Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis

 Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis

Great novel

- When did I see Elmer Gantry?

- Was it twenty years ago?

I was anyway impressed by the magnificent Burt Lancaster in the title role.

In my memory though, the movie is different from the book.

That happens almost always, but in this case I remember a preacher that is strong, manly and likable.

Whereas the novel created outrage among the clergy.

That was because Gantry, and not just him, is coming out as sinful and depraved.

Not always, but I tend to say most of the time.

That makes the reading so much more interesting.

A complex personage is way more inciting than a human that has only one side, good or bad.

The evolution of Elmer Gantry is intriguing and perhaps he can work also as an example in church lessons:

- Look, this is what happens if you sin and err.

And the reverend is a strong man, both physically and spiritually...well, the latter in some situations.

It is amazing to see how hard he falls and then he jumps back and climbs higher.

A maverick that had rejected religion, only to accept it and then fight with temptations and sin.

In a recent book I read, by the great Nathaniel Branden, called The Psychological Effects of Religion the Professor argues that religion has a negative impact on believers.

The idea of sin is psychologically harmful.

The same for the presence of an All Seeing God that will punish you for every sin...twenty years after yo have masturbated, he will strike you down.

The original sin, the downgrading of women an more.

Elmer Gantry epitomizes a struggle between his desire for women and the knowledge that this is wrong.

He takes attitudes that are extreme and result in violence and suffering.

But I am not sure how much he gets from what is happening around.

At times he appears clever, shrewd and even Machiavellian.

But in many situations I see him as a simple minded man from the country who is overwhelmed by events.

Exceptional book