Bible Questions Deserve Bible Answers
[Editor eceived this this article from Jess Whitlock, who works with the church in Maysville, Oklahoma. His explanation concerning it comes both before and after the article. Following was his introduction: "Every other month the local paper prints a by-line written by me; which I have entitled 'Bible Questions Deserve Bible Answers.'"]
QUESTION: Mr. Whitlock, what exactly are "cowboy churches" and what can you tell me about their origin?
ANSWER: "Cowboy Churches" have been around for circa fifty years in the Western states; but there has been an uprising in the past twenty years. Look into Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Wyoming. It is estimated that close to 1,000 groups are meeting presently under the auspices of the "American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches"; that's according to the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
The roots of this movement go back to religious ministries that have targeted rodeo events and related happenings. Let me say now there is nothing wrong with meeting in a barn, a metal building, or an old-style western building. I have preached in tents, under shade trees, and on the side of a mountain. The location is not what matters in worshipping God.
The majority of Cowboy Churches of my acquaintance have a "gospel band," which contradicts the Word of God (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; et al.).
Baptisms are generally done in stock tanks, and I have baptized prisoners in stock tanks behind prison walls. But, baptisms in the Cowboy Churches are NOT for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). The few lessons I have heard are what might be called "sermonettes given by preacherettes" to make one feel good about self.
One Bible subject that is seldom, if ever heard, in their services is "repentance." The subject of "repentance" is found in the Bible over seventy times! (see Luke 13:3-5; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 2:38). So, if you drink, keep on drinking; if you cuss, keep on cussing; if you gamble, keep on gambling; if you dance, keep on dancing; if you are unfaithful to your mate, keep on cheating; et al. Some of these Cowboy Churches have Saturday night hoedowns, and the liquor flows freely; so, join in the fun!
The Cowboy Church in Sanger, Texas is called, "The Riding for the Brand Cowboy Church," and you can read about that "church" in Titus 5:19 (look it up). Their Bible studies sometimes feature re-runs of Andy Griffith and John Wayne movies!
The "country-western musicians" of Cortez, Colorado, announced, "We're gonna' sing about Santa Claus tonight…" ("Saddle-Up," taken from the Cortez Journal). Most Cowboy Churches are formed for the entertainment, and not a serious study of God's Word. I have challenged a couple of cowboy churches to meet in public debate, but so far, no takers!
[Editor's Note: The final paragraph gives information about the local congregation Jess works with and closes with the comment, "Thank you for your Bible questions." After sending this article to the newspaper for publication, Jess received the following from a "good friend" of his who is "employed at this paper." She sent him the following note:
"Hi Jess! Just wanted you to know that both of the owners and the editor here at the newspaper agreed to pull your article for this week. They don't want to offend their "Cowboy Church friends." They said there's no way to corroborate your statements about that church. So...I am sorry, but that's the decision that was made 'above my head.'"
Of course, an editor has the right to decide to print something or not, but what was so objectionable about Jess' article? The things mentioned here can be easily verified. He provided sources; so that cannot be the reason the article was rejected. The truth is probably in the line about not wanting to offend their "Cowboy Church Friends." Why would it offend them? If the information Jess gave was inaccurate, they could write a letter to the editor to say as much. Besides, if they do the things reported, they must think they are right in doing them. If one particular group does not fit the description, all they have to do is say so.
When does not wanting to offend someone cross the line to become censorship? Would the owners and editor be afraid that their Calvinistic friends would be offended by an article on free will? Are they afraid their Pentecostal friends would be offended by showing that speaking in tongues involved actual languages? Would their homosexual friends be offended if it were pointed out that God designed marriage between a man and a woman? Would their Pedobaptist friends be offended by showing that, in the Scriptures, baptism is by immersion? Are Catholic friends going to be upset if an article shows that only Jesus is the Head of the Church in Heaven and on Earth? Who knows what might upset Muslim friends?
The point is, "Do we have freedom of speech, or don't we?" Is the whole nation turning into a white dusting of snowflakes? Should the newspaper be notified that some of us are offended that we are not allowed to speak the truth? Shame on them. At the rate we are going, public discourse will become a thing of the past. And how ironic that "journalism" is at the forefront of killing free speech!]