Life, 1918-01-03 · page 37 of 40
Life — January 3, 1918 — page 37: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical story mocks modern evangelical preaching techniques stripped of genuine spirituality. The dean of a ministerial school must choose between two candidates for a revival meeting. The first candidate—dressed conservatively, speaking humbly—promises to preach solely Biblical doctrine and emphasize prayer and piety. He represents traditional, substance-focused religion. The second candidate—flashily dressed in checked suit—openly admits his approach: he'll mention the Bible briefly, then rely on memorized "pulpit slang," physical theatrics (standing on one foot while gesturing), and emotional manipulation ("red-hot epithets"). He embodies empty showmanship. **The satire's point:** The dean chooses the second man, praising him for discovering "true power in evangelism." Life is ridiculing how 1918 American churches valued performative spectacle over genuine spiritual substance—prioritizing entertainment and crowd manipulation over authentic doctrine. Published during WWI, this reflects broader anxieties about authenticity versus superficial modernization in American institutions.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
1918 we hope in you to find \ year be Q), devoid of hate; Hayiviarieaor a | drgusc Make all our foes capital 100 Per Cent. Efficient HE dean of the Modern Training School for Ministers was address- ing a group of his most advanced stu- dents, To-da have ac neighboring city for one of y ile to lead them in a J he said impressively, “we | from the churches of a 11 to come who is great evangelistic meeting. Who among you is competent to go?” A. meck-looking young man arose. He was wearing a black suit and a black how tie. “Doctor,” he said, “I should like to carry to them the Message of the Cross. I would preach nothing except that is taught in the Book, and would strive to impress upon them the great need of more piety and prayer.’ t The dean seemed persuaded that this was the young man to send. But he looked about him before saying the word. Another young man had stood up. ing a checked suit and a and his hair was brushed | He was wea } spotted ti | back smooth over his head. [| “Doctor,” he said, “send me. My |) evangelistic program is different, but | it always brings the sinful up to the altar in great Groves. The first three nights the revival is in progress I make casual mention of the Book of Books, but after that I settle down to business, and begin to dish up the two hundred and eighty-one phrases I have just memorized of pulpit slang. Also, | T have just completed physical training which enables me to stand fourteen minutes on one foot while I make ges- tures with the other. and T have mas- tered other acrobatic tricks that will ess. entertain a crowd. Furthermore, I carry on the end of my tongue ninety- seven red-hot epithets to hurl at the idle rich, which I— But the dean arose to interrupt him. A pleasing smile shone over his face as he spread out his hand for si- lence “Young man,” he began, “we are most fortunate in having with us one who has at last discovered the true Source of power in evangelism in this fleeting age. Yes, it is you who must carry the Message to these soul-hungry People.” After The Battle Target Practice Printed in colors on fine Bristol and Printed in colors on fine Bristol and plate-marked. Sizeiexi6 inches plate-marked. Size 12x16 inches Price 25 cents Price cents Corr. Life Pub Twelve O'clock and All's Well Genuine photogravure. Size 9x12 inches Price 25 cents The Boy Who Became a Lawyer Printed in colors on fine Bristol and plate-marked. Size 12x16 inche Price 25 cents Shipped prepaid to any address on receipt of remittance. LIFE PUBLISHING CO. 17 West 3lst St. © New York comicbooks.com