By Matthew King, President of the Christian Animal Rights Association

Something has gone seriously wrong with Christianity. The secular community often looks at Christianity in contempt. Some reasons may not be justified, but the claim that Christianity is toxic toward animals is absolutely valid. Look no further than the rodeo industry, which has somehow convinced Christians that God tolerates or even encourages the sport. A respected veterinary association acknowledges that animals exploited for rodeo experience fear, pain, and distress for mere human entertainment.1 Bull-riding is typically the most popular rodeo event. Bull-riding is associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders in animals. For instance, a 2017 study states, ‘Results indicated bucking bulls were more likely than nonbucking bulls to develop horn and sinus disorders and musculoskeletal disorders of the vertebral region and pelvic limbs.’2

The Bible very explicitly condemns hurting animals for entertainment in Genesis 49:6. Here are three different translations:

Genesis 49:6 New Living Translation (NLT)
‘May I never join in their meetings; may I never be a party to their plans. For in their anger they murdered men, and they crippled oxen just for sport.’

Genesis 49:6 Good News Translation (GNT)
‘I will not join in their secret talks, Nor will I take part in their meetings, For they killed people in anger And they crippled bulls for sport.’

Genesis 49:6 International Standard Version (ISV)
‘I'll never join their council; I'll never enter their assembly. In their anger they committed murder and lamed cattle just for fun.’

The Bible unquestionably views rodeo as sinful because it hurts animals for the sake of human amusement. Additionally, the veterinarian Dr. Peggy Larson, a former bareback rodeo bronc rider, stated, ‘Based upon my extensive large animal experience, I have concluded that rodeo events are inherently cruel.’3 Furthermore, an independent veterinary association states that rodeo normalizes animal cruelty.4 Fittingly, the Bible condemns animal cruelty, stating in Proverbs 12:10 NLT, ‘The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.’ We can see from these two verses that God considers rodeo to be a sin.

It is an act of extreme hypocrisy for ministries like the Christian Youth Rodeo Association, Cowboys of the Cross, and Fellowship of Christian Cowboys to wear a Christian label when God abhors rodeos. ‘Rodeo’ and ‘Christian’ should never be in the same sentence unless it is ‘Rodeo is a Sin and Christians Should Oppose It’! It is an obvious show of stunning and embarrassing hypocrisy for rodeos to begin with prayer as they often do. For instance, Professional Bull Riders (PBR) begin their events by praying for the Lord to protect the participants.5 Hurting animals for entertainment is something that the world values, not the God of the Bible. Romans 12:2 encourages Christians to live according to God's wants, not our culture and world's behavior.

Since God considers rodeo to be sinful, Christians who support rodeo should turn from their wicked ways. Ephesians 5:11 NLT states, ‘Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.’ Christians should not only boycott rodeos, but actively work to shut them down through legislation and public education. Additionally, Christians should consider boycotting the products of companies that sponsor major rodeo organizations. For instance, PBR sponsors include Monster Energy, Busch Light, Cooper Tires, Camping World, Can-Am, Farming Simulator, Kubota, EZ-Access, CURT, Michelob ULTRA, Progressive, Sonic, Pluto TV, Lincoln Welders, Silencer Shop, BeatBox, Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey, GOVX, Walmart Health & Wellness, MGM Rewards, Peak Performance, and YETI.6 Likewise, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sponsors include Resorts World Las Vegas, Cedar Gap Wealth Management, Coors Banquet, Polaris RANGER, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, and Boyd Gaming.7 Pendleton Whisky and South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa sponsor both PBR and PRCA.

Rodeo events are a disgrace to Christian living and should have no place in a believer’s life. Let’s band together with the help of Christ in our hearts to end this cruelty to animals.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible: International Standard Version©. Copyright © 1996-2012 by The ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission.