Have you ever heard of Elmer Gantry??? Neither had I before I was asked to participate with several other students in an interview with National Public Radio. Elmer Gantry was the lead character in a novel by the same name written by Sinclair Lewis in the 1920’s. As a charlatan revival preacher, Gantry traveled the country peddling the gospel for personal profit rather than eternal rewards. The novel was turned into a film in the 1960’s that garnered several Academy Awards.
So, why did National Public Radio want to speak with students like me about a fictional character like Gantry? They wanted to hear the perspective of people preparing for ministry on someone who was using the pulpit for personal gain. It was an excellent experience.
You can listen to the audio of the interview here, and read the NPR synopsis here.
Elmer Gantry is a really interesting book. I, for one, can testify that it is closely studied in many liberal arts colleges. There are many important lessons for those preparing to minister, including the importance of life holiness, authenticity, and not plagerizing your sermons!
By: Ben on February 27, 2008
at 6:01 am
He’s alive! I knew you’d come back!
Can I now expect a regular daily buffet of “college, Christ and culture”?
By: Travis Mitchell on February 29, 2008
at 5:16 am