Apparent Danger: The Pastor of America’s First MegaChurch and the Texas Murder Trial of the Decade in the 1920s

~ Bob Hayton

I recently received a copy of Apparent Danger: The Pastor of America’s First MegaChurch and the Texas Murder Trial of the Decade in the 1920s a new book on J. Frank Norris by David Stokes. Being familiar with the history and big figures of American fundamentalism, I knew something of J. Frank Norris’ infamous legacy.

Norris is the embodiment of a brash, fightin’ fundamentalist, and he packed a gun to prove it. I never realized that he actually was on trial for murder soon after the nation was riveted on the Scopes Trial!

Stokes has done his research and brings J. Frank Norris and his era to life. I’ve started reading through this book, but was just made aware of some fantastic news. The book has been grabbed up by a major publisher and will be re-released under a different title next year.

This is good news for those interested in the tale. The books are still available for another 2 weeks, and they are at a fantastic discount.

I encourage you to pick up a copy at this incredible steal of a deal. The book is a high quality, hardback. Take a look around the book’s website: apparentdanger.com for more on the story and the book. Congratulations to David Stokes, this book looks to be a page turner, and a wider distribution will shed light on a fascinating corner of American and church history.

David Stokes writes a weekly column for Townhall.com and is also a busy pastor, and you can learn more about him here or on his blog.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher for review. I am under no obligation to provide a favorable assessment of the book.

3 thoughts on “Apparent Danger: The Pastor of America’s First MegaChurch and the Texas Murder Trial of the Decade in the 1920s”

  1. Bob,

    Thanks for writing this review. I ordered six copies yesterday. My maternal grandfather, Frank L. Norris, spoke occasionally of J. Frank Norris, probably because the similarity of names caught his attention. Though I’ve never looked carefully into his life, I have read accounts from time to time along the way, perhaps in the early years when I subscribed to “The Sword of the Lord.”

    I recall that he pastored churches in both Texas and Detroit, at the same time, flying back and forth between them, in a day when that was far more challenging than today, and I wouldn’t want to do that today! I remember the account of how he shot a man in his church office, and it has made me cautious of guns to this day. I believe in the 2nd Ammendment, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea to have a pistol in your desk drawer! At any rate, I’m looking forward to reading more, and passing this book along to my Father and Mother, and several others.

    Cordially,
    Greg Barkman

    1. Greg,

      I hope it’s as good as it seems. He was quite the character and I’m not sure the picture is extremely flattering of him. It’s fascinating history none the less. The author is a pastor too so I hope it’s a good fair tale.

      Blessings in Christ,

      Bob

  2. Bob,

    I wouldn’t expect it to be flattering. If it was, it wouldn’t be honest. I’m just hoping it is factual. Facts, as we know, can be interpreted and shaded in various ways, so no single biography will ever paint a completely accurate picture. I find it helpful to read biographies by several different authors, but such are only available for the most famous from history.

    I just appreciate your calling attention to this biography, which I had not noticed before, and especially making us aware of the unusual price offered for a limited time. Thanks!

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