On 15 Years of CultureWatch

This 15-year milestone might be worth celebrating!

The ministry of CultureWatch has now been going for 15 years. On April 5, 2006 I posted my first article on this website. This current piece happens to be the 5,465th article to be found here. Except for one piece written by my wife, all the rest were from my own hands.

For those keen on numbers: If we take as an average at least 1450 words per article, the math works out to something like this: in the past 15 years I have penned nearly 8 million words. As I keep saying, it keeps me off the streets at least. At this rate with some 525,000 words penned each year, by 2025 or so I will have hit the ten million word mark. That might be worth some sort of celebration I suppose!

So why spend all this time and effort, and all these words on a website that has only limited traffic? Well, mainly because that is what I have been called to do. When God has a mission for you, you do it. It is a contradiction in terms to say “No Lord”! And I have enjoyed being involved in this work, despite all those who want it stopped.

Friends and foes

A ministry like this is not for the faint-hearted. It brings out all sorts of reactions – both good and bad. While many folks appreciate this ministry, many detest it – and me. The almost regular hate mail and occasional death threats are an indication of this.

With well over 79,000 published comments on this site, there has been plenty of interaction over the past one and a half decades. Of course another 20,000 or so comments have not been printed, as they are either too foul and odious to print, or they do not follow my commenting rules.

While I seem to have a collection of regular and committed ‘fans,’ I also have a collection of regular and committed opponents. Some are just serial trolls, who keep sending in their hateful remarks that can only be sent straight to the trash bin.

But I keep these folks in prayer. If they keep insisting on coming back to this site, they better be careful: too much exposure to truth just might wear off on them! Indeed, as I have reported before, some of my harshest critics – some who even had entire websites set up just to attack me – have had a change of heart over the years. That always makes all the abuse and attacks worthwhile when that happens.

And feedback from those who are much more friendly and onside – those who do appreciate this ministry – is always heartening and really helps to keep me going. Let me mention just one gal – an older woman from interstate. She recently sent me a snail mail card along with a financial gift. Let me quote just a bit from it (I trust she does not mind):

“I have a relative in Montenegro from my mother’s side, a 30-year-old child of Christ. She has heard of you and is familiar with your writings (your blog). It is translated into Serbian and she holds you in high regard – a champion of the culture wars. Thank you, once again for all that you do. For decades now you have been warning any who will listen. God bless you. Dana.”

Wow, that certainly helps me to keep going as well. Indeed, you never know what sort of global impact a ministry like this might have. I know that people from all around the globe are sharing my articles and commentary online, and reprinting some of my things in magazines or even books.

In fact, just today a friend on the social media sent me a picture of a short article found in the latest Billy Graham Evangelistic Association magazine, Decision in which I was quoted about the dastardly Victorian “anti-conversion” bill. So it is good to know that I am having a bit of an impact both here and overseas.

Of course for every positive comment and response, there are numerous bits of hate mail and diabolical commentary. As mentioned, pretty much every day I have to deal with this. The comments alone can be quite overwhelming to have to put up with. There sure seem to be a lot of haters out there.

For example, dare to write an article stating the most basic of truths – that every child has a fundamental right to their own mother and father – and the hate mail comes flooding in. Here is just one of such tolerant comments: “I couldn’t think of a worst person to be a parent than you Muehlenberg. You and your bible thumping bulls**t .”

Hmm, feel the lurve! And it is not just the daily comments that come into my site or the emails, etc. Plenty of websites exist that are happy to also attack me. For example, an ugly hit piece on me appeared just several months ago in a major leftist site, Patheos: Victoria ‘declares war on Christians’ by banning conversion therapy

And many other groups and sites love to tear me apart, painting me as even more evil than Atilla the Hun and more despicable than Hitler. One secular left website has a lot to say about me, including this opening line: “Bill Muehlenberg is an American-Australian Christian and homophobic/transphobic hate leader.” rationalwiki.org › wiki › Bill_Muehlenberg

The future of CultureWatch

These first 15 years have hopefully been just the beginning, with many more years to follow. I certainly have no plans of retiring or calling it quits. As long as God gives me strength and health, I will continue this work which God has given me.

The old saying that Christians should wear out and not rust out is one that I fully support. With the world getting ever darker, and people becoming ever more desperate for truth and light, a work like this must continue. I will get my eternal rest in the next life, so here I will keep going at it. What Christ did for me makes me want to give my all for him in return.

Indeed, one quote from the late great revivalist Leonard Ravenhill is always something that spurs me on, no matter how tiring things might get, or how much resistance and hatred comes my way: “Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?”

So I will keep at it, including all the speaking and teaching engagements here and elsewhere. And the daily articles will keep on coming – and some days I might pen 2, 3 or even 4 pieces! But other options are also possible. While I happen to be a words and ideas kind of guy, I know that some folks prefer things like images and graphics and the new media technologies.

I do have a “latest video” section on my site, but it is not updated too often. But various folks have said they would like to see my articles turned into audio podcasts or videos. While I happen to think it would be all rather boring to hear or see me read my own pieces, I suppose I should move in that direction. Let me know if you would like to see more of that in the days ahead. We can make it happen.

And I suppose that at some point – because of physical incapacities or whatever – I will have to think about what to do with CultureWatch. Does it just die a natural death, or should consideration be given to maybe finding someone else to continue the work? Dunno. Please keep me in prayer about that future eventuality thanks – one day it will have to be seriously faced.

Thank you!

Obviously this ministry would not exist without the support of friends, followers and readers. For one, it is a faith ministry. I of course get no salary for doing all this, so I depend on the gracious provision of God to meet our needs, feed my family, and pay the bills.

And God normally works through his people. So I always need to thank them, not just for their financial support, for their words of encouragement, but especially for their prayers. This work is clearly something Satan and his minions hate, and many are working overtime to see it shut down altogether. Indeed, keep me in your prayers in regards to a recent legal challenge that has been brought against me.

So spiritual warfare is essential if we want to see CultureWatch continue and have an impact. Thank you so much for praying, and for giving, and for sending in words of encouragement. It all means the world to me. God bless you so much. It is because of folks like you that I am able to keep on keeping on.

So I will keep at it. And perhaps in another five years I will write a similar piece to this on the 20th anniversary of CultureWatch. Until then, keep standing strong for Christ and the Kingdom. We all have an important role to play in this work.

As the Apostle Paul put in in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

[1554 words]

32 Replies to “On 15 Years of CultureWatch”

  1. Hi Bill, congratulations on reaching the 15th year of a very impressive ministry. As a former student of yours from the old Richmond Temple, I have been greatly blessed and intellectually enriched by many of your articles. I have also appreciated the comprehensive supporting bibliographies that have been attached to so many of your articles. They have lead me down many enlightening & interesting rabbit holes! If I could put in one small request; could we please have more articles on “difficult Bible Verses and Passages”. I eagerly devour those “juicy pieces of research”, when they’re published!!
    As always Bill, KEEP DISHING IT OUT, bless you and your family heaps,
    Kel.

  2. Thanks Kelvin. Actually, as I was writing this piece I started another article for my Difficult Bible Passages series. So that should be out soon – perhaps tomorrow!

  3. Congratulations Bill!
    What an incredible record.
    You are undoubtedly a brave, “resilient”, asset to our country, with an abundance of common sense. You have inspired hope in countless people over the last 15 years.
    I do hope you keep up the great work.
    Kind regards,
    Julian.

  4. Congratulations Bill! You are a trophy of God’s grace. May God continue to uphold you in this most difficult ministry. You are loved and appreciated by many. Bless you!

  5. Bill your writing is an inspiration, a challenge, a blessing and soul-searching! No man is indispensable but you come about as close as anyone I know. My prayer for you as of right now is that God will continue to empower you and anoint your ministry.
    15 years is indeed a significant milestone but hopefully it will only be a good start!
    Blessings!

  6. Thank you so much Bill for being faithful with your call and obvious giftings and manifesting His grace and truth.
    This has to continue.
    No one can replace you Bill, but a group committed to the cause can.
    Your voice is great. I hear you on Vision Radio. Your gentleness, humour and humility come through. So I move a motion to you doing audio.
    I listen to Dutch Sheets on “Give Him 15” and it’s a good alternative to reading the text.

  7. Wow Bill, – a transphobic hate leader. You really have hit the heights. Congratulations! I hope you have a wonderful celebratory day.

  8. Bill
    I always read your writings on your website.
    Your writings are prophetic, just like many Old Testament prophets!
    Keep up the good work
    God bless
    Tony Harris

  9. Well done keep it up- great to get a different perspective.

    I’d be surprised if with your knowledge and experience you couldn’t be due for an interview or a comment on sky news etc to get a bit more reach.

    For example this one would be a wonderful one to have a discussion w you etc 🙂

    https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6246525273001

    Well done on 15 years.

  10. Keep up the good work Bill. Great that you are not afraid to tackle the hard and controversial issues of the day. More church leaders need to follow your example.

  11. Dear Bill, congrats on reaching this significant milestone!!
    I want to add my voice to the many who deeply appreciate your faithful ministry. We are thankful to God for the way you divide the Word and the world, and shine a light on both to help us walk more faithfully. I love your big picture approach, which you don’t hear from typical pulpits, which tend to focus on texts or topics; and also your regular analysis of events of the day. You have equipped me to equip others and I am deeply grateful. Keep up your great work!!
    Regards Dave

  12. Dear Bill,
    Well done, and Congratulations on you 15 years.
    I am so pleased you have been able to let all the detractors not deter your commitment to Our Saviour, The Lord Jesus Christ – and hence allow your God inspired work to flow on to us.
    Blessings
    Mark Bryant

  13. You and your work are always appreciated, Bill – a much needed voice of reason and a clarion call of truth when the secular voices seek to seduce with their lies. Keep ’em coming.

  14. Dear Bill,
    Thank you for your tireless efforts to bring the Word, with insightful teachings, comments, illustrations, and references…over all these years. It truly is amazing.
    Please accept my thanks.
    Ron Adams

  15. There was a man sent from God whose name was Bill!!

    Hey Bill,
    Did you ever imagine when you were a “hippie” teenager and a part of the “counter culture” you’d grow up to once again be a part of the counter culture?
    Keep up the good work brother!

  16. Bill, I am always amazed at the energy and insight the Lord gives you. Especially the sheer amount of wordage (is that a word?)you create almost daily — while managing to keep it relevant and interesting. You must also spend so much time in research and Bible study for us. Thank you so much for your contribution to understanding current affairs from a Biblical perspective. Stay well!

  17. I like your written articles as I can copy and paste quotes from them. However if you want to add audio might I suggest using someone with a Barry White type voice or even a James Earl Jones voice??? Would make listening exciting.

  18. What a coincidence that God is using you to rebuke/correct those that are against the old Judeo-Christian Western values that you used to rebel against. You remind me of the Apostle Paul who used to persecute the believers in Jerusalem then God knocked him off his horse, opened his eyes and Paul became a mighty warrior for the gospel.
    We need to pray for your court case though as these Western society haters won’t stop until you are in jail or pay a hefty fine so keep doing what you are doing until you are unable to, is my opinion.

  19. Congratulations Bill on this wonderful milestone!

    You are such a blessing to the body of Christ worldwide.

    Will be paying re: the court case.

    Shalom

  20. Congratulations, Bill, on 15 years of your invaluable CultureWatch ministry.

    I am so saddened to hear about your court case.

    It’s a chilling experience for a faithful Christian to hear the Thought Police utter the words: “Your attitude, comrade, has been noticed!”

    In your case, Bill, it’s because you’ve been unswervingly faithful to the cause of Truth.

    Like Lynette and George (above), I’ll be praying for you.

  21. Well done Bill. The day the invective stops probably means you are not proclaiming the truth. The mystery of it all is we’ll not know the ramifications of our contributions. Take a bow!
    Ron

  22. Congratulations Bill. Carol and I will continue to pray for both you and your lovely wife and family too. Our prayers include protection for you too. I read all
    your articles and some often go across to our son who lives in the USA. Keep going! We need you! God Bless.

  23. Good on you Bill. We’re all hoping you’ve got another 15 years in you. Otherwise, as Peter said: where will we go? You have the words of everlasting life. Many thanks Bill for your perseverance. We’ll keep praying for you.

  24. Blessings good friend. I well recall coming out of the Gum Leaf Chapel 2005 and you declaring your desire to comment in the now. Well done!

  25. Dear Bill, congratulations to you on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of CultureWatch! This ministry of yours has been powerful, and has serve The Kingdom of God well. Personally, I have been blessed greatly by it. Well done, and may God use you more mightily from this point on for His Glory! You are commendable!

  26. Bill, ‘Congratulations!’ is an inappropriate comment for this effort. As you say, God has done a good work through you. I would rather quote Scripture.
    ‘But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.’ (2 Tim 4:5)
    ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ (Luke 19:17)
    Please keep on going!!

  27. Have always LOVED the written word, Bill.
    Podcasts & Video’s just do not hold my interest.

    YOU Alone were My Christian Lighthouse in Human Form so MANY years ago when the Church I attended – refused to engage in any issue which made them or the priest squeamish…
    Truths like Hell, SS Relationships, Paedophilia, Abortion, Euthanasia and the list goes on….

    Thankyou Blessed Warrior & Brother in Christ for 15 AMAZING Years in this Ministry.

    Love & Blessings Always In Jesus Mighty Name, Melinda

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