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In the Name of God: The Colliding Lives, Legends, and Legacies of J. Frank Norris and George W. Truett
In the Name of God tells the story of two iconic figures of national lore. George W. Truett and J. Frank Norris dominated the ecclesiology and church culture of much of the first half of the twentieth century, not only in Texas, but in the whole of America. Norris, of First Baptist Church in Fort Worth, and Truett, of First Baptist Church in Dallas, lived lives of conflict and controversy. Each led one of the largest churches in the world in the 1920s and & '30s. Each shot and killed a man, one by accident and the other in self-defense. Together, their lives were a panoply of intrigue, espionage, confrontation, manipulation, plotting, scheming, and even blackmail—in the name of God. Yet together . . . they changed the world.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 12, 2022
Great story. Great writing. Great read.
This is the story of two men who pastored the largest churches in the world. One in Dallas; the other in Fort Worth. The lives and legacies are providentially and infamously linked together.
Their story is a reminder to avoid hero worship. Everyone the Lord uses has clay feet. It also shows us how the Lord uses weak people to do great things for his glory.
This is the story of two men who pastored the largest churches in the world. One in Dallas; the other in Fort Worth. The lives and legacies are providentially and infamously linked together.
Their story is a reminder to avoid hero worship. Everyone the Lord uses has clay feet. It also shows us how the Lord uses weak people to do great things for his glory.
September 11, 2021
Perhaps no other Baptist history book has been as eagerly anticipated in the past year as “In the Name of God” by O.S. Hawkins. The book was heavily promoted at the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting and after its publication, Baptist Press even ran an article about it. The book has been endorsed by such Southern Baptist leaders as Albert Mohler, Jerry Vines, Jack Graham, and David Dockery.
“In the Name of God” does not disappoint the reader. The book tells the story of the two most significant Baptist leaders in the first half of the twentieth century: George Truett, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas and J. Frank Norris, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth. Though separated by only a few miles in Texas, these two men had very different philosophies of ministry and experienced a lifetime of controversy with each other.
What is important about Hawkins’ book is he finally sets the record straight about these two men. For years the standard line of thinking was Truett was the Southern Baptist saint who could do no wrong and Norris was the “devilish rascal” who could do no right. With an abundance of primary sources, Hawkins shows that both these statements are wrong.
For example, while George Truett was a godly man who was loved by all, his greatest weakness was he failed to see the faults in his Southern Baptist friends. So when theological liberalism crept into Baylor University, Truett remained silent because his friend S.P. Brooks was president of the school. Even more amazing, Hawkins shows how Truett’s close ally L.R. Scarborough fought hard against the liberalism at Southern Methodist University, but would not say anything about the same issues at Baylor.
On the other hand, J. Frank Norris’ problems are well known. He loved controversy, was a senationalist, and would quickly turn against supporters who he felt were disloyal, including his own son George Norris. However, Hawkins shows that many of the stories about Norris’ evils have been greatly exaggerated, if not fabricated. For instant, a common account is that Norris sent Truett, Scarborough, and other opponents gift-wrapped boxes of rotten fruit on Christmas. Yet, Professor T.B. Maston reported that the fruit he received from Norris was in perfect condition.
At the same time there is much within Norris to admire. He passionately preached the gospel, often with tears, and won thousands to Christ. He hired amazing Christian educators such as Arthur Flake and Louis Entzminger and built the largest Sunday School in the world. Furthermore Norris’ emphasis on verse-by-verse expository preaching as opposed to Truett’s topical oratory is the standard in most Baptist seminaries today.
When J. Frank Norris was still a young man, he was told by the elder Baptist statesman J.B. Gambrell that “denominational loyalty goes directly to matters doctrinally.” It was Norris, rather than Truett who took these words to heart. While Norris often set a bad example in carrying out Gambrell’s vision, it was his model that later influenced such men as W.A. Criswell, Paige Patterson, and the other leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Conservation Resurgence in the 1980s.
So much more could be said about this excellent book. The reconciliation stories in the final chapter are themselves worth the price of the book. O.S. Hawkins is an outstanding writer and researcher. For all those interested in Southern Baptist history, I highly recommend this book.
“In the Name of God” does not disappoint the reader. The book tells the story of the two most significant Baptist leaders in the first half of the twentieth century: George Truett, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas and J. Frank Norris, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth. Though separated by only a few miles in Texas, these two men had very different philosophies of ministry and experienced a lifetime of controversy with each other.
What is important about Hawkins’ book is he finally sets the record straight about these two men. For years the standard line of thinking was Truett was the Southern Baptist saint who could do no wrong and Norris was the “devilish rascal” who could do no right. With an abundance of primary sources, Hawkins shows that both these statements are wrong.
For example, while George Truett was a godly man who was loved by all, his greatest weakness was he failed to see the faults in his Southern Baptist friends. So when theological liberalism crept into Baylor University, Truett remained silent because his friend S.P. Brooks was president of the school. Even more amazing, Hawkins shows how Truett’s close ally L.R. Scarborough fought hard against the liberalism at Southern Methodist University, but would not say anything about the same issues at Baylor.
On the other hand, J. Frank Norris’ problems are well known. He loved controversy, was a senationalist, and would quickly turn against supporters who he felt were disloyal, including his own son George Norris. However, Hawkins shows that many of the stories about Norris’ evils have been greatly exaggerated, if not fabricated. For instant, a common account is that Norris sent Truett, Scarborough, and other opponents gift-wrapped boxes of rotten fruit on Christmas. Yet, Professor T.B. Maston reported that the fruit he received from Norris was in perfect condition.
At the same time there is much within Norris to admire. He passionately preached the gospel, often with tears, and won thousands to Christ. He hired amazing Christian educators such as Arthur Flake and Louis Entzminger and built the largest Sunday School in the world. Furthermore Norris’ emphasis on verse-by-verse expository preaching as opposed to Truett’s topical oratory is the standard in most Baptist seminaries today.
When J. Frank Norris was still a young man, he was told by the elder Baptist statesman J.B. Gambrell that “denominational loyalty goes directly to matters doctrinally.” It was Norris, rather than Truett who took these words to heart. While Norris often set a bad example in carrying out Gambrell’s vision, it was his model that later influenced such men as W.A. Criswell, Paige Patterson, and the other leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Conservation Resurgence in the 1980s.
So much more could be said about this excellent book. The reconciliation stories in the final chapter are themselves worth the price of the book. O.S. Hawkins is an outstanding writer and researcher. For all those interested in Southern Baptist history, I highly recommend this book.
January 6, 2023
I'm still in shock that this story hasn't been made into a movie. A truly incredible book, especially for anyone who is curious about the modern roots and foundations of various evangelical belief systems. I couldn't put it down, and I've bought the book for others. If these names mean anything, imagine the two biggest churches in America are only 30 miles apart, one is pastored by Mark Driscoll while the other is pastored by a man who combines some of Rick Warren and Tim Kellers best qualities. They were constantly at odds, but never spoke. Both killed a man, both knew Presidents, both left an incredible mark on Christendom.
September 11, 2021
I enjoyed reading the inside story of 2 of the Southern Baptist Greatest Preachers. I learned a different perspective on both George Truett and on J Frank Norris. OS Hawkins has a unique perspective from the an inside view of his denomination.
June 14, 2023
Excellent book that seeks to be fair to both men. Their personalities are set before us and their flaws exposed. Written in an easy to read way, Hawkins should have made it bigger! I was moved a few times such as Truett’s last sermon and Norris’ letter to L.R. Scarborough as he was dying.
October 24, 2025
A long overdue and fantastic look at the loves and legacies of two larger than life figures from Baptist history.
O S Hawkins does a phenomenal job comparing and contrasting the lives of two famous Baptist pastors. Growing up IFB, I knew nothing of Truett, and only slightly more of Norris. His name was thrown around at times, but this book does a great job presenting the histories, philosophies, and legacies of both men.
I appreciated the author's ability to acknowledge the ups and downs of both men, neither was perfect, and he is clear about that. Norris, in particular, has been the subject of quite a bit of bashing over the years, some deserved, and some not.
With Norris, a controversial figure to say the least, Hawkins helps set the record straight, never shying away from mentioning Norris's faults, but also correcting some false accusations about him, and also making a point to show how his life has positively affected Baptists in general, as well as the SBC in particular. I loved that last part, as it demonstrated that Norris, while failing to reform the SBC in his day, left behind the legacy needed to reform the convention in decades to come.
Truett was a figure I was far less familiar with, and loved the opportunity to learn more. Hawkins, again reversed the norm and did come off fairly negative against this pastor. While not shying away from the good he did, Hawkins also made note of his compromise in the name of unity, and lack of expository preaching.
Overall, I appreciated that the book was able to both praise and critique both men. While the author felt a bit bias towards Norris and away from Truett, it does seem like a refreshing change from the norm, which then gives this book even more value.
I highly recommend it for any wishing to study this period of Baptist history, or wishing to know more about why the IFB forefathers felt the need to separate from the SBC and take a different path.
O S Hawkins does a phenomenal job comparing and contrasting the lives of two famous Baptist pastors. Growing up IFB, I knew nothing of Truett, and only slightly more of Norris. His name was thrown around at times, but this book does a great job presenting the histories, philosophies, and legacies of both men.
I appreciated the author's ability to acknowledge the ups and downs of both men, neither was perfect, and he is clear about that. Norris, in particular, has been the subject of quite a bit of bashing over the years, some deserved, and some not.
With Norris, a controversial figure to say the least, Hawkins helps set the record straight, never shying away from mentioning Norris's faults, but also correcting some false accusations about him, and also making a point to show how his life has positively affected Baptists in general, as well as the SBC in particular. I loved that last part, as it demonstrated that Norris, while failing to reform the SBC in his day, left behind the legacy needed to reform the convention in decades to come.
Truett was a figure I was far less familiar with, and loved the opportunity to learn more. Hawkins, again reversed the norm and did come off fairly negative against this pastor. While not shying away from the good he did, Hawkins also made note of his compromise in the name of unity, and lack of expository preaching.
Overall, I appreciated that the book was able to both praise and critique both men. While the author felt a bit bias towards Norris and away from Truett, it does seem like a refreshing change from the norm, which then gives this book even more value.
I highly recommend it for any wishing to study this period of Baptist history, or wishing to know more about why the IFB forefathers felt the need to separate from the SBC and take a different path.
December 29, 2021
With a great deal of research along with his own experiences, Dr. O.S. Hawkins presents to us a very interesting comparison of two bigger-than-life Texas Baptist preachers, J. Frank Norris, long-time pastor of First Baptist Fort Worth, and George W. Truett, long-time pastor of First Baptist Dallas.
The setting is very “Texas” centered around the two major cities, Fort Worth “Where the West begins,” and “Big D” Dallas known for its more cosmopolitan flair.
Not only the setting, but also the author has deep Texas roots. He was reared in Fort Worth, where his own father who, at the age of eighteen, knelt at the altar with Dr. Norris for his “life-transforming spiritual experience.” Later, Dr. Hawkins served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas for several years. This is his unique story to tell, and he tells it well.
You will be amazed to learn more than you already know about Norris “The Texas Tornado” and Truett “The Eternal Optimist.” Dr. Hawkins also alludes to the fact that “Truett has been almost universally revered, while Norris for the most part, has been reviled.” Yet, the reader will learn that we owe a lot more to Norris than we ever thought, and that they both “left us a legacy that in their own respective minds was all carried out…in the Name of God.”
The setting is very “Texas” centered around the two major cities, Fort Worth “Where the West begins,” and “Big D” Dallas known for its more cosmopolitan flair.
Not only the setting, but also the author has deep Texas roots. He was reared in Fort Worth, where his own father who, at the age of eighteen, knelt at the altar with Dr. Norris for his “life-transforming spiritual experience.” Later, Dr. Hawkins served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas for several years. This is his unique story to tell, and he tells it well.
You will be amazed to learn more than you already know about Norris “The Texas Tornado” and Truett “The Eternal Optimist.” Dr. Hawkins also alludes to the fact that “Truett has been almost universally revered, while Norris for the most part, has been reviled.” Yet, the reader will learn that we owe a lot more to Norris than we ever thought, and that they both “left us a legacy that in their own respective minds was all carried out…in the Name of God.”
September 20, 2021
A Good Read but…
This book seems to have been written with Southern Baptists in mind. Though I am not a Southern Baptist, I enjoyed reading the book. I was familiar with Norris’ story but not Truett’s. This is a quick read and will be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone interested in the history of American fundamentalism or evangelicalism. I took a few stars off because the book is repetitive at points. Also, I think the book’s title and description are a little misleading. This book really is an apologetic for Frank Norris. It is certainly not hagiography. Norris’ faults are noted. But I felt like a bait and switch occurred when the last chapter was all about the great debt that modern Southern Baptists owe to Norris. Hawkins is trying to correct the assessment of Norris by the famous SBC historian Leon McBeth. Is Hawkins right that the SBC took only the gold from Norris and not the dross? Someone in the SBC would have to answer that question.
This book seems to have been written with Southern Baptists in mind. Though I am not a Southern Baptist, I enjoyed reading the book. I was familiar with Norris’ story but not Truett’s. This is a quick read and will be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone interested in the history of American fundamentalism or evangelicalism. I took a few stars off because the book is repetitive at points. Also, I think the book’s title and description are a little misleading. This book really is an apologetic for Frank Norris. It is certainly not hagiography. Norris’ faults are noted. But I felt like a bait and switch occurred when the last chapter was all about the great debt that modern Southern Baptists owe to Norris. Hawkins is trying to correct the assessment of Norris by the famous SBC historian Leon McBeth. Is Hawkins right that the SBC took only the gold from Norris and not the dross? Someone in the SBC would have to answer that question.
May 24, 2024
Another excellent book by O.S. Hawkins.
He takes the reader back in time to see the simultaneous and contrasting ministries of J. Frank Norris (FBC Ft. Worth) and George Truett (FBC Dallas). Both men were giants of their era. The men, alike in some important ways, were opposites in other important ways. They found themselves on opposite sides of almost every issue in their day. Truett was the polished peacemaker; Norris was the bombastic pot-stirrer.
Hawkins gives a page-turning overview of their lives and respective ministries. The reader will discover the political maneuvering that never seemed to cease and the ways that these two Baptist pastors seemed to always be at odds. One of the best compliments I can give the author is that I walked away intrigued by how complex both of his subjects were. My favorite chapter is the final one where Hawkins shows the lasting impact these men have today.
This is a definite read for pastors and anyone remotely interested in SBC history.
He takes the reader back in time to see the simultaneous and contrasting ministries of J. Frank Norris (FBC Ft. Worth) and George Truett (FBC Dallas). Both men were giants of their era. The men, alike in some important ways, were opposites in other important ways. They found themselves on opposite sides of almost every issue in their day. Truett was the polished peacemaker; Norris was the bombastic pot-stirrer.
Hawkins gives a page-turning overview of their lives and respective ministries. The reader will discover the political maneuvering that never seemed to cease and the ways that these two Baptist pastors seemed to always be at odds. One of the best compliments I can give the author is that I walked away intrigued by how complex both of his subjects were. My favorite chapter is the final one where Hawkins shows the lasting impact these men have today.
This is a definite read for pastors and anyone remotely interested in SBC history.
November 26, 2022
Another Viewpoint
Both subjects of this book have long fascinated me. Thus, I bought the book as soon as it was released. I have long considered J Frank Norris a villain, and George Truett a hero. While I can see flaws in both of them, I see things about Norris that were more positive than negative. Writing from his unique experience as former pastor First Baptist Dallas, and from growing up in Ft. Worth. Hawkins traces the lineage of Norris/Truett To recent controversies in the Southern Baptist Convention. Like it or not, J Frank Norris has made more contributions to Southern Baptist life than for which he is given credit. Worth the read!
Both subjects of this book have long fascinated me. Thus, I bought the book as soon as it was released. I have long considered J Frank Norris a villain, and George Truett a hero. While I can see flaws in both of them, I see things about Norris that were more positive than negative. Writing from his unique experience as former pastor First Baptist Dallas, and from growing up in Ft. Worth. Hawkins traces the lineage of Norris/Truett To recent controversies in the Southern Baptist Convention. Like it or not, J Frank Norris has made more contributions to Southern Baptist life than for which he is given credit. Worth the read!
April 30, 2023
As a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary I heard much about Norris and his exploits. Most notably, we were told of the time he sabot a killed a man in his office. Yet, perhaps due to having McBeth’s book as curriculum and the professor being a SWBTS alum as well, I never heard of the “other” Norris.
This is an intriguing book and very well written. I’m taken with the parallels of the division between Baptists during Norris and Truett’s days and today. Seems like we just keep repeating history, but the question remains “Who is today’s Norris & Truett in SBC life?” I have some opinions but will keep them to myself.
This is an intriguing book and very well written. I’m taken with the parallels of the division between Baptists during Norris and Truett’s days and today. Seems like we just keep repeating history, but the question remains “Who is today’s Norris & Truett in SBC life?” I have some opinions but will keep them to myself.
October 29, 2021
Excellent book, well researched. Makes an interesting study of two well-known contemporaries who each made a lasting impact on Southern Baptists and the wider conservative Christian world. Both men had flaws, both men very gifted.
Of the two, despite many flaws, Norris comes across as the more honest and sincere. A must read for every fundamentalist who wonders about the "warts" on fundamentalist history.
My full review here: https://www.proclaimanddefend.org/202...
Of the two, despite many flaws, Norris comes across as the more honest and sincere. A must read for every fundamentalist who wonders about the "warts" on fundamentalist history.
My full review here: https://www.proclaimanddefend.org/202...
July 13, 2022
Interesting but concerning
I read this because several pastor's highly recommended it. I thought it would offer more than it did in terms of analyzing the two men. I found Norris behavior to be disturbing. Yet it seems Hawkins was more impressed by him than Truett. The second half felt more like a defense of Norris than an analysis. All in all I still enjoyed the read and getting the historical background.
I read this because several pastor's highly recommended it. I thought it would offer more than it did in terms of analyzing the two men. I found Norris behavior to be disturbing. Yet it seems Hawkins was more impressed by him than Truett. The second half felt more like a defense of Norris than an analysis. All in all I still enjoyed the read and getting the historical background.
August 6, 2022
Outstanding!
I have previously read 5 biographies on J. Frank Norris. I also
attended the Arlington Baptist College (Bible Baptist Seminary) where several professors were still alive who personally knew Norris. And yet after all that reading and exposure to people who knew Norris, I actually learned from this book things that I didn't previously know about Norris. This is an outstanding book that is well written and an easy read.
I have previously read 5 biographies on J. Frank Norris. I also
attended the Arlington Baptist College (Bible Baptist Seminary) where several professors were still alive who personally knew Norris. And yet after all that reading and exposure to people who knew Norris, I actually learned from this book things that I didn't previously know about Norris. This is an outstanding book that is well written and an easy read.
April 5, 2022
This is a fascinating story of two great men, their rivalry, and their accomplishments. Although both men had feet of clay, they accomplished great things for God, and their legacy, especially that of Norris, lives on today.
For those interested in church history or baptist history, i recommend this book.
For those interested in church history or baptist history, i recommend this book.
June 4, 2023
Good overview and history of Dallas and Fort Worth. Probably challenging for people not steeped in SBC history to read and understand. Disturbing lack of addressing credible abuse allegations against Paige Patterson and Paul Pressler, whom the author identifies as architects of the SBC conservative resurgence.
September 19, 2021
SBC History & Biography All In One Book
Such a great, little gem from Dr. Hawkins. The examination of the lives of J. Frank Norris and George W. Truett, confirm that God can and does work from many different means to glorify His name. Highly recommended.
Such a great, little gem from Dr. Hawkins. The examination of the lives of J. Frank Norris and George W. Truett, confirm that God can and does work from many different means to glorify His name. Highly recommended.
July 29, 2023
Probably one of the best books I’ve read this year. Well written and readable. Hawkins tells an intriguing story backed up by plenty of documentation.
March 6, 2022
Though Dallas and Fort Worth are separated by a mere 30 miles, the two cities couldn't be more different. This difference is clearly seen in the pastors of each city's respective First Baptist Church.
In American Baptist history, few names are more revered than George W. Truett (it isn't uncommon to see young boys named Truett in his honor, even to this day), the long-time pastor of the famous First Baptist Church of Dallas. And few names are more reviled than J. Frank Norris, the firebrand fundamentalist pastor of First Baptist Church of Fort Worth.
But Dr. Hawkins shows that history may have gotten the honors wrong. Was Truett driven to hatred of Norris by jealousy? What if Norris was warning Southern Baptists -- half a century before the Conservative Resurgence of the 1980's -- of theological error in the denomination? What if Truett -- always the peacemaker (except when Norris was involved) -- was ignoring them?
What I learned more than anything was that, though Norris can't be excused for how he did things, Truett was by no means innocent of his actions either. I was shocked to hear that, near the end of his pastorate, FBC Dallas had nothing which could be called a "children's ministry" -- something that if a church doesn't have much of one, it won't be in operation much longer -- and it would take another revered pastor (Criswell) to get it back on track.
Meanwhile, though FBC Fort Worth would also falter near the end of Norris' pastorate, the solid influence he had on Gospel preaching and Bible teaching would influence churches throughout not only the Metroplex (including another Fort Worth-based Baptist church, Sagamore Hill) but interestingly the SBC as a whole. (Hawkins came to trust in Christ while attending Sagamore Hill, and was ordained by them into the ministry on a Sunday evening in February 1970. That same night another young man was also ordained: Jack Graham, the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church and former SBC President.) It can be said that the expository preaching style traditionally found in SBC churches is due to Norris' influence, while the topical preaching style found in the "seeker church" movement can be traced to Truett.
An absolutely interesting book and one I highly recommend if you are a student of history in general and American church history in particular, no matter what your religious preference is.
In American Baptist history, few names are more revered than George W. Truett (it isn't uncommon to see young boys named Truett in his honor, even to this day), the long-time pastor of the famous First Baptist Church of Dallas. And few names are more reviled than J. Frank Norris, the firebrand fundamentalist pastor of First Baptist Church of Fort Worth.
But Dr. Hawkins shows that history may have gotten the honors wrong. Was Truett driven to hatred of Norris by jealousy? What if Norris was warning Southern Baptists -- half a century before the Conservative Resurgence of the 1980's -- of theological error in the denomination? What if Truett -- always the peacemaker (except when Norris was involved) -- was ignoring them?
What I learned more than anything was that, though Norris can't be excused for how he did things, Truett was by no means innocent of his actions either. I was shocked to hear that, near the end of his pastorate, FBC Dallas had nothing which could be called a "children's ministry" -- something that if a church doesn't have much of one, it won't be in operation much longer -- and it would take another revered pastor (Criswell) to get it back on track.
Meanwhile, though FBC Fort Worth would also falter near the end of Norris' pastorate, the solid influence he had on Gospel preaching and Bible teaching would influence churches throughout not only the Metroplex (including another Fort Worth-based Baptist church, Sagamore Hill) but interestingly the SBC as a whole. (Hawkins came to trust in Christ while attending Sagamore Hill, and was ordained by them into the ministry on a Sunday evening in February 1970. That same night another young man was also ordained: Jack Graham, the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church and former SBC President.) It can be said that the expository preaching style traditionally found in SBC churches is due to Norris' influence, while the topical preaching style found in the "seeker church" movement can be traced to Truett.
An absolutely interesting book and one I highly recommend if you are a student of history in general and American church history in particular, no matter what your religious preference is.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews