Rev. Ivan Stang wrote:
>That's right -- Jesus just called and told me that Christian Talk Show Godzilla, BOB LARSON wants me on his show TODAY (Thursday) in TWO HOURS!! That will be 3 pm Central time (4 pm Eastern). I don't have a list of the stations that carry Larson but Jesus says he'll post one immediately.
>Most of you probably won't see this notice, but those who do -- TAPE IT!!! TAPE IT and CALL IN!
We did. PRAISE BE TO "BOB!" :)
Uh, in case anyone in the Metroplex is wondering about that long stretch of dead air and those "technical difficulties" KVTT experienced at about 20 minutes into the hour,
there IS a story behind it. You see, in addition to his many other faults, Bob Larson is an adulterer, and he's so ashamed and guilty about cashiering the wife God gave him and marrying a woman young enough to be his daughter that it's a fact he'd desperately prefer not to let anyone know about. And anyone who confronts him with his licentious lifestyle is immediately dead-aired.
The caller in question (John "Richard" Hattan) is an active member of the Bob Larson Fan Club, who has also done this in the past, with consistent and amusing results. The phrase, "adulterous radio preacher" got out over the air before Larson could hit his ubiquitous "profanity button." But in the Dallas re-air (most of the 4 P.M. CDT shows are taped versions of the first hour, which is recorded earlier), he couldn't risk the possibility of anyone hearing about his adultery. Larson just blotted out the part he didn't want anyone to hear.
Since Texas is a "one-party" state, John preserved this occasion on tape; we hope to have all three clips up before Larson comes to Dallas to hold his dog-and-phony show.
Visit http://www.fastlane.net/~hattan/phone.html to have a listen.
The entire interview is now available on the Shatnerology web site. I must disclaim that the interview is uncut --the hideous hack editing job 2/3 of the way through the interview is exactly how it played in Dallas.
The interview is a scream. Stang is a master of deflecting Larson's pretend shock. Larson's hammy "last word" is priceless, as it's obvious that Stang's off the air. . .
http://www.fastlane.net/~hattan/phone.html
Scroll down to the section entitled "We're all adulterous radio preachers on this bus!"
In a lot of ways, I feel sorry for Bob Larson. If even one of his friends had loved him enough to take him to task for his transgressions, and held him accountable for his actions, Bob wouldn't be, in his own words, "at the helm of a Gospel ship sailing over the edge into meaningless irrelevance." He's been able to skate by, largely because he has never been confronted forcefully. And now, Larson has become a junior-grade Robert Tilton, holding his rallies in junior high schools and Holiday Inns for fear that he may be confronted by people who know the truth. Not only has Bob become an embarrassment to Christendom, but his friends have, as well.
Still, the person I feel most badly for is Rev. Russell Williams of Arlington Baptist Temple [3434 S. Collins St., Arlington, TX 76014; phone: (817) 465-6616], the sponsor of Larson's latest Dallas fiasco. As a pastor, he has a sacred obligation to protect his flock from wolves like Larson. And he had every opportunity to do the right thing, but chose to overlook evidence which has persuaded so many of his brethren. His secretary claimed that they were "led by the Lord" to host Larson's show; now, Rev. Williams will be forced to come face-to-face with the fact that he can't tell the leading of the LORD from a difficult bowel movement.
Ivan, we apologize for messing up your fun.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To: Ranger57@ix.netcom.com
Cc: i.stang@subgenius.com, arlingtonbt@juno.com, mike.appleby@lmco.com,
ronblack@actech.net, hattan@fastlane.net Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 10:13:22 -0500
Subject: Re: Bob Larson on KVTT: "Technical Difficulties" X-Juno-Line-Breaks: 0-1,4,19-23
From: arlingtonbt@juno.com (Russell R Williams)
Dear Ranger 57,
I really don't know who you are since you do not have what it takes to post your own name, address and phone number on the Internet like you did mine.
You stated that I could not tell the leading of the Lord from a "difficult bowel movement" was very uncalled for. Who are you to interpet for the Lord, myself or any one else. It seems that you are so full of hate for Bob Larson that you can not see that you are doing many of the same things you are acussing Bob of doing. The last time I checked, we are still living in America and people still have the freedom of Religion (whether we agree with them or not) and the freedom of choice. If you don't like or believe in Bod that is your right but to slander others in the process is stepping across the line. I told Mr. Appleby that we were committed to having Bob and he expressed his reget. My statement to him is the same as it is to you, "Pray for us if you think we are wrong and let the Lord change the heart." God created the World and I know He is still able to touch hearts of all his creation, mine and yours included. I'll be praying for "Ranger57" until you tell me who you really are.
In christian Service,
Russell WilliamsFrom: "Ron Black, Jr." <ronblack@actech.net> To: <Ranger57@ix.netcom.com>, "Russell R Williams" <arlingtonbt@juno.com> Cc: <i.stang@subgenius.com>, <arlingtonbt@juno.com>, <mike.appleby@lmco.com>,
<hattan@fastlane.net>
Subject: Re: Bob Larson on KVTT: "Technical Difficulties" Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 13:30:49 -0400
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Mr. Williams:
I thought it necessary to respond.
-----Original Message-----
From: Russell R Williams <arlingtonbt@juno.com> To: Ranger57@ix.netcom.com <Ranger57@ix.netcom.com> Cc: i.stang@subgenius.com <i.stang@subgenius.com>; arlingtonbt@juno.com <arlingtonbt@juno.com>; mike.appleby@lmco.com <mike.appleby@lmco.com>; ronblack@actech.net <ronblack@actech.net>; hattan@fastlane.net <hattan@fastlane.net>
Date: Friday, May 15, 1998 11:15 AM
Subject: Re: Bob Larson on KVTT: "Technical Difficulties"
>Dear Ranger 57,
>I really don't know who you are since you do not have what it takes to post your own name, address and phone number on the Internet like you did mine.
>You stated that I could not tell the leading of the Lord from a "difficult bowel movement" was very uncalled for.
I would tend to agree, however, it would appear as though many within the fellowship of believers are stricken with a similar inability to discern orthodox biblical truths from overly emotive explorations into the absurd. Mr. Larson, like many of his staunch supporters, fall into this category. As a matter of record, even CRI President, Hank Hanegraaff stated that Larson "wouldn't know a demon if one bit him on the rear."
>Who are you to
>interpet for the Lord, myself or any one else.
While it may be true that non-believers are in no position to interpret the Scriptures, they certainly have every right to hang us out to dry when we, as Christians (and ministers of the Gospel in particular) fail to adhere to the very Scriptures we claim are inerrant and sufficient for all matters of faith and life. When behavioral patterns of our leadership fly in the face of biblical mandates, it is the Church that is responsible for taking its own to task (1Tim. 5:20; Titus 1:9; 1Cor. 5:11-13). What are we to do, however, when those charged with the solemn responsibility of "getting it right before we get it out" (cf. 2Tim. 2:15) fail to do so?
>It seems that you are so
>full of hate for Bob Larson that you can not see that you are doing many of the same things you are acussing Bob of doing.
The difference here is that Bob is allegedly a "man of God" and is to be held to a higher moral and ethical standard. Bob, by the way, is the one who stated that "Satanists are more to be trusted than Christians in the media" - not Ken. It would stand to reason that Larson would feel this way; his travelling companions haven't been theologians, but rather Satanists and pagans (such as Vincent Crowley, Zena LaVey, et al). I ask you what Paul asked his readers: "What fellowship does Christ have with Belial?" Mr. Larson has gone out of his way NOT to discuss his bizarre Manichaeist tendencies (condemned as heresy at the Council of Nicea, by the way) to those of the faith who have questioned him.
>The last time I
>checked, we are still living in America and people still have the freedom of Religion (whether we agree with them or not) and the freedom of choice.
Your argument is a non sequitor - for if you were to apply this same logic to yourself and Mr. Larson, neither of you would have the right to stand in opposition to Marylin Manson, Satanists, or pagans for that matter - not to mention those of us who are pro-life that are in opposition to abortion! Yet, not only has Bob done this with reckless abandon, he has created for himself a cottage industry in so doing. Is this an appropriate behavior for an ordained minister (Bob is ordained - through whom is a mystery)? Try Ephesians 5:12; "For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them [darkness] in secret."
>If you don't like or believe in Bod that is your right but to slander others in the process is stepping across the line.
Slander? Every single accusation railed against Mr. Larson is not only provable, but documented. As a Baptist, I assumed that your intentions would be to look at the evidence and consider it on its own merit rather than take the word of a man whose hyper-Pentecostal theology and ekballistic mode of ministry stands in direct opposition to your very own classic mode of ministry! Of course, Pentecostalism has in the past held those within their own ranks accountable for their anti-biblical behaviors (such as Jimmy Swaggart) - much to their credit. This isn't a charismatic v. non-charismatic argument. It is all about those of us in ministry standing up for the truths of the Scriptures and defending the faith in the face of heresy and skeptics.
>I told Mr.
>Appleby that we were committed to having Bob and he expressed his reget. My statement to him is the same as it is to you, "Pray for us if you think we are wrong and let the Lord change the heart."
Platitudes of prayer are nice, however, they fails to address the real issue: sinful and heretical teachers. I too am regretful that you have made the decision to ignore the biblical directives of testing everything to ensure that it is from God (1Thess. 5:21, 22; 1John 4:1; cf. Acts 17) and hold accountable those who are perpetrating false teaching (Gal. 1:8, 9). Instead, you have decided to open up your church and congregation to the teaching of a man who blasphemes the Spirit on a daily basis! Anyone who claims that a Christian can be possessed by a demon denies the efficacy of His work in the lives of believers and is thereby a blasphemer. I challenge you to provide even one hint in the Scriptures where Larson's heretical pneumatology can be substantiated - and when you cannot, I implore you to repent and do the right thing. Better yet, let me come to your church and openly debate Larson on this issue (of course, he won't allow anyone to steal his heretical thunder, but its a nice thought).
>God created the
>World and I know He is still able to touch hearts of all his creation, mine and yours included.
This is true - then why do you resist Him? The Scriptures are clear; you are not to fellowship with a man of Larson's ilk (1Cor. 5:11-13). Let's just say for the sake of argument, that Larson's divorce was a biblically legitimate divorce (although his wife was not guilty of adultery and she accused him of adultery - information available in the court transcripts of Larson's divorce), we are still left with his false prophecy (that God gave him a vision to "revive Christian radio" to the tune of $1.89 million dollars which didn't come to fruition; see Dt. 13&18), his Manichaeism (his belief in a dualistic universe and ekballistic modes of ministry that are patterned more after Hindu and Eastern religions than biblical ministry examples; see Eph. 1), and his incredible pleas for money. Well? Your response?
>I'll be praying for "Ranger57" until you tell me who you really are.
And I'll be praying for you; that you will fulfill the requirements of your calling as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and hold fast to the teachings of Scripture.
>In christian Service,
>Russell Williams
Soli Deo Gloria, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Scriptura!
In Him,
Rev. Ron Black, Jr.
By the way, if you would like to discuss this matter one-on-one via telephone, I would be more than happy to.Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 12:45:22 -0500
From: "Appleby, Mike" <mike.appleby@lmco.com> Subject: Your letter to 'Ranger 57'
To: Ranger57@ix.netcom.com, "'arlingtonbt@juno.com'" <arlingtonbt@juno.com> Cc: i.stang@subgenius.com, "Appleby, Mike" <mike.appleby@lmco.com>,
ronblack@actech.net, hattan@fastlane.net Mime-Version: 1.0
Dear Rev. Williams and the Staff of the Arlington Baptist Temple:
While I am aware of the identity of 'Ranger57' I will leave it to him to make his identity known to you if he wishes.
However, let me reiterate my objections to having Bob Larson in our community.
I believe that Bob Larson's actions are completely self-serving. His is not the cause of Christ; he is for himself alone. His concern tonight (Friday evening) will not be for your children's salvation but simply to sell them books, tapes, and other materials and to request donations following his 'performance'.
While the Bob Larson Fan Club (web site) may sound a vindictive note, I believe that the material you received by mail is largely factual. Indeed, much of that material comes from the public record. For instance:
Bob Larson did indeed instigate divorce proceedings against his first wife and shortly afterward marry a staff member many years his junior. The divorce proceedings also establish his adultery are a matter of public record although Larson has, unsurprisingly, attempted to have them suppressed.
Bob Larson's ministry has been very profitable and yielded Larson with a well-nigh lavish lifestyle even though he continually states that his ministry is on the verge of collapse due to finances.
Bob Larson is not in fact the author of the books which bear his name. The fact that his staff members authored the books in question, as opposed to Larson, has been established and is a matter of public record.
But Rev. Williams, as I mentioned to you in our previous conversation, my greatest concern in this matter is for the children in your congregation. I believe that your church, by virtue of sponsoring Larson, is condoning his fraudulent demonism and presenting it to your children as the truth. I believe that your church, again by virtue of sponsoring Larson, is holding an established adulterer as an example moral Christian living.
Those present at Workman Jr. High this evening will see an act; a performance. The master of ceremonies will be Bob Larson and at least some of those seeking 'help' from Larson will be employed by him. Most pitiable will be those innocents who truly come to him seeking help. Pitiable as well will be your church's children and young people who will be deceived by Larson's production.
Sadly, I believe that you and your associate Mr. Owens have chosen to disregard truthful information when it has been given freely to you. And in this regard I'm referring not to my conversations and this letter, nor to the information mailed to you, nor to the Bob Larson Fan Club web site. I'm referring to information available for the Watchman Fellowship of Arlington.
An error was committed with your church's sponsorship of Bob Larson. Honest Christians have presented you with factual and timely information which would allow your to correct that error. To remain in error when presented with the truth is sin.
Rev. Williams, I will pray for you, for Mr. Owens, and for the children of your congregation.
With deepest regrets:
-=Michael Appleby=-
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