Life, 1916-12-21 · page 29 of 36
Life — December 21, 1916 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon depicts Saint Peter interrogating an "American Preacher" at heaven's gate. The satire targets clergy who prioritize formal orthodoxy and abstract doctrine over practical charity and social justice. Saint Peter condemns the preacher for: preaching excessively; hiding behind scriptural interpretation rather than acting from genuine compassion; visiting the poor only to teach them acceptance of their poverty rather than challenging injustice; and accepting calls to wealthy churches for higher stipends while abandoning the poor. The punishment—five years in the slums—inverts the preacher's own philosophy: experiencing actual suffering rather than merely preaching about virtue. The cartoon criticizes American Protestant clergy for spiritual hypocrisy: using religion to maintain social hierarchies and economic inequality rather than genuinely serving the disadvantaged. This reflects early-20th-century Progressive Era critiques of institutional religion's complicity in poverty and exploitation.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Amencans at the Gate “A JEXT,” called Saint Peter. From the near end of the bench a solemn-looking individual arose and se- dately advanced. He was dressed entire- ly in black, and his face and manner gave the impression that what they lacked in strength he was trying to make up in earnestness. “Name, please?” “Tam the American Preacher “Any particular denomination? No.” I suppose that’s a point in your favor. Have you any other recommendations?” “T have been told I am a pretty good talker.” “ This is no time or place for talk.” “This is heaven, isn’t it?” To be sure.” “Well, I have spent my whole life in preparation for this great moment. If you're not going to let preachers in, who in the—" ‘ome, now, don't get excited. It's not what you are, but what you've done. Names have no effect on us whatsoever. Now what have you done?” “1 have preached.” “That's bad. There is too much preaching erybody indulges in it more or less. What clse?” “T have been orthodox. “What do you mean by that “Well, if you don’t understa orthodox is——” “Come, now, young man, don't be impertinent. Perhaps, after all, I do know what orthodox is. It is preaching according to the Book— " “Well, that's——” —rather than from the heart.” nd what No, you are— “And when you are brought up to real argument it's orthodox to hide be: hind some interpretation in the Book. “T will not stand this. You are heap- ing sacrilege upon my cloth.” “ And, as a consequence of thus always starting from some abstract virtue or Ge BILTMORE 43rd_and 44th Streets and Madison Avenue The center of social life at TEA TIME Ideally convenient for suburban dwelers TIFFANY & CO. RELIABILITY. MODERATE PRICES HIGH STANDARDS SATISFACTION JEWELERS SILVERSMITHS THe. MAIL SERVICE IS EVER AVAILABLE TO OUT-OF-TOWN CORRESPONDENTS Firth AVENUE & 37@ STREET New York vague incident in the past, you were entirely out of touch with actual affairs that surrounded you.” “I visited the poor.” “ And taught them to be satisfied with their lot, and allow themselves to be gouged by the rich.” “Humility is a cardinal virtue.” “For slaves, but not for preachers. Did you not accept a call to a more fashionable church and a higher sti- pend?” “Tt was the call of God.” “And so, while God spoke to you di- rect, he left the poor to the preachers. Is that it?” “You do not seem——” “Here, clerk. Sentence this man to live five years in the slums, and if he doesn’t like it, send a minister to tell him the beauties of contentment.” Ellis O. Jones. To the Tropics . Cruise ‘The American Express Travel Department Announces A CRUISE TO THE WEST INDIES visiting Cuba, Jamaica, Panama, Costa Rik 24 RESTFUL DAYS away from Winter in the romantic American Tropic: Under the American Flag. Numerous shore excursions. First Cruise: January 27th Second Cruise: March 10th $290 and upwards. Ash for Booklet 3 Company