Title: America and its guns : a theological exposé /
Authors: Atwood, James E.; Brueggemann, Walter
Publisher: Cascade Books,
Year: 2012
Subjects: Religion and politics United States; Religious right United States; Firearms Law and legislation United States; Gun control United States
Abstract: "James Atwood contends that the thirty thousand gun deaths America suffers every year cannot be understood apart from our national myth that God has appointed America as "the trustee of the civilization of the world" and even "Christ's light to the nations." Because these purposes are noble, and we are supposedly a good and trustworthy people, violence is sometimes "required" and gives license to individuals to carry open or concealed weapons, which "save lives" and can even be "redemptive." Atwood, an avid hunter, cautions that an absolute trust in guns and violence morphs easily into idolatry. Having spent thirty-six years as a Presbyterian pastor fighting against the easy access to firearms, one of which took the life of a friend, he uses his unique experience and his biblical and theological understanding to graphically portray the impact guns have on our society. He documents how Americans have been deceived into believing that the tools of violence, whether they take the form of advanced military technology or a handgun in the bedside stand, will provide security. He closes with a wake-up call to the faith community, which he says is America's best hope to unmask the extremism of the Gun Empire."--Publisher's website.
Contents: A tale of two guns -- Closing the door on discussion -- Guns as idols : a risk or reality? -- Commandments : more than rules-relationships -- Violence lite and its insatiable observers -- The language of a gun culture -- Violence in our DNA -- The principalities and the powers -- The idol's greatest need -- The idol's greatest strength -- The idol can't keep its promises -- The idol transforms people and communities -- The idol requires human sacrifice -- The Second Amendment and freedom -- Fifty laws and policies that perpetuate murder and disorder -- Expanding and exporting our gun culture -- What to say at the scene of a mass shooting -- A message ot peacemakers and most members of the NRA -- A wake up call for the faith community.