Elmer Gantry · Chapter
Chapter XXVIII explained
Frank Shallard and Philip McGarry engage in a heated late-night debate about the integrity and purpose of the Methodist Church.
What happens
Frank Shallard and Philip McGarry engage in a heated late-night debate about the integrity and purpose of the Methodist Church. Frank criticizes the use of meaningless theological phrases, the hypocrisy of liberal preachers who stay silent about corrupt colleagues like Elmer Gantry, and the insulation of clergy like Dr. Mahlon Potts from real human experience. Philip defends the church as a unique institution for interpreting Jesus, but Frank argues that liberal ministers fail to lead their congregations toward genuine enlightenment. Bess Shallard grows sleepy and exits, while Frank presses his case that staying in the church only enables the Gantrys and Pottses of the world.
Themes in this chapter
Faith vs. Skepticism
Frank challenges the authenticity of liberal preaching, questioning whether ministers truly believe the doctrines they preach, while Philip defends the symbolic and inspirational value of traditional language.
Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion
Frank accuses liberal preachers of hypocrisy for using the same theological jargon as corrupt evangelists like Gantry, and for failing to confront corruption within the church.
Critique of Religious Institutions
Frank questions the very purpose of the church, arguing that it accomplishes nothing that secular institutions cannot, and criticizes the insulation of clergy from real human experience.
Characters to notice
- Frank Shallard
Argues passionately against the hypocrisy and ineffectiveness of liberal preachers, criticizing the use of vague theological language and the failure to confront corrupt colleagues like Elmer Gantry.
- Philip McGarry
Defends the Methodist Church as a noble institution and argues for reforming from within, but is challenged by Frank for his own compromises and use of traditional religious language.
- Bess Shallard
Present during the debate, she becomes sleepy and exits, remarking on how much preachers talk.
- Elmer Gantry
Mentioned as a symbol of the corrupt evangelist that Frank believes tarnishes the entire church.
- Dr. Mahlon Potts
Criticized by Frank as a scholarly but insulated preacher who has no real understanding of human beings.
- Bishop Wesley R. Toomis
Dismissed by Frank as a 'gasbag' in his critique of prominent Methodist figures.
Key passages
“I know it's a poor prayer. It's terrible. Nebulous. Meaningless. Like a barker at the New Thought sideshow.”
Frank admits his own prayer is vague and ineffective, comparing it to a carnival pitchman.
Frank criticizes his own attempt at a non-traditional prayer, highlighting his struggle with authentic religious expression.
“The only trouble with him—as with most famous preachers—is that he hasn't the slightest notion what human beings are like. He's insulated; has been ever since he became a preacher.”
Frank says Dr. Potts and other famous preachers are out of touch with real human life because they have been isolated since entering the ministry.
Frank's critique of clerical insulation from everyday human struggles.
“Your liberalism never lasts you more than from my house to the streetcar.”
Frank accuses Philip of abandoning his liberal views as soon as he leaves Frank's home.
Frank challenges Philip's commitment to liberal theology in practice.