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Faith

Holy War? White Evangelicals Shun Gun Control — But Majority of Black Christians & Catholics Want Stricter Laws

Dec. 19, 2012 10:15pm Billy Hallowell

Gun control seems to be the issue on many pundits’ minds following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. While Americans remain divided on the legalities, intriguing results are observed when people of faith are asked to weigh in on the handling of firearms. In August, TheBlaze reported on a study that attempted to get at the heart of the matter — one that is important to revisit as the nation prepares to debate this issue on a grand scale.

With faith leaders poised to play a role in the discussion, understanding where different religious cohorts and denominations stand will showcase what can be expected as the contention heats up. On Sunday, just two days after the tragic shooting, Washington National Cathedral dean, the Very Rev. Gary Hall, pledged to take on the pro-gun lobby.

During a morning sermon, he told more than 1,000 faithful in attendance that fighting for stricter firearm control is necessary.

White Evangelicals, Black Christians & Catholics Disagree on Gun Control

Photo Credit: Getty Images

“Everyone in this city seems to live in terror of the gun lobby,” Hall said. “But I believe the gun lobby is no match for the cross lobby.”

Not every person of faith is on board with this notion, though. A study by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and Religion News Service (RNS) earlier this year found that people of divergent faiths — mainly the Catholic, Protestant and evangelical traditions — have diverse views on gun control.

Conducted in early August, the polling found that 52 percent of the nation wants stricter gun laws, with 44 percent does not. But when it comes to Catholics and evangelicals, the differences over firearm control are even more notable.

While 62 percent of Catholic adherents want stricter laws on the matter, only 35 percent of white evangelical Protestants agree (and 42 percent of white mainline Protestants). White evangelicals are also much more likely to believe that people should be able to carry concealed firearms in churches and places of worship.

As for black protestants, a past 2011 ABC News/Washington Post poll found that 71 percent would tighten laws if possible. In an interview with RNS News earlier this year, the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest, noted some of the reasons why Catholics may favor greater restrictions.

“Catholics may congregate more in urban centers and may be more exposed to violent crimes than people in other parts of he country,” he explained, going on to note that traditional acceptance of law as the will of the people might also contribute to support for stricter gun regulations.

Differences over views on the most effective ways to prevent mass shootings are also worth noting. It seems, like on many other fronts, that the American public as a whole is divided. Here are some of the methods for reducing gun crime, as cited by the general population (as per RNS News):

– 27 percent of respondents said stricter gun control would help.
– 22 percent cited better mental health screenings and support for those who want guns.
– 20 percent argued for a greater emphasis on God and morality in school and society.
– 14 percent want stricter security at public gatherings.
– 11 percent said allowing more private citizens to carry guns for protection is the answer.

The table, below, showcases these same results among White evangelicals, White mainstream Protestants, minority Christians, Catholics and the unaffiliated. (Photo Credit: Christianity Today/PRRI)

Digging beneath these numbers, though, religious differences can, once again, be observed. Christianity Today has more about this dynamic, providing deeper understanding of the ideological differences than exist among faith cohorts:

Only 8 percent of white evangelical Protestants said “stricter gun control laws and enforcement” are the most important solution, whereas 19 percent said “better mental health screening and support.” A plurality (36%) chose a third option: “Put more emphasis on God and morality in school and society.”

Meanwhile, a plurality (41%) of minority Christians favor focusing on gun control, whereas 20 percent favor focusing on mental health. Only 14 percent favor focusing on God and morality.

Certainly, some of the sample sizes presented here are small — and data for Catholics broken down by ethnicity is not available. But, at the least, what can be surmised is that people of different faith groups, for a variety of reasons, disagree on this timely issue.

–

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Comments (156)

BmanIII
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:37pm
What did you expect?

120% of blacks voted for Obama and 70% ( I think it was) of Catholics voted for the Partial Birth Abortion/Contraceptive President.

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- GoodStuff
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 12:06am
  Catholics are to blame for Obama’s election and re-election.
  
  Report this comment
- Git-R-Done
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 7:25pm
  I’m Catholic who didn’t vote for Obama either time.
  
  Report this comment
Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:35pm
Anyway– Anyone really trust a poll coming from alinsky radicals? We just had an election- This was on nobody’s platform — THAT is the only poll that anyone need look to.

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Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:31pm
Any PP “Doctor” lays his hands on my baby and a gun will be the least of his worries. I might add- If Obama comes anywhere near my daughter offering her a condom i will beat his sorry liberal/progressive/commie assz back to the stone ages. Take it to the bank. Bow- Watch the little weasel sick the secret service on me for protecting my babies and my rights. Obama is a coward.

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HOOT_OWL
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:28pm
Your delusional . You meant to say Islam.

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Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:28pm
Just as soon as the current laws are enforced and the guns are out of the hands of criminals and terrorists- THEN we can talk. Not much, but we can talk.

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skippy6
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:25pm
Let’s see, doctors are killing babies, minority gangs are killing each other and gays are dying because they have a higher rate of STDs…..How does this tie into A riffle that doesn’t exist?

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Eoghan51
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:24pm
Not this catholic! I guess I’m a minority 0_o

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- vtxphantom
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:46pm
  Ditto. I just renewed my NRA menbership too. I have no problem with conceal/carry when I go to my church.
  
  Report this comment
- sta
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 6:43am
  This Catholic as well,
  But when did 32% become “a Majority”?
  
  Report this comment
DADDYWOREAWHITEHAT
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:16pm
That’s not accurate. Are you just saying that hoping that someone will enter a heated debate which you can entertain yourself with? This is actually a serious topic not just entertainment. And distorting facts will never change anyone’s opinion so winning hearts cannot be your goal.

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booger71
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:15pm
Please put down the bong, it is rotting your brains.

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Keatonc33
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:10pm
I wish i could “like” this comment.

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Jon308
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:59pm
This is what I mean by the liberals will keep us divided, Its time blacks, whites, mexicans, and anybody else inside the boundrys of the united states gets it through their head if you stay divided they win .You will loose, They say this is not a Christian nation anymore this is being said by the muslim in the white house. Of course they want your guns, If you pull the teeth on the dog he is not taken very serious anymore and he has no way to defend himself. Then who is in charge, those left with the guns. Diane feinstien carries a gun so does Barbera Striesand they just dont want you to have one. Dont be stupid, This president has done more to divide this country than anybody. Dont fall for their agenda which is to take away your freedom. WEneed to stand together. BE a CHRISTIAN NATION all of us. Its not supposed to matter what the color is we all bleed red.

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- DADDYWOREAWHITEHAT
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:25pm
  For the last 60 years this country has been one where white is the only race required to be color-blind. I was raised that way but lately I have seen a great divide which has concerned me. While I have been color-blind before as that was how I was raised, now I see a great racism. The discrimination is against the white race (other than Mexicans). When I have not discriminated against others I find it unfair when there is discrimination against me because I am white. & don’t tell me I deserve it because my ancestors benefited from slavery, my ancestors came here from France & picked cotton. My husband is 1/16 Indian & his race was here long before anyone else.
  
  Report this comment
- BmanIII
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:42pm
  @Jon308
  
  … Diane feinstien carries a gun so does Barbera Striesand they just dont want you to have one.
  
  Does Babs hide it in that hideous nose of hers? I mean it could conceal one, couldn’t it?
  
  Report this comment
Psychosis
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:58pm
who cares

ITS NOT UP FOR A VOTE not now, not ever

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fr33dm
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:57pm
NOT THIS CATHOLIC! MOLON LABE! Oh yeah I also run an Online Gun Sales company. Forget the wimps at Cheaper Than Dirt, come on over to FR33DM Arms. http://fr33dm.com

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- TyrannyNoMore
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 2:34pm
  I checked your site. I would love to give you some business friend. However, like every other on-line dealer at this time, YOU HAVE NO INVENTORY ! Please let us know when you do. At least you did not fold under pressure like the wusses over at Cheaper Than Dirt.
  
  Report this comment
HOOT_OWL
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:54pm
Here’s the Problem .

The people of this country ..

Has never tasted true slavery and tyranny before.

But I believe that the direction we are going.

And the speed on which we are doing it

That problem will be soon remedied .

Just like spoiled little brats….Always the HARD WAY..!

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scissorflash
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:53pm
Reading the comment section on this site just makes me even more grateful your sad party lost the election.
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- RIGHTWINGHATEMACHINE
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:04pm
  My words exactly. This site exposes the true nature of the far right religeous zealots.
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc33
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:11pm
  haha! amen!
  
  Report this comment
- chicago76
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:12pm
  Obamazombies are monsters roaming the streets looking to eat whatever they can find, the rich, the middle class, the poor, anyone who tries to work and be responsible for themselves and their families. Obamazombies multiply by passing out drugs called Obamabucks. We all need to protect ourselves from these ugly monsters and speaking of that your comments show the same dead head of the Obamazombies, Time to get out the zombie spray.
  
  Report this comment
- booger71
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:16pm
  You mean Patriots, thankyou
  
  Report this comment
- RabidPatriot
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:17pm
  The whole country lost in the last election. The far right, the far left and everyone in between. The person you voted for won, but you lost. You’re just not smart enough to know it.
  
  Report this comment
- SimpleTruths
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:19pm
  Strangely, the hard right seems to be convinced that the way to win over the country is to go further in the direction that caused them to lose in the first place. Good plan, for me anyway.
  
  Report this comment
- DblJ
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:40pm
  Way to avoid any true substance to your attempted slam – simpleton. I am a true conservative, self dependent, survivalist that ONLY fears God himself. To be totally straight up with you… I’m stoked YOUR entitlement minded group won – When it falls apart and the checks stop, people will be forced to become self sufficient. Unfortunately, fewer than 45% of our current pop. know how to hunt or grow food to survive. Might be a good restart to our corrupt, dependency weakened society.
  
  Report this comment
- katzkiner
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:44pm
  Who was going to riot if their man didn’t win? Who was going to kill Romney if he won?
  Who was calling to kill NRA members THIS week. Who wants to kill white people? Who wants to kill white babies? Who wants to arrest Obama’s’ opposition? Violent, nasty, stupid left wing commie idiots. Sick puppies. One thing good about all the death threats from the left over the last 4 years. We on the right ready for you, when you feel froggy………
  
  Report this comment
- Lord_Frostwind
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 6:01am
  Will this parade of self righteous, crocodile tear internet crusaders ever dry up? “Oh you’re so bigoted mean spirited, blah blah blah.” Truth of the matter is you’re a bunch of ego freaks who need to feel important so you stroke your ego with idiocy like this that has no discernible effect on the problems faced by the world, but give you a raging egogasm.
  
  Here’s a fact, the Assault Weapon Ban and Gun Control in general have been colossal failures in the US. While you sit around crying about how we should be more like the Euros, you need to wake up and realize that we aren’t Europe! The solutions that work over there aren’t some guaranteed fix all for us over here, in fact a lot of them don’t work for any number of reasons.
  
  But no, we’re going to do the exact same thing to solve this problem that not only failed, but failed colossally the last time we did it, and when it fails, you’ll break out the crocodile tears, blame us for all the people dying and demand more control even though you couldn’t get
  even a limited version of it right.
  
  But what do I know? I’ve only studied crime, legislation and the enforcement of said legislation for four years now. I’m sure you in your infinite feeley wisdom know more than I could ever understand.
  
  Report this comment
- sheriff32
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 11:39am
  And now catholics aren’t true Christians? their group is getting smaller and smaller.
  
  Report this comment
EqualForce
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:53pm
Guns act as “force equalizers” for all men, women, and children enabling defense from stronger, more able violent attackers that would otherwise not be possible.

For a sample of recent examples not typically reported in the national media check out:

equalforce.net

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repairsea
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:39pm
Hold on. All the Catholics and Blacks Christians I know plan on keeping their guns. This is a bogus poll. Here is a great story about this type of propaganda by the Democratic KKK and Notre Dame
http://archives.nd.edu/hope/hope26.htm

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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:47pm
  Aye, same.
  
  Besides, who cares what others want banned. A right is a right, it’s not subject to vote or consent. To hell with those against my rights.
  
  Report this comment
- scissorflash
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:49pm
  Yeah, all those damn black, hispanic, and asian KKK members voted for the black president. Seriously, you are one deluded sad person.
  
  Report this comment
RisetovotesiR
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:30pm
it just shows that evangelicals lack logic, reasoning, or an understanding of modern culture. the world is too small for it not to become one.

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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:37pm
  One what? Neck on the block for execution?
  
  Report this comment
- RisetovotesiR
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 2:30am
  unless your country has sent you into combat, rarely are you under fire here? you need to asses your being brother?
  
  Report this comment
- Lord_Frostwind
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 6:06am
  I’ll pass on joining this so called unity you preach thank you. If that puts me in the minority, so be it, I’ve never been keen on being part of the crowd anyway.
  
  Before I leave, have you ever asked yourself Rise, what’s the difference between a wolf and a sheepdog?
  
  Report this comment
South Philly Boy
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:27pm
Same people who voted for obummer

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- PatriotSunDevil
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:03pm
  You are right South Philly. Stupid, bigoted people will never learn anything. It is like they were born with their head up their A S $. We will not even get into how much white catholics have nothing but contempt for black baptists and vice-versa . I know plenty of these “Christans” on both sides. Can’t fix stupid and ignorant I suppose. Oh yeah, Go Phillies!!!
  
  Report this comment
searching for the Truth
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:27pm
Sorry! Don’t believe it ! Post all the fictitious polls you want – too many people have gone to war – and those that haven’t – most have met the real cause of it but has not recognized it. Yeah. I know – a lot of people only pick up a gun with the thumb and fore-finger – including the ringleader.

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banjarmon
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:25pm
My Second Amendment Right,
“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”
allows ME to Protect your First Amendment Rights!!!
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

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- scissorflash
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:51pm
  We liberals are just trying to regulate you militia, says it right there in the Bill of Rights.
  
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- HOOT_OWL
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:14pm
  Scissor, ok you cant comprehend the Bill of Rights.
  I think we should ban your brain .
  
  Report this comment
- booger71
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:18pm
  Read the 2nd half after the comma scissor hand.
  
  Report this comment
pdw
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:25pm
This is understandable as their leadership teaches hate and bigotry. This is what you get when you teach people to be angry, If you teach them to kill they will kill you, if you teach them to hate they will hate you. If you teach them to steal they will steal from you. This has always be the process of hate. When their leadership teaches them to love a lot of this evil will go away.

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- SendTheMeteors
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:49pm
  So true. If you want to get at the people who are the purveyors of hate, you can’t do better than this website, one which exposes the haters and the moochers and well contrasts them with the the makers and those who love God. That battle can be found here in front of your very eyes!
  
  Mankind would do well to listen to the wisdom found here. Here you will find the righteousness of the pure and Godlike with regard to gun ownership set against the damnable sin of homosexuality and the equally damnable sin of premarital sex and adultery.
  
  Here, you will find Good, and you will find Evil. Praise God that you can easily see the difference! God is Great!
  
  Report this comment
- TH30PH1LUS
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 3:57am
  Try reading something factual about American Christians before posting your hate http://www.amazon.com/Who-Really-Cares-Compassionate-Conservatism/dp/0465008232
  
  Report this comment
- WalkThePath
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 4:09am
  Socialists and christians. I wonder if you will murder each other for your false gods. Ironically Jesus talks like a communist, hung out with whores, never had a girlfriend and hated the rich. He would have loved Obama.
  
  Time to realise neither doctrine works, for they are one and the same, and the only thing that made America great was the righteous Old Testament.
  
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- TH30PH1LUS
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 4:32am
  @ WalkThePath
  
  Please cite an example of Jesus “talking like a communist”? To the contrary, Jesus siad that levels of rewards and punishments in eternity would be given based on individual merit or guilt. The concept of the individual and/or merit is alien to communist thought.
  
  Jesus “would have loved Obama”? You mean in the sense that he loved all lying baby-killing politicians as he bled and died on the cross, right?
  
  Report this comment
WarMunger_Al
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:21pm
Black christians want to be enslaved again. Maybe they should never have been freed in the first place. People who don’t fight for their own freedom, don’t appreciate it as much.

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- HellboundandDown
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:29pm
  racist much? Ye Dark Gods.
  
  Report this comment
- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:39pm
  facts are facts, it is not racist. Slavery is alive and well in America…Only this time they volunteer for it.
  
  Report this comment
- CatB
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:50pm
  Welfare generation after generation = slavery.
  
  Report this comment
- scissorflash
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:50pm
  Typical right winger i’m afraid.
  
  Report this comment
- BODYBAG
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:51pm
  Preacher can have ANY opinion he wants. Means NOTHING to me.
  The notion that another individual thinks they have the right to dictate to me
  if, when & how I can protect and defend myself and my family is OFFENSIVE.
  
  You dont have that right and I wont give it to you.
  
  Report this comment
- Stab_friendly
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 8:45am
  Lol…wut…
  
  Report this comment
go2gym
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:20pm
And just wait until politicians gain an understanding of this one. A way to divide people of faith and put them against each other? The Left will be foaming at the mouth to exploit this one!

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- HellboundandDown
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:31pm
  they’re already against each other, Einstein. I love to watch ghouls and cannibals fight out over who has the 1 true faith.
  
  Report this comment
Elena2010
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:20pm
Because many Black Christians live in the inner city where they are targets for thugs in the ‘hood w/hoodies!

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- HellboundandDown
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:32pm
  and cuz white evangelicals are the dopes who fell for the Romney/Ryan song and dance and are too busy being confused to do anything of any import anymore. FAIL
  
  Report this comment
- TPartyXpress
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 6:37am
  @HellboundandDown
  Your screen name says it all. Enjoy, suckah!!!
  
  Report this comment

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