Elmer Gantry · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Elmer Gantry prepares for his ministry by studying theology and the Methodist Discipline, while also indulging in worldly literature.
What happens
Elmer Gantry prepares for his ministry by studying theology and the Methodist Discipline, while also indulging in worldly literature. He delivers his first sermon at Wellspring Methodist Church, impressing the congregation with his charisma. Despite attempts to read philosophy, he abandons it for detective stories. He maintains his pastoral duties and focuses his attention on Cleo Benham.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Elmer’s public vindication through Hettie’s confession and the immediate offers of prestigious positions mark…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion
Elmer outwardly follows the Methodist Discipline while privately indulging in worldly pleasures and avoiding its strict rules.
- Manipulation and Showmanship in Evangelism
Elmer uses charisma and theatricality in his first sermon to captivate the congregation, emphasizing performance over substance.
- Faith vs. Skepticism
Elmer's superficial engagement with theology and philosophy contrasts with his role as a preacher, highlighting a lack of genuine faith.
Characters to notice
- Elmer Gantry
Studies theology and the Methodist Discipline, prepares sermons, and delivers his first sermon at Wellspring Methodist Church.
- Cleo Benham
Supports Elmer by taking him for drives and waiting with the choir; becomes the focus of Elmer's life.
- Dean Trosper
Corresponds with Elmer about his grades and offers cautious advice about his zeal.
- Sharon Falconer
Mentioned as someone Elmer worked with before his current ministry.
- Bishop Wesley R. Toomis
Suggests Elmer read philosophy, specifically Josiah Royce.
Key passages
“The offering of Christ, once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in the which it is commonly said that the priest doth offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable and dangerous deceit.”
Christ's sacrifice is the only complete atonement for all sins, making the Catholic Mass a false and dangerous practice.
Elmer finds this passage from the Articles of Religion stirring and uses it to attack Catholic doctrine in his sermon.
“Be Serious. Let your motto be, 'Holiness to the Lord.' Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking. Converse sparingly and conduct yourself prudently with women.”
Preachers should be solemn, avoid humor and frivolity, and be cautious in interactions with women.
Elmer becomes a model in most of these rules except for avoiding jesting and prudence with women.
“I hope you will not overwork your new zeal for righteousness. It might be hard on folks. I seem to recall a tendency in you to overdo a lot of things.”
Dean Trosper warns Elmer not to let his newfound religious fervor become excessive or burdensome to others.
Trosper's letter reflects skepticism about Elmer's sincerity and past behavior.
