的信仰之上，以及这样的机构是如何因人类的反复无常而衰落的。由此延伸，《埃尔默·甘特里》的主题适用于任何时期的任何机构，无论是政府、企业还是宗教。考虑到这一点，辛克莱的书确实是永恒的，几乎跨越了50,000年。难怪人类直到最近才学会如何飞行。

SPOILERS AHEAD--

Sinclair Lewis once again mercilessly skewers the religious hypocrisy that is so prevalent among those who consider themselves holier-than-thou. What a despicable scoundrel! Throughout the story, I constantly found myself wishing that he would finally be brought down. In hindsight, I should have realized that the mention of "the badger game" a couple of hundred pages in was a clear foreshadowing, yet I couldn't help but get my hopes up.

When combined with "It Can't Happen Here", these two books serve as portents of American life in the very near future. Unless, and this is with full irony intended, God intervenes and saves us from the current occupant, we may be headed for some very troubling times. It is truly a thought-provoking and eye-opening read that makes one question the state of our society and the values that we hold dear.

The prose in this book could indeed be improved, and some of the chapters seem a bit on the long side. However, when considered as a whole, it makes for an interesting read.

What truly amazes me is the fact that this satire on evangelic fervor remains so incredibly timely. Elmer Gantry offers valuable insights into American culture that are still relevant and fresh even in this day and age.

The 1920s may be long past, but this book highlights the fact that certain things have not changed. One such thing is the hypocrisy that can often be found within the charismatic pulpit.

Although a small number of people might find the writing style to be a bit "old timey," the commentary within the book speaks directly to what we can observe in today's newspapers, on the radio, and in the streets. It serves as a reminder that some aspects of our society have a tendency to repeat themselves, and that we should always be vigilant and discerning.

Overall, despite its minor flaws, this book is well worth reading for anyone interested in American culture, religion, or social commentary.

Elmer Gantry is perhaps one of the most disheartening novels I've ever had the misfortune to read.

Its central theme appears to be that those who are unafraid to lie and cheat will find success. Even when they make the occasional slip and are caught, if they double down on their dishonesty, they will emerge even more triumphant. While I understand that this may be a reflection of reality, I typically look for something different in fiction. In the realm of fiction, one expects virtue to be rewarded and mendacity to be punished. I suppose that's why they call it fiction.

Chapter 3 contains the most vivid description of the intense Evangelical conversion process I've ever encountered. Lewis masterfully captures the peer pressure, the flattery, the parental guilt-tripping, and the allure of belonging to a welcoming community - all the elements that drive so many people to the altar. Once Gantry is converted, he quickly learns how to manipulate the church to satisfy his own ego and his penchant for womanizing. Gantry's career经历了 several phases, with its fair share of ups and downs. But even when he decides to revive his career as a minister in a small Methodist church, what stands out most is his complete lack of sincerity. He is always like an actor playing a role, even with his own family.

Gantry's tragic counterpart is Frank Shallard, his former seminary classmate and a closet Agnostic. While Shallard is at least honest with his friends about his doubts, Lewis highlights the hypocrisy of leading a church while secretly not believing in its doctrines. When Shallard attempts to be publicly honest, he loses everything, in stark contrast to Gantry, who ascends ever higher in society on the strength of his charisma and blatant hypocrisy.

The back cover of the Signet Classic edition compares Elmer Gantry to the work of Voltaire. Lewis certainly holds his subjects in the same level of contempt that Voltaire did. However, while Candide remains naive, Gantry evolves into his role as a corrupt fraud. Elmer Gantry is an impressive work, and I don't regret reading it. But while Voltaire will make you laugh, Lewis will leave you sighing deeply.

“O Lord, thou hast stooped from thy mighty throne and rescued thy servant from the assault of the mercenaries of Satan!”

This powerful exclamation sets the tone for the profound exploration within this great novel. There are numerous outstanding reviews of it, and I must concur that this scathing critique of religion has truly withstood the test of time. Indeed, many Elmer Gantry-like figures are flourishing and peddling their falsehoods in America today. Religious fanaticism and hypocrisy have become deeply entrenched and are painfully evident in the nation's political discourse. As Sinclair himself is purported to have said regarding how fascism will arrive in America, it will come “wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross.” This novel serves as a stark reminder of the perils that can arise when religion is misused and exploited for political gain. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth and calls for a more discerning and critical examination of our religious and political landscapes.

If you've ever found yourself laughing at or being disgusted by the antics of televangelist charlatans such as Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart, Sinclair Lewis had their number a full 80 years ago. The fictional Elmer Gantry rises to prominence even before the era of radio and TV evangelism. However, his greed, self-serving political ambitions, and sexual indiscretions are strikingly similar to those of his real-life counterparts.

I actually listened to part of this audiobook, mistakenly believing the author was Upton Sinclair. Duoh! How embarrassing that was. Besides having similar names, the two authors were contemporaries who wrote about similar topics during the same time period. Their styles are also quite similar, although Lewis is a bit more satirical while Sinclair is more pedagogical. But both of them write with a biting edge about the foibles of early 20th century America.

Elmer Gantry follows the protagonist from his beginnings as an irreverent student at a religious university. There, he is basically browbeaten into being "saved" by another traveling preacher who turns out to be a cynical fraud himself. But this incident sets Elmer on his path, and he goes on to seminary to become a Baptist preacher. After getting caught in a compromising situation with one of his flock, he is kicked out by the Baptists. He then becomes the assistant (and lover) of a crazy woman evangelist named Sharon Falconer. On the one hand, she is as phony as he is, yet on the other, she seems to truly believe every bit of the nonsense she spouts. Her character was quite interesting; today, we'd probably call her bipolar. And she seems to be the one woman Elmer truly loves, as he remembers her for the rest of his life, even when he moves on to bigger and better venues after losing her.

He spends some time dabbling in whacky New Age spirituality and "self-help" seminars (yes, this kind of stuff was around 80 years ago too) before he manages to con his way into the Methodist church. Pretty soon, he becomes a minister. From there, he keeps climbing the ladder, moving on to bigger and bigger churches, becoming more and more powerful. And all the while, he remains as hypocritical, self-centered, greedy, and rapacious as ever.

This was a great story for its incisive study of hypocrisy and its very cynical and realistic examination of religion in America. (Sinclair did his homework, sitting in on a lot of church services to write this.) It's not exactly an indictment of Christianity and shouldn't be taken that way. The novel doesn't take a stand on the rightness or wrongness of any particular religious beliefs, only on the all-too-realistic behavior of the clergy and parishioners. Sinclair writes a straightforward story with a plethora of minor characters, each of them very human, flawed, and interesting. By the end of the book, you're really, really hoping that Elmer Gantry will finally get his just deserts. But despite many close calls and setbacks over the course of his career, Gantry is like an eel that always seems to wriggle its way out of the worst of his difficulties.

I highly recommend this as American literature set in the same time period as the novels of Upton Sinclair and F. Scott Fitzgerald. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the society and values of that era, as well as a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the role of religion in American life.

The story was truly very good.

It had a captivating plot that kept the reader engaged from the beginning. The characters were well-developed and their actions and decisions added depth to the narrative.

As the story progressed, there were several twists and turns that made it even more interesting.

However, what really made the story stand out was the surprising ending.

It came completely out of the blue and left the reader in shock.

The author did an excellent job of building up the tension and then delivering a final twist that tied everything together in a most unexpected way.

Overall, it was a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a story with a bit of mystery and excitement.

If you were brought up as a fundamentalist Christian and absolutely loathed it, then this book is precisely what you need!

This book offers a unique perspective and a much-needed outlet for those who have endured the constraints and hardships of a fundamentalist Christian upbringing. It delves into the experiences, emotions, and struggles that many have faced, providing a sense of validation and understanding.

Perhaps you felt suffocated by the strict dogmas and rules, or maybe you questioned the teachings that seemed to go against your own beliefs and values. Whatever your reasons for hating it, this book will speak to you on a deep and personal level.

It explores themes such as freedom, self-discovery, and the search for meaning outside of the confines of fundamentalism. Through engaging stories, thought-provoking insights, and practical advice, it helps you to break free from the chains of the past and embrace a new way of life.

If you're ready to take a step towards healing and finding your true self, then this book is a must-read.

A wonderful look into hypocrisy

is presented here, specifically the kind that is so often demonstrated by religion.

Religion, which is supposed to be a source of moral guidance and spiritual enlightenment, all too frequently falls prey to the vice of hypocrisy.

We see it in the actions of those who claim to follow the teachings of their faith yet act in ways that are completely contrary to those teachings.

They may preach love and kindness but show hatred and cruelty in their daily lives.

They may talk about forgiveness but hold grudges and seek revenge.

This blatant hypocrisy not only undermines the credibility of religion but also causes great harm to those who look to it for inspiration and support.

It makes a mockery of the very ideals that religion is supposed to uphold and leaves many people disillusioned and turned off by the whole concept of organized religion.

It is essential that we recognize and call out this hypocrisy whenever we see it, and demand that those who claim to represent religion live up to the standards they profess to believe in.

I can't stand this book.

It is about 300 pages too long, filled with disagreements between completely meaningless characters over religious minutiae. There are descriptions of tons of various said meaningless characters' beliefs and even their entire family trees at some points.

I finished 'Babbit' a week or two ago and was thoroughly disappointed and annoyed by the main character. Now, I'm starting to wonder if this one is going to end up the same way.

I only have about 150 pages left, so I will hold out, but ugh...

Is all this repetition of various protestant doctrines and religious jargon supposed to be satirical? Is he pointing out the redundancy of organized religion? If so, sure, fine and dandy, but stop harping on it. I got the point quite early on. If not, then....I don't know.

I love debauched anti-heroes in books, but in "Babbit" and in "Elmer Gantry" I'm really having a hard time believing Lewis does a good job at portraying one.

I just scored about 30 books at a library sale. I think I am just going to skip to the last chapter because I reckon this one's going to end exactly like 'Babbit': poorly. If I'm proven wrong, I'll revise my presumptions!