NCJ Number
195974
Journal
American Behavioral Scientist Volume: 44 Issue: 6 Dated: February 2001 Pages: 937-956
Date Published
February 2001
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article explores apocalyptic theology in four American extremist religions: Christian Identity; Nordic Christianity and Odinism; violent, "freewheeling" fundamentalism; and Creatorism.
Abstract
This article projects that terrorism in the new millennium will be influenced by resurgent fundamentalism and religious doctrines of violent intolerance. This will be especially true when religious dogmas embrace eschatological or "end-of-time" theology. This article explores criminological aspects of eschatology as it is manifested in domestic, right-wing, racist violence and extremism. Two methodologies are used in this analysis: historical-descriptive analysis and theological explication. After defining some basic parameters, the article begins by placing right-wing extremism in the context of American history. This is followed by a description of recent events that have spurred the growth of the radical right. A theological discussion follows the historical segment. It consists of an analysis of the characteristics that right-wing religions have in common, an examination of factors that must be present to form a theology of hate, and a critique of the mythology of hate. The article notes that among the four theological orientations examined, beliefs differ. The common factor among the four groups is that their theology is the basis for claiming ethnic, racial, and national superiority. Other religions are demonized, and the ethnocentric proclamation of theology becomes the basis for violence and terrorism. With access to weapons of mass destruction, Armageddon beckons warriors who have developed a mythology of hate. Thus, political eschatology has become a dangerous reality of the new century. 44 references