Bad Jesus, Republicans, and the NRA: A Dark Dance Amidst the Gunfire

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In the United States, the year 2023 has been marred by a tragic milestone: over 200 mass shootings have occurred in less than half a year. Eight innocent folks, including three children, were killed by a mass shooter at a Dallas-area mall on Saturday, making Texas second, after California, for the state with the most mass shootings this year. This alarming frequency of gun violence has prompted renewed debate, think ‘thoughts and prayers’ on the role of various political and social factors in perpetuating the problem. Central to this conversation is the complex relationship between the Republican Party, the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the controversial figure I like to call “Bad Jesus.”

Now, “Bad Jesus” is the opposite of “Good Jesus” but should not be confused with the mythological “anti-Christ.” I use this term to describe a distorted interpretation of Christian teachings. These teachings prioritize gun ownership and self-defense over the core values of love, compassion, and understanding. This troubling rendition of the Christian faith has found a foothold in certain segments of the American population, and its influence on the Republican Party and the NRA is undeniable.

The Republican Party has long been associated with a strong yet twisted defense of the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms. While there is a legitimate argument to be made in favor of responsible gun ownership, the party’s relationship with the NRA has led to a hardline stance against any form of gun control.

This unwavering position has been bolstered with the support of “Bad Jesus,” which justifies its adherence to gun rights with a selective interpretation of Biblical passages, i.e., Samuel 25:13: David said to his men: “Every man strap on his sword.” There is, of course, a big difference between a sword and a gun, but in keeping with the teaching of Bad Jesus himself, as written by his pal Luke: …and let the man who has no sword sell his clock and buy one. Seriously? As you know, the Bible, like the Constitution, can be interpreted to suit the interpreter’s needs.

As the nation’s leading gun-rights organization, the NRA has made it its mission to block any attempt at gun control legislation, often resorting to fear-mongering tactics and inflammatory rhetoric. In recent years, the NRA has embraced the “Bad Jesus” narrative as a means of garnering support from religious conservatives who view gun ownership as an essential part of their faith. This alliance has provided the NRA with a powerful and devoted voting bloc that often sways the Republican Party’s agenda.

The impact of this unholy trinity is palpable in the face of the ongoing gun violence crisis. With 200 mass shootings in 2023 alone, it is clear that the current state of affairs is unsustainable. Despite the situation’s urgency, the Republican Party and the NRA remain steadfast in their opposition to meaningful gun control legislation, often invoking the “Bad Jesus” ideology to justify their inaction.

This entanglement of religion, politics, and gun rights has not only contributed to the normalization of gun violence in the United States but also perpetuated a cycle of inaction and apathy. Victims of mass shootings and their families have been left to grieve while their cries for change go unheeded. It is a sobering reality that challenges the very foundations of American society and the principles of the Christian faith.

To break this cycle and confront the gun violence epidemic, it is crucial for the Republican Party to reevaluate its relationship with both the NRA and the burgeoning “Bad Jesus” movement. By disentangling religion from the gun control debate and embracing a more balanced approach to the Second Amendment, the party can help foster a safer and more compassionate society.

It is time for lawmakers, religious leaders, and citizens alike to reject the dangerous amalgamation of politics, faith, and firearms and prioritize the sanctity of human life above all else.

About Post Author

Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.

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