Ally
This is a non-fiction work that examines the intersection of American evangelicalism and gun culture (ownership, policies, beliefs, etc), and the effect thereof on American politics. The author is a journalist, who was fully immersed in the evangelical movement for years. He eventually distanced himself, largely over what he felt was the incongruence of his faith and the broader group's love (worship?) of guns and gun culture. This makes the book interesting because it has a baseline of journalistic acumen, but also somewhat of an insider's perspective.
Kole travels the country (and the world even) seeking the perspectives of policy experts, church leaders, activists, gun manufacturers, and everyday people. The book is not unbiased; Kole obviously believes that gun culture, and especially purported Christians' involvement in it, are problematic at best. This is a belief I share, so I'm not unbiased either. But I do think he does an excellent job of presenting a variety of perspectives without resorting to mockery or condescension.
The book is eye-opening in some ways, but confirms things I already know in others. It threads the needle of combining interesting narrative with facts and statistics in the way I need from non-fiction.
Overall an interesting read that I recommend, but it will probably appeal most to those already interested in/concerned about this subject matter. (I would argue that that should include all Americans and especially all parents...) Be forewarned though, as one might guess, it is not a soothing or reassuring read.
This is a non-fiction work that examines the intersection of American evangelicalism and gun culture (ownership, policies, beliefs, etc), and the effect thereof on American politics. The author is a journalist, who was fully immersed in the evangelical movement for years. He eventually distanced himself, largely over what he felt was the incongruence of his faith and the broader group's love (worship?) of guns and gun culture. This makes the book interesting because it has a baseline of journalistic acumen, but also somewhat of an insider's perspective.
Kole travels the country (and the world even) seeking the perspectives of policy experts, church leaders, activists, gun manufacturers, and everyday people. The book is not unbiased; Kole obviously believes that gun culture, and especially purported Christians' involvement in it, are problematic at best. This is a belief I share, so I'm not unbiased either. But I do think he does an excellent job of presenting a variety of perspectives without resorting to mockery or condescension.
The book is eye-opening in some ways, but confirms things I already know in others. It threads the needle of combining interesting narrative with facts and statistics in the way I need from non-fiction.
Overall an interesting read that I recommend, but it will probably appeal most to those already interested in/concerned about this subject matter. (I would argue that that should include all Americans and especially all parents...) Be forewarned though, as one might guess, it is not a soothing or reassuring read.
