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America and its Guns
Theological analysis of the Gun Empire, and the culture of violence it has created in the U.S.
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 16, 2012
In the aftermath of the recent high profile shootings in Aurora, CO and Wisconsin, many people are asking how such deadly weapons get into the hands of ordinary citizens, and what can be done to control access guns of that magnitude. In this book pastor and author James Atwood addresses this issue with the clarity and power of an Old Testament prophet. He admits he was waiting for someone to write this book, when he realized his 30 plus of activism on gun violence prevention uniquely prepared him for this task. Atwood’s primary audience is the church which he refers to as a “sleeping spiritual giant [that] is waking up” to the call to challenge what he calls “the Gun Empire” and its grip on the politics and culture of much of the United States citizenry.
Contrary to those in the church who would consider gun violence a political issue, and therefore outside the “spiritual” focus on the church, Atwood contends that gun violence is also a deeply spiritual issue. To that end he places it in a theological context drawing heavily on the work of Walter Wink, as well as John Calvin and Martin Luther. At the same time he provides valuable insight into the workings of the gun lobby, particularly the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the culture of violence it both supports and nourishes. He also looks into the spiritual dynamics of those who take an absolutist hard line on gun rights, refusing to entertain any sorts of limits or constraints on the sale and distribution of firearms.
I am writing a review of the book for PRISM magazine which should come out this fall
Contrary to those in the church who would consider gun violence a political issue, and therefore outside the “spiritual” focus on the church, Atwood contends that gun violence is also a deeply spiritual issue. To that end he places it in a theological context drawing heavily on the work of Walter Wink, as well as John Calvin and Martin Luther. At the same time he provides valuable insight into the workings of the gun lobby, particularly the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the culture of violence it both supports and nourishes. He also looks into the spiritual dynamics of those who take an absolutist hard line on gun rights, refusing to entertain any sorts of limits or constraints on the sale and distribution of firearms.
I am writing a review of the book for PRISM magazine which should come out this fall
February 5, 2017
“When Jesus told us to love our enemies, he probably meant, ‘Don’t kill them.’”
I've always been somewhat indifferent to the gun debate. I come from a family of gun owners, and even though I've never been overly fascinated by them myself, I had no real issues with others owning them. Even as an employee of Virginia Tech, I was not overly concerned about gun control after the mass shooting in 2007. My stance has been that we just need better mental health services in this country, because sane people do not kill random strangers. I've even said the "guns don't kill people, people kill people" line. HOWEVER, I'm tired of the shootings. I'm tired of being indifferent. People do kill people but they won't kill as many if they don't have such easy access to guns. Something has to change.
As a follower of Christ, I cannot reconcile the peaceful gentleness of Jesus telling us to love our enemies, turn the other cheek, and to not worry about anything with that of Christian gun owners grumbling every time a mention is made that there might be limits imposed on their ability to purchase a gun (including guns that aren't needed for simple protection or hunting game) whenever they want. This book affirmed the feelings that have been changing within me regarding the gun issue, and I completely agreed with the author on so many points. I do think that many people turn to their guns before they turn to their God and guns are "idols" in many people's lives.
I know the NRA is one of the most politically influential forces in the nation but this book also really opened my eyes to just how controlling the organization is, and I think "Gun Empire" is a fitting term. It is almost developing into a new religious cult.
I hope some Christian gun owners are brave enough to read this book simply to be reminded that guns are not greater than God.
I've always been somewhat indifferent to the gun debate. I come from a family of gun owners, and even though I've never been overly fascinated by them myself, I had no real issues with others owning them. Even as an employee of Virginia Tech, I was not overly concerned about gun control after the mass shooting in 2007. My stance has been that we just need better mental health services in this country, because sane people do not kill random strangers. I've even said the "guns don't kill people, people kill people" line. HOWEVER, I'm tired of the shootings. I'm tired of being indifferent. People do kill people but they won't kill as many if they don't have such easy access to guns. Something has to change.
As a follower of Christ, I cannot reconcile the peaceful gentleness of Jesus telling us to love our enemies, turn the other cheek, and to not worry about anything with that of Christian gun owners grumbling every time a mention is made that there might be limits imposed on their ability to purchase a gun (including guns that aren't needed for simple protection or hunting game) whenever they want. This book affirmed the feelings that have been changing within me regarding the gun issue, and I completely agreed with the author on so many points. I do think that many people turn to their guns before they turn to their God and guns are "idols" in many people's lives.
I know the NRA is one of the most politically influential forces in the nation but this book also really opened my eyes to just how controlling the organization is, and I think "Gun Empire" is a fitting term. It is almost developing into a new religious cult.
I hope some Christian gun owners are brave enough to read this book simply to be reminded that guns are not greater than God.
March 16, 2018
If I were president, I'd make this book required reading of everyone in the entire U.S. So many Americans have lost their minds when it comes to guns. Atwood explains what's really going on in the gun empire and it involves turning guns into a kind of religion. In fact, Warren Cassidy, a former NRA exec, actually said "you would get a far better understanding of the NRA if you were approaching us as one of the great religions of the world"! This "religion" and the idolatry that afflicts its adherents results in over 30,000 gun deaths in the U.S. every year like clockwork!
Atwood brings to light so many shocking facts that this book really is a revelation. Who knew that gun deaths in the U.S. from just 18 years (1979 - 1997) exceed all the deaths from every war we've ever fought from the Revolutionary War through 1991? Who knew that "children in the U.S. are 12 times more likely to die from firearms injury than children in 25 other industrialized nations combined"? We aren't really allowed to study these facts or openly discuss solutions because of the idiotic legislation the NRA has forced into existence. The 50 laws and policies that Atwood lists in chapter 15 as perpetuating murder and disorder in the U.S. would curdle your blood. Our policies hamstring our own law enforcement personnel and put them at unconscionable risk. Our poor regulation invites the Mexican cartel to buy their weapons of choice in the U.S., which is wreaking havoc and costing lives in cities across our southern border. READ THIS BOOK. Knowledge is power.
Atwood brings to light so many shocking facts that this book really is a revelation. Who knew that gun deaths in the U.S. from just 18 years (1979 - 1997) exceed all the deaths from every war we've ever fought from the Revolutionary War through 1991? Who knew that "children in the U.S. are 12 times more likely to die from firearms injury than children in 25 other industrialized nations combined"? We aren't really allowed to study these facts or openly discuss solutions because of the idiotic legislation the NRA has forced into existence. The 50 laws and policies that Atwood lists in chapter 15 as perpetuating murder and disorder in the U.S. would curdle your blood. Our policies hamstring our own law enforcement personnel and put them at unconscionable risk. Our poor regulation invites the Mexican cartel to buy their weapons of choice in the U.S., which is wreaking havoc and costing lives in cities across our southern border. READ THIS BOOK. Knowledge is power.
September 18, 2015
I am convinced of four things after reading this book: 1) Americans live in a perpetual fear of non-existent tyranny and paranoia of an erosion of freedom; 2) Guns are literally an idol to the American populace including those who call themselves Christian; 3) Americans are a uniquely violent and aggressive people; 4) the American government is deathly afraid of the Gun Empire and as a result will never take away guns from the American people. In his book, Atwood approaches the delicate subject of gun ownership and gun violence from both a spiritual and socio-political perspective. Many statistics are shown that guns are in fact a grave danger to our society rather than the security mechanism it is often touted to be by the pro-gun advocates... at least with the present state of affairs. The author maintains that through stricter gun laws, our society can truly become free while at the same time keeping the right to bear arms. This is an excellent read for people like me who are fed up with America's obsession with guns and the violence that has permeated our land. This is also a good read for those who are exploring the issue of gun control. But, if you are a gun advocate you will likely despise this book along with this book review.
November 21, 2017
This was a very readable look at the way that guns have become worshipped idols, at the expense of trust and kindness.
November 5, 2020
Great book on the subject whether you agree or not it's a good idea to see all views
January 23, 2013
Written by a faithful Presbyterian whose prophetic voice names America's unique obsession with guns for what it is: idolatry. He calls the church out for its inaction regarding the amount of gun violence we have come to accept as "normal."
May 13, 2021
Maybe this wasn't the book I was looking for.
It's not that I didn't appreciate the ideas. It's that the whole thing was riddled with grammatical and syntactical errors to the point of distraction. In addition, several anecdotes, quotes, and statistics were repeated in multiple places in the book. My last caveat would be that the subtitle was misleading; aside from the broad main idea of guns as idols (a clear and astute point, for sure), I found quite a lot of the book to be more of an attempt at political persuasion, aimed at the church, from one Christian's point of view, rather than a "theological exposé." Definitely read the foreword by Brueggeman; also hit the quotes from Walter Wink and John Dear. Skim (but don't necessarily skip) the rest.
It's not that I didn't appreciate the ideas. It's that the whole thing was riddled with grammatical and syntactical errors to the point of distraction. In addition, several anecdotes, quotes, and statistics were repeated in multiple places in the book. My last caveat would be that the subtitle was misleading; aside from the broad main idea of guns as idols (a clear and astute point, for sure), I found quite a lot of the book to be more of an attempt at political persuasion, aimed at the church, from one Christian's point of view, rather than a "theological exposé." Definitely read the foreword by Brueggeman; also hit the quotes from Walter Wink and John Dear. Skim (but don't necessarily skip) the rest.
May 17, 2019
This book is a difficult read simply because of its exhaustive coverage of the violence committed with guns in America in recent years and of the depths to which extremists and corporate interests have sunk to "protect their rights." Nevertheless, it provides an even-handed look at the problematic theology of guns from a retired pastor and missionary who is both a hunter and user of guns and an unabashed crusader to limit the sales of handguns, semi-automatic guns, assault rifles, and other weapons strictly meant for the efficient slaughter of human beings. Atwood sees hope in the building alliance between non-violence advocates and realistic gun owners. May he be right.
November 9, 2023
I completely agree with the premise of this book - that faith in the worship of violence and weapons is an extremely un-spiritual and un-Christian way to engage in the world.
Reading it in 2023 - knowing what came later in the year it was published (2012) - is eerie. This was only slightly pre-Sandyhook - the moment in time where our nation made it clear that guns are more important then children.
There were some places where I thought the citations were a bit sloppy, hence the three star rating, rather than higher.
Reading it in 2023 - knowing what came later in the year it was published (2012) - is eerie. This was only slightly pre-Sandyhook - the moment in time where our nation made it clear that guns are more important then children.
There were some places where I thought the citations were a bit sloppy, hence the three star rating, rather than higher.
April 19, 2021
An informative, faith-based look at gun violence in the United States and how the church can-- and should-- play a role in reducing that violence and the idolatry that leads to it.
I appreciated the author's perspective as both a gun owner and a church leader, as well as his in-depth research and commitment to finding common ground for common sense regulations.
I appreciated the author's perspective as both a gun owner and a church leader, as well as his in-depth research and commitment to finding common ground for common sense regulations.
June 1, 2022
This book was written in 2012.
Insurrection and naming the power and principalities behind violence and the Gun Empire - with their talking points.
It is staggering the number, reported through 2012, of gun incidents that occurred.
I would like to see an updated version, if only to get the numbers through a closer-in-time point.
Insurrection and naming the power and principalities behind violence and the Gun Empire - with their talking points.
It is staggering the number, reported through 2012, of gun incidents that occurred.
I would like to see an updated version, if only to get the numbers through a closer-in-time point.
March 30, 2018
I truly appreciated the author’s challenging take on the intersection of faith and culture. I was convicted more than a few times. I would have given it 5 stars if the author would have provided more of a theological undertone throughout the entire book.
August 23, 2022
Atwood brings together information on gun violence in America and the theological understanding of the Christian faith. The book was written 10 years ago which time has reinforced the necessity for actions to confront gun violence in our country.
July 18, 2023
Slightly dated now, but a very helpful intro to a Christian view of America's dangerous obsession with guns. Would also recommend the author's more recent book Collateral Damage: Changing the Conversation about Firearms and Faith for more updated statistics.
October 10, 2019
Sensible
Everyone in America should read this book. They should all them act to end this madness. Many lives are at stake.
Everyone in America should read this book. They should all them act to end this madness. Many lives are at stake.
March 2, 2017
I was hesitant to pick up this book for fear that it would be either an anti-gun religious rant or a pro-gun carrying book. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised.
James Atwood talks about the right to own guns along with the dangers of allowing the NRA to dictate what we should do. He attempts to reach a middle ground regarding the right to bear arms vs the need and safety of all. It's clear that he is a gun owner attempting to show a balance with what the Bible says.
This book taught me a lot about gun rules. I had no idea that some of the rules would seem crazy to me (like no safeguards for mentally impaired or blind). Plus, I had heard that there were 20,000 rules about guns and now know that is not true. Not only did the author attempt to cover controversial topics backed by the NRA but also attempted to show other views held by the majority of gun owners. He touched on the fact that many gun owners idol their guns clearly going against the Biblical idea of idols.
This book is easy to read and full of information about gun ownership. It did not make me change my mind about how I feel about owning guns for other than hunting. Still, it did make me more aware of the rules and expectations of some gun owners. I think it is important to state the full second amendment because, as he says, only part of it is routinely quoted.
"A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed" Think about this entire second amendment not just the right to bear arms.
James Atwood talks about the right to own guns along with the dangers of allowing the NRA to dictate what we should do. He attempts to reach a middle ground regarding the right to bear arms vs the need and safety of all. It's clear that he is a gun owner attempting to show a balance with what the Bible says.
This book taught me a lot about gun rules. I had no idea that some of the rules would seem crazy to me (like no safeguards for mentally impaired or blind). Plus, I had heard that there were 20,000 rules about guns and now know that is not true. Not only did the author attempt to cover controversial topics backed by the NRA but also attempted to show other views held by the majority of gun owners. He touched on the fact that many gun owners idol their guns clearly going against the Biblical idea of idols.
This book is easy to read and full of information about gun ownership. It did not make me change my mind about how I feel about owning guns for other than hunting. Still, it did make me more aware of the rules and expectations of some gun owners. I think it is important to state the full second amendment because, as he says, only part of it is routinely quoted.
"A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed" Think about this entire second amendment not just the right to bear arms.
November 19, 2012
An important book that presents stunningly sober statistics, personal stories of tragedy and compassion, as well as concrete suggestions for action by the reader. A hunter himself, Jim provides a theological framework for distinction between hunting for sport and protection of human life. The book also weighs the argument between those who say that the church should not be involved in politics and those who consider acting from biblical calls to social justice as faithful acts that sometimes have political consequences.
Written from decades of experience on the issue--both as a pastor and denominational leader, this book is a must-read for schools, church and civic organizations.
Written from decades of experience on the issue--both as a pastor and denominational leader, this book is a must-read for schools, church and civic organizations.
January 2, 2013
This is an excellent survey of the status of guns and gun violence in this country. Atwood also presents compelling scriptural and theological arguments against the proliferation of guns in this country. He is knowledgeable and passionate about his subject. His scholarship is a little sloppy - too many statements that are not supported by cited sources. And it is a little rambling and repetitive. Still, I learned a whole lot that I never knew before.
March 16, 2014
A very helpful book in response to the need for gun violence prevention. I recommend it.
July 31, 2015
Some of the stats and facts are dated and/or debatable, but overall do not detract from the truth in this book.
April 25, 2017
A must read for anyone interested in learning about our gun culture.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews