: 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.
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).
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.