The Christian Identity Movement – What is it?

Fall Religions & Cults Other

TL;DR:

The Christian Identity movement is a racial interpretation of Christianity, promoting white supremacy and anti-Semitic beliefs. It is not an organized religion and does not reflect biblical Christianity.

what does the bible say?

The Christian Identity movement emerged from British Israelism in the 1920s and developed during the 1940s-1970s. Followers are often found among right-wing extremist groups. The movement has no centralized leadership or orthodoxy, operating instead through independent churches, study groups, and paramilitary organizations.

A core belief is that white people, particularly Anglo-Saxons, are the true descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel and thus God's chosen people, while modern Jews are considered either descendants of the Khazars or literal children of Satan. Non-white people are often dehumanized as "mud peoples" or pre-Adamic creations, inherently inferior to the white race. Adherents twist Scripture to justify their beliefs, as there is no actual evidence or proof of their claims.

God's promise, on the other hand, is the opposite. Instead of excluding people based on race or color, He has promised that all the nations of the earth will be represented in heaven (Revelation 5:9).

from the old testament

All human beings are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

from the new testament

The Bible teaches that all people, regardless of race or ethnicity, share a common ancestry in Adam (Acts 17:26).
All believers, regardless of their background, are united in Christ (Galatians 3:28). This spiritual unity transcends earthly distinctions.
The Gospel is for all people, transcending cultural, linguistic, and ethnic boundaries (Revelation 5:9).

implications for today

Christian Identity adherents anticipate an apocalyptic racial holy war, viewing themselves as defenders of good against a satanic conspiracy led by Jews and people of color. This belief has justified acts of violence and terrorism, including the 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff involving Randy Weaver, an adherent whose confrontation with federal agents resulted in multiple deaths. The movement’s influence extends beyond its small core membership, shaping ideologies within the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazi groups, and anti-government militia movements.

Although the number of formal adherents has declined—estimated at around 2,000 in the U.S.—the ideology persists and adapts through online platforms where it continues to radicalize individuals. Despite its marginal size, Christian Identity remains a significant force in the radicalization pipeline for domestic violent extremism in the United States.

The Christian Identity Movement is not true Christianity. They may claim to believe in Jesus Christ, but the god they worship is nothing like Jesus, who offered salvation to all who would believe (John 3:16) and died to make that salvation possible.

understand

Christian Identity is a racist distortion of Christianity promoting white supremacy.
Christian Identity twists Scripture, ignoring that all humans are made in God’s image and salvation is for everyone.
Christian Identity fuels extremist violence and is not true Christianity.

reflect

How do you guard your heart against believing or accepting any teaching that distorts God’s truth to elevate one group over another?
How do you examine your own attitudes and actions to ensure you honor the image of God in every person, regardless of race or background?
How does understanding that salvation is for all people shape the way you view and interact with those who are different from you?

engage

How can we help others discern the difference between true Christianity and movements that twist Scripture for racial or political agendas?
In what practical ways can we promote unity over closed-handed topics while opposing ideologies rooted in hate or exclusion?
How should Christians respond to extremist groups that claim to follow Christ but misrepresent His gospel?

More Resources

Worldview

What is a biblical view of prejudice, discrimination, and racism?

God made all humans in His image, so prejudice, discrimination, and racism are contrary to His character, heart, and design. Every person should be treated with dignity, valuing faith and character over ethnicity or social status.

Worldview

Kinism — What is it?

Kinism is a belief that racial segregation is ordained by God, but this idea contradicts Scripture. The Bible teaches unity in Christ, not division based on race, and promotes fellowship among believers of all nations.

Worldview

Does the Bible say anything about ethnocentrism?

The Bible consistently rejects ethnocentrism by affirming that all people are equally made in God’s image and equally redeemed by Christ. Any attitude of ethnic superiority rebuilds walls Jesus died to tear down and stands in direct opposition to the gospel.

Why is there so much anti-Semitism in the world?

The world has always hated the Jewish people because of their special place in God’s heart. The Jews have always been a part of God’s redemptive plan to bring salvation to the world.