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Pictures of you: God images, gun ownership, and empowerment in the United States

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  • Laura Upenieks
  • Terrence D. Hill
  • James E. Robertson

Abstract

Objective In the current study, we seek to shed new light on the role of religion in American gun culture by considering whether images people hold of God affect the probability of gun ownership and the experience of empowerment through guns for religious Americans (i.e., the extent to which owners derive security, identity, and status from their guns). Methods We analyze nationally representative data from the 2021 Baylor Religion Survey in the United States. Binary logistic and ordinary least squares regression models were used. Results We failed to observe any associations between God images and gun ownership. However, among gun owners (n = 430), belief in an engaged God was associated with lower levels of gun empowerment, while belief in a judgmental God was associated with higher levels. Conclusion God images may contribute to the experience of empowerment through guns by representing spiritual connection and intimacy or divine anger and retribution. We suggest that future research delve deeper into the intersection of God images and gun‐related beliefs and behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Upenieks & Terrence D. Hill & James E. Robertson, 2023. "Pictures of you: God images, gun ownership, and empowerment in the United States," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 104(2), pages 92-109, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:104:y:2023:i:2:p:92-109
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13236
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Samuel Stroope & Scott Draper & Andrew Whitehead, 2013. "Images of a Loving God and Sense of Meaning in Life," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 111(1), pages 25-44, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rajeev K. Goel & Michael A. Nelson, 2024. "Hold your fire! Influence of female legislators on gun legislation in the United States," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 105(1), pages 41-53, January.

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