Faith vs. Skepticism

Where it surfaces

• IV

  Jim Lefferts embodies intellectual skepticism, challenging biblical literalism and the authority of religious leaders, while Elmer is caught between fear of damnation and attraction to doubt.

• Chapter VI

  Elmer's internal conflict between his fear of religion and his skepticism is evident as he grapples with Eddie's appeals.

• Chapter II

  The chapter contrasts Jim Lefferts' skeptical arguments with the fervent faith of Eddie and the college community.

• I

  The tension between Elmer's religious upbringing and Jim Lefferts' skeptical influence, with Elmer caught between genuine belief and the pressure to conform.

• II

  Elmer's internal conflict between his mother's devout faith and his own skepticism and worldly desires.

• III

  The chapter dramatizes the clash between Eddie's literalist faith and the Lefferts' skeptical rationalism, with Elmer caught in the middle.

• Chapter III

  Elmer's conversion is immediately followed by doubt and self-questioning, contrasting his emotional experience with Jim's skeptical rationalism.

• I

  The chapter contrasts Jim Lefferts' cynical skepticism with Elmer's growing openness to faith, driven by Roberts' persuasive techniques.

• III

  Elmer's conversion is immediately followed by doubt and rationalization, as he questions whether his experience was genuine or a result of crowd manipulation, contrasting his mother's faith with Jim Lefferts' skepticism.

• IV

  The chapter contrasts Elmer's superficial conversion with Jim Lefferts' persistent skepticism and intellectual challenge.

• VII

  Judson Roberts internally wrestles with doubt about the reality of religious conversion and the Holy Ghost, contrasting his public evangelistic role with private uncertainty.

• Chapter II

  Elmer's internal doubt and his reliance on alcohol and deception contrast with the outward piety demanded by his religious community.

• III

  The chapter explores the private doubts of clergy and their families about the truth of religious doctrines and the value of a life in the ministry.

• III

  Elmer's fleeting moment of genuine prayer contrasts with his usual performative and skeptical attitude toward religion.

• Chapter VI

  The debate between Zenz's cheerful atheism and the others' varying degrees of belief highlights the tension between faith and doubt within the seminary.

• I

  Harry Zenz's atheism and cynical critique contrast with Eddie Fislinger's sincere defense of Baptist doctrine and Frank Shallard's troubled search for genuine faith.

• Chapter VI

  Frank's protest against exclusive salvation and Elmer's dismissal of 'advanced thinkers' embody the tension between questioning faith and dogmatic belief.

• Chapter VIII

  Frank Shallard and Dr. Zechlin grapple with doubts about Christianity, questioning the Bible's infallibility and the church's role.

• I

  The contrast between Elmer's cynical careerism and Frank Shallard's genuine appreciation for scholarly faith highlights the divide.

• II

  Frank's internal conflict and Zechlin's agnosticism highlight the tension between religious belief and rational doubt.

• III

  Frank Shallard reads critical religious texts that challenge orthodox beliefs, yet he remains in the seminary, torn between faith and skepticism.

• IV

  Frank's acceptance of marriage as a holy institution contrasts with his feeling that Lulu would be better off free than married to Elmer. Zechlin critiques the joyless Christianity of Dean Trosper, contrasting it with the gentle Christ child of the German carol.

• I

  The central conflict between Elmer's aggressive orthodoxy and Frank's liberal doubts, with Elmer condemning Frank's 'wabbling' as dangerous to souls.

• Chapter VI

  Elmer is both awed and skeptical of Sharon's claims of divine visions and sanctification, yet he chooses to follow her despite his doubts.

• II

  Elmer's brief prayer for deliverance from prayer and his rationalization that religious stuff 'does good' highlight his inner conflict between skepticism and faith.

• VI

  The chapter contrasts the believers' ecstatic experiences with the cynics who dismiss them as 'Holy Rollers,' highlighting the tension between faith and skepticism.

• I

  Sharon's private doubts and exhaustion contrast sharply with her public declarations of divine messages, highlighting the tension between faith and skepticism.

• Chapter XV

  Sharon's faith is tested during the fire, while the workmen's cynical comments and Elmer's panic reveal skepticism and self-preservation.

• V

  Sharon's insistence on faith during the fire, contrasted with the panic and self-preservation of the crowd and Elmer, highlights the tension between blind faith and rational skepticism.

• II

  Elmer privately regards New Thought as 'pure and uncontaminated bunk' while publicly preaching it, highlighting his internal skepticism.

• Chapter XVII

  Frank's internal conflict between his faith and the doubts raised by Lem Staples and his own observations of church hypocrisy.

• I

  Frank Shallard's internal conflict between his ordained role and his growing doubts about the truth of Christian doctrines and the value of the ministry.

• Chapter II

  Frank's encounter with Lem Staples and his observations of the working class force him to confront doubts about the church's relevance and his own faith.

• III

  Frank's intellectual doubts about Biblical contradictions are contrasted with Pengilly's serene, heart-centered faith that accepts mystery as a test.

• IV

  Frank's growing doubt and feeling of being trapped in the church highlight the tension between his faith and his skepticism about his role as a clergyman.

• V

  Frank's internal struggle between his doubts and his role as a pastor, envying both the skeptic Kassebaum and the certain evangelicals.

• Chapter XX

  Elmer's superficial engagement with theology and philosophy contrasts with his role as a preacher, highlighting a lack of genuine faith.

• VII

  Elmer Gantry uses scripture and song to provide comfort and assurance of an afterlife, contrasting with the raw grief of Whittlesey.

• Chapter XXIV

  Frank's internal struggle between his reverence for Jesus and his doubts about doctrine, as well as his search for a free and honest pulpit.

• II

  Frank's internal conflict between his childhood faith and the doubts raised by liberal theology and science, as well as his struggle to find a meaningful role as a minister.

• IV

  Mr. Pengilly's gentle, dreamy faith contrasts with his idealized view of Elmer Gantry as a militant crusader against sin, highlighting different approaches to religious conviction.

• V

  Pengilly's direct question exposes the tension between Elmer's outward religiosity and inner doubt.

• Chapter XXVIII

  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.

• I

  The central debate between Frank's skepticism and Philip's defense of faith and the church's role in teaching morality.

• Chapter XXIX

  Frank's honest doubts about Christ's divinity and a personal God clash with Elmer's dogmatic certainty and the congregation's expectations.

• I

  Frank's liberal views and heresies are contrasted with Elmer's opportunistic orthodoxy.

• III

  Frank expresses skepticism about core Christian doctrines, while Elmer and Styles defend orthodox faith, embodying the central conflict of the chapter.

• IV

  Frank's struggle to reconcile his liberal, truth-seeking beliefs with the expectations of organized religion highlights the tension between faith and skepticism.

• V

  Frank's questioning of Christ's divinity and the divinity of Christ is met with alarm and pleas from believers who fear he will 'hurt religion permanently.'

• VII

  Frank's internal struggle with belief and his resignation reflect the tension between faith and doubt.

• Chapter VIII

  Frank's intellectual struggle with Catholic doctrine versus his longing for communal worship and ritual beauty.

• IX

  Frank's lecture directly challenges Fundamentalist orthodoxy, advocating for scientific inquiry and free thought, while his attackers represent violent religious intolerance.

• Chapter X

  Frank's ironic invocation of 'God' in his moment of agony highlights the tension between his skepticism and the instinctive cry for divine help.