Radical religion in America

By Jeffrey Kaplan

Book Description

Jeffrey Kaplan ventures into the complex terrain where religious conviction meets radical ideology in contemporary America. This scholarly examination explores three distinct apocalyptic movements that exist far beyond conventional spiritual boundaries: Christian Identity adherents who claim Aryan lineage to biblical tribes, practitioners of Odinism and Asatru seeking to revive ancient Norse-Germanic traditions, and B'nai Noah followers who embrace pre-Christian covenantal beliefs.

Through careful analysis, Kaplan reveals how these groups navigate their relationships with each other while facing internal tensions and external scrutiny from monitoring organizations. He examines the spectrum of violence within these communities, distinguishing between spontaneous acts by peripheral members and more systematic millenarian expectations.

The author presents a nuanced perspective on how fringe religious movements challenge fundamental questions about constitutional protections and religious freedom. Rather than dismissing these groups outright, Kaplan argues that understanding their beliefs and motivations becomes essential for maintaining democratic principles in a pluralistic society.

This work offers readers interested in religious studies and social dynamics a thoughtful exploration of how extreme spiritual movements operate within American culture. Kaplan's analysis provides insight into the delicate balance between protecting religious liberty and addressing the concerns these movements raise about violence and social disruption.

For those seeking to understand the full spectrum of American religious expression, this book illuminates corners of spiritual practice that remain largely hidden from mainstream view.