Here we go again - Jerry Jones, The Dallas Cowboys & the Super Bowl

In the ever surprising world of Jerry Jones, there's one thing that is never surprising. Jerry forever links his beloved Cowboys with the Super Bowl. Do they deserve such accolades on such a regular basis? Probably not. Just don't attempt to tell Jerry that. Reality tends to be one of those facts of life that Jerry morphs into his own, then pushes as far into the foreseeable future as possible. All is good, whether it is or not. Some things never change.

 

by Ryan Bush

In Thursday's "State of The Cowboys" address, Jerry Jones showed several signs that three consecutive seasons without a playoff berth were taking its toll, admitting that the Cowboys "have got a lot of work to do."
 
Yet, being the cheerleader that he is, he couldn't help but talk about how much better the team is at this juncture than a year ago, and even managed to insert a comment - though tongue-in-cheek it may have seemed - about making a run at the Super Bowl.

This pre-training camp talk about a push to the Super Bowl is a Jones trademark. During the writing of Decade of Futility, I was shocked to learn just how much so. Since the "One Year Away" Cowboys shocked the world in 1992 by destroying Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVII by a 52-17 score, Jones has neglected to thrill listeners with Super aspirations a grand total of four times. That's four out of a possible twenty-one opportunities. Truly incredible.

Even more incredible are the circumstances surrounding those times when he deemed it better to be humble, rather than bold. The first occurrence was in the wake of Troy Aikman's retirement in 2001, when all the Cowboys were leaning upon was the unproven right arm of Georgia rookie Quincy Carter. Yes, Jones was magnanimous that day in his respect for the dark hour that his Cowboys found themselves in, foregoing any Super Bowl predictions, prophesying instead for a ho-hum mediocre campaign filled with only - yes, only - ten wins.

The only other times that Jones was silent on any personal visions of impending glory just happened to be during the first three years of Big Bill Parcells' four-year reign of pigskin terror, when Jones was effectively kept under wraps.

Jones talks so boldly because he wants the fans to know that he cares, and that he - in his position as the team's General Manager - has pieced together a roster that everyone will be proud of. He envisions himself as the sharpshooter in a darkened gym that calls his own shot on one three-pointer after another.

More importantly, is the fact that Jones believes these predictions are within the bounds of reason, even when others around him are pleading with him for patience, and temperance. 

The passing years have revealed that Jones is oblivious to any personal prohibitions related to drinking that most seductive of drinks, Cowboy Kool-Aid. The Cowboys have reaped the rewards this millennium of changing head coaches a mind-boggling four times. Five losing seasons, countless melodramas, one measly playoff victory, and a decade (2000-2009) that houses the lowest winning percentage in franchise history. 

And there, impervious to reality, criticism, and countless glaring statistics, stood the Cowboys owner yesterday, handing out a beverage that has enslaved the innocent and gullible for more than a decade. Yes, drinks are always on the house at Valley Ranch, no matter the hour, the venue, or circumstance.

Read more about Jerry Jones and the Worst Decade in Dallas Cowboys History in my new book Decade of Futility.

For a hard-copy of Decade of Futility, click here:
https://www.createspace.com/4161551


For the Kindle version of Decade of Futility, click here: http://www.amazon.com/Decade-of-Futility-ebook/dp/B00DXFGLSE/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373808496&sr=1-1&keywords=decade+of+futility

Jerry Jones Thought Bill Parcells was the Answer - But Dallas Cowboys' Futility Continued

Not many Cowboys fans, even the most dedicated and informed, know that the first decade of the new millenium was the worst in Dallas Cowboys' History.

Bill Parcells was brought on board the Cowboys ship, listing badly and taking on water too rapidly, to correct the mistakes of General Manager Jerry Jones.

Though Parcells definitely turned the franchise around, he didn't experience the success envisioned by Jones. And after four years, Bill knew it he wouldn't either.

So, how is hindsight?

This post by Ryan Bush gives us a glimpse.

Definitely not a match made in Heaven!

 Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells on working with Jerry Jones for four years:
“He’s a straightforward, honest guy,” Parcells said. “He really is. That’s all I look for. He was very supportive of me as a coach. Now were there things going on that occasionally I didn’t like? Yeah, there were, but that didn’t inhibit me from going to him, talking things out. He’s really great about that.”


So what drove these two apart? Find out in Chapters 15 and 16 of Decade of Futility.

For a hard-copy of Decade of Futility, click here:
https://www.createspace.com/4161551


For the Kindle version of Decade of Futility, click here: http://www.amazon.com/Decade-of-Futility-ebook/dp/B00DXFGLSE/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373808496&sr=1-1&keywords=decade+of+futility

A Clash of Worldviews - Gay Human Pride & Christian Bible Truth

Jason Collins - Believes having sex with other men is a Christian Value

Jason Collins has spoken with a huge assist by Sports Illustrated and the Media in general. He has announced his coming out as a man raised with Christian Values who prefers a lifestyle of having sex with other men.

Chris Broussard - believes dedication to any particular sin is not supported by Jesus & the Bible

ESPN's Chris Broussard has also spoken with an assist from the Truth. He has announced that being dedicated to a lifestyle that the Bible and Jesus condemns is being in rebellion to God. Here is a portion of his quote as reported by The Christian Post:

• "Personally I don't believe that you can live an openly homosexual lifestyle or an openly premarital sex between heterosexuals. If you're openly living that type of lifestyle, the Bible says you know them by their fruits, it says that's a sin," Broussard said on ESPN Monday. "If you're openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality, adultery, fornication, premarital sex between heterosexuals, whatever it may be. I think that's walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ."
  
  The analyst went on to question Collins' Christianity amid the debate.
  
  "I would not characterize that person as a Christian because I don't think the Bible would characterize them as a Christian," Broussard said.
   

 While Collins has received open support from noteworthy individuals such as President Barak Obama, former President Billl Clinton, Ellen Degeneres and Kobe Bryant, Broussard has received his share of support from others, some not necessarily Christian. Even actress Meredith Baxter-Smith of The Huffington Post began her article "Chris Broussard, ESPN Reporter, Thinks Jason Collins, Gays, Can Be 'Saved' If They 'Ask God For Forgiveness'" with a respectful acknowledgment of Collins words and actions:

• "You have to hand it to Chris Broussard: He's not one to back down in the face of controversy."

Interestingly, ESPN has offered a tepid apology, which was a statement of regret and nothing more. They have yet to take action against Broussard for his comments. There could be a couple of legitimate reasons for that, but for now, ESPN has remained in the background, content to enjoy the ratings attention (oops! Did I let that slip!?).

In the midst of this attention given to Chris Broussard for comments many are referring to as bigoted and intolerant, it should  be remembered that what he has stated thus far is the Truth. He has not stated anything to my knowledge that is not specifically and clearly supported by the Bible. And for the professing Christian, this is ultimately what you base your life on, the written and preserved revelation of God, His Words, Thoughts and Ways to mankind. Without it, position taken on any and all issues of life are nothing more than the thoughts and opinions of men and subject to change with the whims of men.

This Truth is what ultimately got Jesus nailed to a Roman Cross. From the first time he stood to speak in the local synagogue and quote from Isaiah, they tried to end His life. And He warned His Disciples and his followers to come that this World would hate them just as it hated Him first.

So, the turmoil that surrounds Chris Broussard and his speaking the Truth are nothing surprising. It's part of the territory of following Jesus according to what He has revealed to us about Life. Broussard seems to be exhibiting the peace that Jesus promised his Followers who trust in Him in the midst of emotional turmoil. The vital fact that must be remembered is that this turmoil has happened only because the Truth has been faithfully spoken by Chris Broussard, a Truth that did not originate with him, a Truth that is not always welcome by the World.

ESPN, Tolerance, God & Gay Pride - A Salute to Chris Broussard

ESPN's Chris Broussard speaks candidly!

 On the heels of the earth-shaking revelation from NBA player Jason Collins that he is gay, that he prefers to have sex with other men, comes even more eye opening comments from Chris Broussard, ESPN sportscaster / commentator. Broussard, a born again Christian, says that anyone who is dedicated to having sex with other men is "in rebellion against God."

Current NBA Free Agent Jason Collins

This whole episode began with Sports Illustrated's article on Collins' "coming out" earlier in the week, considered by some, including Jason Collins, as the first ever for an active player in professional sports, Martina Navratilova notwithstanding.

I personally offer a salute to Chris Broussard, not for his comments about the lifestyle choice of Jason Collins, but for his straightforward response to this whole episode and not being afraid to articulate, explain and clarify his personal beliefs. Many Christians in this country could learn much from this man, for he has put his job on the  line by speaking up. Whatever happens, I pray that God would continue to bless him and that Broussard would continue the good fight of faith for his Lord. I also pray that Jason Collins would come to know the Lord Jesus in a personal way. Maybe Broussard could help with that , too!

The Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones & God - Who Moved?

Jerry, God & Success!

 The merger of God, religion and sports has always been a mixed bag. Athletes regularly mention divine assistance in their professional quests, some more overtly than others, but they fail to somehow mention the true role God plays in defeat. Somehow, God only seems prominent in the success of a team and players.

America's Team has it's own claim to God, though. And it's generally been accepted within American culture since the 70's, when Lee Roy Jordan claimed that God was an active Spectator from Heaven through the hole in the Texas Stadium Roof. This became a part of the Legacy of the Cowboys.

This is also what was inherited by Jerry Jones in his purchase of the Cowboys in 1989. In fact, in the spirit of that legacy, Jerry later informed the world that he told God he only wanted three Super Bowl Trophies. After that, Jerry was on his own.

Jerry's frustrated!

Well, Jerry got his three from the most holy of sources. Since then, Jerry's been wildcattin'. For almost two decades, dry holes have become the replacement for Divine Approval. And Jerry's ticked off!

Jerry, try repentance! It surely can't hurt!.................But it does require a certain amount of submissive bending of the knee and heart.

But knowing Jerry, maybe he's relying on God blessing the just and the unjust. I'm fairly sure which one Jerry thinks he is. What I'm unsure about is which one God thinks Jerry is! It might make all the difference, a difference not seen for quite awhile around here.

The Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones & Decade of Futility by Ryan Bush

This blog is about the Politics of Heaven. Since the Dallas Cowboys have the reputation of having God watch them through the hole in their stadium roof (The old Texas Stadium & the new Cowboys Stadium), I thought it only appropriate to mention the following news.

 +Ryan Bush from Central Texas is soon to publish a book, Decade of Futility - How the Leadership of Jerry Jones Transformed America's Team into a 21st Century Debacle and resulted in the Worst Decade in Dallas Cowboys History. He decided to initiate this project after publishing a weekly column about the Dallas Cowboys, Cowboys Corner, in several small newspapers in Texas for three years.

Ryan has just initiated a blog and website (still under construction, but partially operable). Please visit the sites, take part in the conversation, and remember to leave your email address for immediate notification upon publication through Amazon, United States and Europe.

Hating Tim Tebow

If you have followed the saga that has become Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos, you have experienced a wide range of responses to his life on the gridiron. Some spew hate. Some seem to almost worship him and his ways. Regardless of what he has or has not accomplished, many seem to possess a definite opinion about him.

For the professing Christian, especially of the Evangelical variety, the negativity and vitriol toward Tebow has been rather confusing. It's hard for some to comprehend. Surprisingly, it's coming mainly from other professing Christians, though not necessarily from Evangelicals. Social media, blogs, personal and sports website forums abound with condemnation of all things Tebow.

Not the least of these sites is Commandments of Men moderated by Lewis Wells. Tim Tebow has been the topic of several blog posts over the last few months. The latest is entitled This Tebow Stuff, I tell Ya.

Following the theme of previous posts, it condemns Tebow's openly public display of acknowledgement of and devotion to God as a follower of Jesus Christ. This condemnation is predicated on the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:5-6,

• 5. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be like the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
• 6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

According to this particular statement by Jesus as understood by Lewis Wells, all public prayers by His followers are forbidden.

Closer examination will, however, reveal quite the contrary. And hopefully we will be prevented from doing what Lewis so personally and thoroughly hates and detests, outward legalism.

Continuing the pattern set earlier in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, rather than attacking the outward action, instead confronts the heart of men. Jesus didn't condemn praying in Public. He did, however, condemn public praying simply to be seen by others. The inner motive for praying in public was the key issue, not the outward action.

Jesus said that we are not to be like the Hypocrites "because" they love to pray to be seen of men. Then Jesus addresses the next topic, reward. Jesus says that the hypocrites have received what they were after, the acknowledgement of others.

Yet Jesus tells us that public rewards should come from God after we have prayed when no one was watching except God. His approval is to be what we are seeking, not the approval of others.

Interestingly, this supposedly direct prohibition to publicly pray comes into stark conflict with what Jesus earlier stated in this same sermon in Matthew 5:16,

• Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Is it possible that Jesus was confused? Maybe he didn't realize that he was contradicting Himself!

Don't count on it! Jesus knew exactly what he was saying and any conflict in His words is imaginary. His words are perfectly complementary to one another.

And in the case of Tim Tebow, this is exactly what he seems to be doing, letting his light shine before men. And if you want to condemn Tebow for his public displays, you have delved into the realm of judging a man's heart, which we all are ill equipped for.

In fact, later in the same Sermon, Jesus tells us that by their fruits you shall know them. (Matt. 7:16a) What are the fruits of Tim Tebow? Well, look at his actions on and off the field. Let them speak on Tim's behalf.

Then again, maybe everyone would be happier if Tebow ran afoul of the law, the NFL and society at large. Maybe thugs are easier to identify with than being raised by parents who care for third world residents by taking care of their physical needs as well as telling them about the Savior who loved them and gave His Own life so that they could have Eternal Life.

Personally, I prefer Tim Tebow just as he is.