|
Joe Lewis was an atheistic opportunistic religious con man who one day woke up and declared he would form a new religion for a new age, and became a cult leader in his old age, as his followers believed God was speaking through him. He smiled, laughing, thinking of all those fools who fell for his endless lies.
| Writing Prompt |
Tell a complete story using 60 words or under. |
Author Notes
60 WORD DASH
Tell a complete story using 60 words or under.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of conmen poising as religious leaders. Many are just con artists lying and stealing in the name of the Lord.� Perhaps the false prophets that Revelations warned us about?� Perhaps not, but many of these â??Elmer Gantryâ?? types are making a lot of money as they seek fame and fortune through conning the gullible flocks of sheep.
BING AI provides background information on the Novel â??Elmer Gantryâ?? which was the inspiration for this short Dash piece on false prophets.
Elmer Gantry is a novel by Sinclair Lewis, published in 1927, that satirizes the religious activity of the United States in the 1920s. The novel follows the life and career of Elmer Gantry, a charismatic but unscrupulous salesman who becomes a preacher and evangelist, despite his hypocrisy and immoral behavior. The novel exposes the corruption and manipulation of various religious groups and leaders, as well as the publicâ??s gullibility and emotionalism.� The novel was controversial and widely criticized by religious leaders and organizations, and it was banned in some cities and states1
Elmer Gantry is also a film adaptation of the novel, directed by Richard Brooks and released in 1960. The film stars Burt Lancaster as Elmer Gantry, Jean Simmons as Sister Sharon Falconer, Arthur Kennedy as Jim Lefferts, Shirley Jones as Lulu Bains, and Patti Page as Sister Rachel. The film focuses on a segment of the novel, depicting Gantryâ??s involvement with Falconer, a popular evangelist who runs a revival show. The film portrays Gantry as a charismatic but flawed character who tries to redeem himself through his love for Falconer, but ultimately causes her downfall. The film also explores the themes of faith, fanaticism, and media influence.� The film was critically acclaimed and won three Academy Awards: Best Actor for Lancaster, Best Supporting Actress for Jones, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Brooks.
The historical context of Elmer Gantry is related to the religious and social changes that occurred in the United States in the 1920s. The novel reflects the rise of fundamentalism, a conservative movement that rejected modernist theology and insisted on the literal interpretation of the Bible. Fundamentalists opposed the influence of science, secularism, and liberalism on religion and society. They also engaged in revivalism, a form of mass evangelism that appealed to the emotions and fears of the people. The novel satirizes the hypocrisy and corruption of some of the fundamentalist leaders and organizations, as well as the publicâ??s gullibility and emotionalism. The novel also depicts the impact of Prohibition, a constitutional amendment that banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol from 1920 to 1933. Prohibition was supported by many religious groups as a moral reform, but it also led to the rise of organized crime, bootlegging, and speakeasies. The novel shows how Elmer Gantry and other characters violate the law and indulge in drinking, gambling, and sexual affairs.� The novel also exposes the contradictions and conflicts between rural and urban cultures, traditional and modern values, and individual and social morality
|
|
