Violence, terrorism and the role of theology : repentant and rebellious Christian identity
Abstract
What has come to be known within the Academy as, Identity theology, is presented in the
literature as a monolithic belief system which supports and encourages terrorism and other forms
of political violence. This dissertation argues that inattention to theological and social issues
within the many Identity theology based groups in the US has led to a deeply flawed
understanding of the relation between Identity adherents, terrorism and other political violence.
Discussions about these groups in the literature are flawed and there is an imprecise understanding
which has led to an inaccurate alignment of widely varied social groups with a pejorative
classification that is neither descriptive of the various theologies at work, nor the social
manifestations observed in these groups. Further, the research suggests that the academic
community known as “Terrorism Studies” continues to contribute to the inaccurate
understanding and that those inaccuracies are likely impediments to effective government policy
in relation to the phenomenon known as Identity theology.
The research presented here suggests that there are both theological and social
distinctions, which can and should be delineated and understood by all those researching Identity
groups. The research highlights four significant types or differences within what is now known
as Identity theology, by highlighting the nuances between social groups including the Church of
Israel, Covenant, Sword and the Arm of the Lord (CSA), Mission to Israel, KKK and Aryan
Nations and suggests that a more precise understanding of the differences could lead to declining
instances of violence and more openness to positive social change by those who currently follow
these very different types of theological belief systems.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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