Sadly today, many US religious groups (calling themselves Christians and invariably vrey far right - and of course never wrong...) have a seriously intolerant view to anyone who doesn't subscribe to their particular brand of religion (and that can include intolerance towards other factions/versions of Christianity too which abound). Woe betide any politician seeking office who doesn't subscribe to and go along with the local church group in his/her area and their particular views on many matters. Some of these groups are emulating tactics and policies of assorted theocracies which now permeate across the Middle East and elsewhere. Margaret Attwood's A Hand Maiden's Tale etc. is fast becoming a reality in many areas.
True, it's no joke.
America isn't so much a 'democracy' as a 'theocracy'. But if they really were true believers they would behave very differently from anyone else, yet they don't. The deal is that if you do right in this life by all manner of people, you will go to heaven and live in paradise for eternity. But if you don't you will be consigned to eternal damnation.
You'd imagine therefore, that with so many 'believers', life in America would be tranquil. If only that were so. Consider the homicide figures in comparison to other developed countries, which are largely post-religious societies:
Homicide rates per 100,000 population 2021:
USA 6.8. Total 22,941 (Equal to 7.5 9/11 atrocities in one year).
Canada 2.1 Total: 788
France 1.1 Total 734
UK 1.0 Total 673
Germany 0.8 Total 695
Australia 0.7 Total 193
Source:
List of countries by intentional homicide rate - Wikipedia
Some will argue it's down to gun ownership , (given that there are 120 civilian guns per head of population, 393 million civilian guns in all). Maybe it is in part, but it still leaves the question of why do so many Americans (69% of whom profess to be Christians, compared to 46% in England & Wales for example), hate each other so much that they kill each other, often with multiple victims.
One of definition ‘mass killings’ is an act of public firearm violence -excluding gang killings, domestic violence, or terrorist acts sponsored by an organisation - in which a shooter kills at least four victims. Using this definition, a 2016 study found that nearly one-third of the world's public mass shootings between 1966 and 2012 (90 of 292 incidents) occurred in the United States. (Many more since 2016).
Maybe this is the answer: 'Sunday Morning Christians':
Lyrics:
Mr Jones this car you sold me isn't all that I desired
You swore it was young and healthy now I find it's old and tired
But a deal's a deal you tell me and there's nothing to be done
Mr Jones I'd like you better if you robbed me with a gun
You're a Sunday morning Christian sir, singing louder than the rest
Beg forgiveness at the altar, with your chin down on your chest
But tomorrow will be Monday you'll revert back to your ways
Gougin' kickin' cheatin' shovin' with no thoughts of God or lovin'
Don't let me stand in your way surely God will forgive you next Sunday.
Mrs Smith your fine attendance shows the Christian life you live
But I know you little secret you expect God to forgive
You'll kiss your husband Monday morning, see him safely on his way
Then get ready for your lover - it's a long time 'till Sunday
You're a Sunday morning Christian ma'm