Issue 1425 – The Western – April 18, 2024
I grew up in an era where the romance of the cowboy enthralled the culture. Western novels and comic books were readily available and popular. Western dramas aired most nights on the radio and at movie theatres regularly. Somewhere, I even have a photo of myself in my cowboy garb from Christmas as a small child.
I loved cowboy novels (I still do). Writers like Louis L’Amour, Zane Gray, and others painted great pictures in my mind. The two writers have very different styles; often, someone who enjoys one will not enjoy the other. L’Amour tends more to the action story, while Gray tends to concentrate on romance and beauty. Louis L’Amour is widely regarded as the best-selling cowboy writer of all time.
Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove novel (part of a series) captures the West’s romance and hardship well. It even garnered him a Pulitzer Prize.
Western stories are typically written along the same general storyline. The protagonist (hero) is usually thrown into a situation outside his control. The ranch or town is in danger, or he is on the run, unfairly accused. He fights overwhelming odds to eventually overcome and get his good name back. He gets the ranch back, the town is made safe, he gets the girl, and everyone except the antagonists (the villains) lives happily ever after.
Of course, there are a thousand variations on the theme and how it plays out, but that’s the gist. Religion seldom plays a part in the novel, although there occasionally may be a parson in town or a one who has turned to ride the owlhoot trial.
The American Western is, in essence, a redemptive morality story. Good triumphs over evil with (usually) clear-cut heroes and villains. I think a thesis or book is waiting to be written about this subject: “The Great American Western Novel, A Study of Redemption in Popular Culture.”
Of course, these novels are fiction. Even the ones based on historical elements contain some level of fiction and embellishment for the sake of the story.
There is a redemption story that is not fictional. It is not embellished; it shows all the follies and wretchedness of the characters along the way. Other than some hints and foreshadowing, we don’t meet the hero until halfway through the story when he appears in the most unlikely places.
He is born in the womb of a virgin and laid in a manger. We know most about the last three years of his life, where, despite his efforts and the miracles he performs, he is hated, falsely accused, wrongfully convicted, forced out of town and killed by crucifixion on a hill outside of the city. The story could have ended there.
Yet, with a plot twist (prophesied long before), he is raised from the dead and ascends to heaven. The story continues with most of the people continuing with their wicked ways, but we are left with the promise of His return for the final cleanup of the town, the last judgement, and eternity in glory for those who believe and eternity in torment for those who reject.
Some write the story off as fiction or myth, but Jesus makes some claims that are impossible to ignore.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him. John 14:6-7
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Those are big statements to wrestle with. If He is wrong, we cannot accept anything He teaches. If He is right we are foolish to ignore HIm.
Which way will you choose? Will you be redeemed or choose the owlhoot trail to your eternal shame?
Until next time, may you ride the narrow trail with the Christ.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV)