Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 19:1 (Spring 2022)
Article: The Southern Baptist Convention And World War II
Author: David T. Crum

The Southern Baptist Convention And World War II

David T. Crum

David T. Crum serves as assistant professor of history at Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia.

Introduction

On December 7, 1941, the world changed when the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces.1 The following day, the United States officially declared war on Japan. On December 11, Germany and Italy reacted to this declaration by entering the fight against the United States, the United States also declared war on these two countries.2 People across the United States grew angry over the attack at Pearl Harbor. How would religious leaders react from the pulpit? Denominations worldwide were faced with a challenging task, ultimately finding themselves having to discuss the problem and reality of evil. One denomination that voiced its opinion was the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

The Southern Baptist Convention’s Reaction To Pearl Harbor And The United States’ Entrance Into World War II

With a membership of over five million in 1940, the SBC was one of the largest Protestant denominations in the world and the largest in the United States.3 One prominent figure who addressed the attack on Pearl Harbor was George Truett, who then served as the pastor for the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. On December 14, 1941, Truett addressed his congregation in a sermon titled, “The Lord Reigneth.” He immediately opened up his sermon preaching: “Our situation undoubtedly calls for a fresh re-examination

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by us all, of all our standards and ways of life. Especially do our hearts need to be searched to the depths as to the motivations that actuate us in our response to and participation in the world situation, as we have it on us now.”4

Truett recognized that feelings of anger and revenge were prevalent in his church. He understood patriotism was going to grow, and he even encouraged it. He stated, “A man who doesn’t love his country is in a bad fix, and his country’s in a bad fix to have such a man around.” For Truett, patriotism was what made Americans so special, and he felt that patriotism was connected to religious freedom and democracy. The opposing forces of the Axis powers were anything but lovers of liberty. Freedom was at war with tyranny. Truett stated, “The domineering, tyrannical reign of a few over the vast masses, the destruction of freedoms more precious than life are involved in this great conflict: freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of religion. ...