To the average cowboy, religion ment living by the golden
rule. However, very few cowboys ever attended any sort of
mass. Instead, westerners created there own code of
conduct that put in place morals and values, much like that of a classic religion.
This code was called the "Unwritten Code"
where a person was to display: Loyalty,
Friendship, Hospitality, Fair Play, Liquor, Generousity,
Curiosity, Kindness, The Enviroment, and Integrity.
Because of these beliefs, very rarely would someone
find a "High Noon" gun fight.
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Information on Religion
and Beliefs -
rule. However, very few cowboys ever attended any sort of
mass. Instead, westerners created there own code of
conduct that put in place morals and values, much like that of a classic religion.
This code was called the "Unwritten Code"
where a person was to display: Loyalty,
Friendship, Hospitality, Fair Play, Liquor, Generousity,
Curiosity, Kindness, The Enviroment, and Integrity.
Because of these beliefs, very rarely would someone
find a "High Noon" gun fight.
Information on Religion
and Beliefs -
Since the beginning of the western era there have always been
questions as to what religion American cowboys truly worship.
However with research it is evident that the cowboys are free of
religion; that is, that they have their own. Cowboy's churches are
what they call them, the place at which they worship. Cowboy
Churches are local Christian churches within the cowboy culture
that are distinctively western heritage in character.
A typical cowboy church may meet in a rural setting in a barn, metal building, arena, sale barn or old western building, have its own rodeo
arena, and a country gospel band. Baptisms are generally done in a cattle tank. The sermons are usually short and simple. Some cowboy churches have covered arenas where rodeo events such as bullriding, team roping, ranch sorting, team penning and equestrian events are held on
weeknights. Emphasis is placed on the "no barriers" model
developed by Ron Nolen of Waxahachie, Texas, where he planted
the first and the largest "cowboy church" in the world.
The "no barriers" church model removes from the worship service the traditions that are believed to have no biblical basis, such as the "altar call" and passing of the collection plate. Tithes and offerings are simply placed
in a boot, hat, or wooden bird house at the rear of the meeting room. Even though most of these churches are located in Texas, many have sprung up
in other states across the southwestern United States.