Rethinking Faith In Guns We Trust: White Evangelicals and the Gospel of Guns - With William J. Kole
Jan 14, 2026
William J. Kole, a seasoned journalist and author, explores the provocative ties between white evangelicals and firearms. He shares his personal journey from the church to investigative journalism, revealing the alarming influence of fear and Christian nationalism. Kole discusses the dangerous myth of the 'good guy' with a gun and highlights how political power obstructs sensible gun reforms. He contrasts the U.S. gun culture with international perspectives and shares innovative community solutions, like transforming firearms into garden tools to combat violence.
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Guns In Worship Rehearsal Spark Inquiry
- William J. Kole discovered his bass player brought a 9mm to worship rehearsal and was shocked by armed churchgoers.
- That moment launched his investigation into evangelicals' high gun ownership and industry influence.
The 'Good Guy' Myth Fuels Risky Armament
- The 'good guy with a gun' myth drives widespread private armament despite poor real-world effectiveness.
- Regular citizens rarely stop mass shooters and are more likely to be harmed by accessible guns.
Household Guns Increase Suicide And Child Deaths
- Household guns significantly raise suicide and accidental child-death risks according to Kole.
- Accidental firearm deaths now exceed car crashes as the top killer of children.
