(J. Frank Norris -- Everything on).
Norris' Controversial Side
Norris admits to a lot of behavior that he may not have been able to get away with in today's politically correct climate. Admittedly, in the 1930's, Norris campaigned vehemently against Al Smith, a Catholic, whom was running for President. Norris used his power to wage a campaign against him so as to protect the other candidate whom was a member of the Klu Klux Klan, a known white supremicist. Additionally, Norris advocated in favor of placing people on trial for allegedly supporting communism or taking part in communist activities. In fact, he adamantly wrote to the anti-American committee and volunteered to testify against members of the Southern Baptist Convention. On many occasion, Norris openly praised Joe McCarthy for his anti-communist work. Moreover, Norris' own friends have stated that Norris always loved a fight; and, Norris himself admits that at first all of the controversy had made him a mad person who enjoyed using his pulpit as a place from which to tell people in his
congregation to "go to Hell." In addition to supporting white supremacy and restriction of freedom of speech, Norris showed also shot a man on a third occasion whom disagreed with him in his office (Wilkie). Today, because he was so devoted to his creator and to creating places for Fundamentalists to worship, he is not solely remembered for the things in which he can be criticized. There is no denying his passion for and his devotion to God.
Today, the seminary he founded is still standing, but it is now called the Arlington Baptist College. The school, however, has ceased to function in a way that reflects the Christian way. In fact, the student body itself has been described as subpar with regard to academics as well as character. Moreover, there is a Nazi-like supremicist population of students that does not adequately represent the commitment to God and community that J. Frank Norris truly stood for (Leonard).
Norris' Lasting Influences
In looking back upon Norris' life, in 1982, Baptist pastor and president of the Baptist World Fellowship, Raymond W. Barber, explained the increased influence and status of Fundamentalism that came about...
The so-called 'splinter-group' of yesterday has become a special vanguard of the truth whose influence is evidenced from the courthouse to the White House" (Leonard 504). Truly, J. Frank Norris was instrumental in creating a set of churches independent from the guidance and oversight of the Baptist Convention. He definitely provided a model for others to follow should they disagree with the organization of their own religion. Additionally, he serves as a poignant example of a self-made man whom was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in; in this sense, many individuals have looked up to his accomplishments as well as his career. Indeed, in looking back upon the first half of the twentieth century, clearly, one charismatic yet controversial man of God stands apart from all the others: J. Frank Norris.
Works Cited
"J. Frank Norris - Everything on J. Frank Norris (information, Latest News, Articles,...)." Spiritus-Temporis.com - Historical Events, Latest News, News Archives. Web. 14 Apr. 2010. .
"J. Frank Norris." Enriching the Mind, Inspiring the Heart. Arlington Baptist College. Web. 12 Apr. 2010. .
"J. Frank Norris." Enriching the Mind, Inspiring the Heart. Arlington Baptist College. Web. 12 Apr. 2010. .
"J. Frank Norris." Expert Archive Questions. Allexperts.com. Web. 13 Apr. 2010. .
"J. Frank Norris: Information from Answers.com." Answers.com. Web. .
Leonard, Bill J. "Independent Baptists: from Sectarian Minority to "Moral Majority." Church History 56.4 (1987): 504-517. Questia. Web. 16 Apr. 2010.
Leonard, Bill J. "When the Denominational Center Doesn't Hold: The Southern Baptist Experience." The Christian Century 22 Sept. 1993: 905+. Questia. Web. 16 Apr. 2010.
Morris, C. Gwinn. "The Handbook for Students Online." Http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/NN/fno7.html. Web. 14 Apr. 2010.
Wilkie, Jr., Don S. A Christian Looks at the Religious Right. Rep. Wilkie. Web. .
