What's your level of spirituality?

[brighamr]

Not talking about brand of church, moreso level of spiritualism.

I recently learned that some of the greatest firearms designers of all time were very religious, which spurred this poll.

I'm interested if most gun owners have some belief in afterlife/rules of life... or if most gun owners don't think there is an afterlife or don't care.

I think the outcome will help give some perspective when people post about using guns for self defense (ie. If someone is hesitant to shoot another human, it could be due to their religious beliefs, whereas if that person had no concept of afterlife they may just shoot).

 

[SaxonPig]

Ordained minister.

But this will soon be locked as not gun related.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Atheist/Agnostic. This time is all we've got (or so I believe), so I want to survive as long as possible! (hence I want guns for protection). I think that's why a lot of atheists are gun-toters.

 

[brighamr]

Premium - that's exactly why I started this thread. The only gun owners I know are very religious!! I didn't think athiests carried because frankly, I'm the only athiest I know who is also into guns...

I have no issues with Religion, all of my family is devout. It's just different to me that most people I meet at the range seem to be religious.

 

[PAshooter]

Certified lay speaker - basically a lay preacher - in the United Methodist Church. Preach when called upon (a few times a year) as a substitute or when special services celebrating lay participation occur.

I believe. I don't believe in some of the stands my church officially takes. Every human institution is flawed... the church is a human institution. That doesn't change my beliefs or my relationship with "The Big Guy."

You'd be amazed how many "religious" people are gun folk. My life is a gift from God. He wants me to treasure - and protect - that gift.

 

[The Wiry Irishman]

I'm atheist, as well as several of my shooting buddies. Several are also deeply religious, following a variety of faiths. Several occupy positions somewhere in between. I think what this poll will show is that gun ownership and the shooting culture is something that transcends all belief systems, races, and walks of life.

 

[John828]

40 posts at most. Everyone is civil at first. IBTL

 

[.38 Special]

Dunno how long this thread will last, but it is interesting to me that, so far, there's a very broad mix.

I personally don't believe that guns and religion necessarily have anything to do with one another.

 

[j-easy]

i voted "Don't believe, don't attend. Still celebrate church holidays though" but i personally believe having faith in a higher being is good for people. while i don't currently go to church i think i probably might look into it down the road if i ever had kids or a family. and i'm not against church i usually only go about once a year, my mom grew up religious and doesn't go anymore but i try and make a point of going with her on Christmas. and i celebrate all the major holidays. Christmas, Easter, etc. and as far as self defense, i certainly want to avoid any and all confrontations, if mine or my family's lives are in imminent danger i don't think i would have a problem with neutralizing the threat. i hope it never comes to that though.

 

[jakemccoy]

Religion is related to guns when preachers infuse their thoughts on guns into their sermons, thereby influencing the masses.

 

[HK G3]

I'm agnostic.

I don't believe that a cosmic deity can be proven/disproven, and as such, am not religious, yet do not reject the notion of a God or gods outright as atheists do.

I can see why this thread was created though - there is a stereotype that gun-owners are overwhelmingly extremely devout Christian, so it'll be interesting to see the results.

 

[H088]

I support your ability to believe what ever you want, when you start pushing it off on me is when I get ticked.

 

[Mr_Rogers]

Myself when young did eagerly frequent
Doctor and Saint, and heard great Argument
About it and about: but evermore
Came out by the same Door as in I went.

With them the Seed of Wisdom did I sow,
And with my own hand labour'd it to grow:
And this was all the Harvest that I reap'd---
"I came like Water, and like Wind I go."

Omar Khayyam

 

[nplant]

I believe in a Supreme Being, but I don't subscribe to any particular faith. If anything, I'd identify somewhat with Bokononism or with Aenea's teachings from Dan Simmons's Hyperion series.

I've known lots of shooters that are religious, and many that aren't. I think it's like any other human population - we're all colors and creeds. Of course, if your poll finds something different, I'd be fascinated to learn why.

 

[teknoid]

I support your ability to believe what ever you want, when you start pushing it off on me is when I get ticked.

+1

I voted "don't care". Religion is great for those who believe. I've seen it provide comfort and solace for others. I don't partake, but lead what most Christians would consider a "moral" life. This is not the result from believing in a higher power, but from my parents.

 

[Jeff White]

This is off topic. We have a sister forum, http://www.armedpolitesociety.com/ just for discussions like this one.

Jeff