Listening to Kirk, I hear the echo of voices from my youth:
+9
The Ku Klux Klan has historically used distorted and manipulated religious language to justify its white supremacist ideology, but these quotes and interpretations are universally rejected by mainstream Christian denominations. The KKK, particularly its 1920s incarnation, used a specific brand of Protestantism to fuel its hatred of Black Americans, Jewish people, and Catholics.
Examples of religious quotes and distortions by the KKK
Twisting scripture to promote racism: KKK imperial wizard Chris Barker once misquoted Leviticus 19:18 ("Love thy neighbor") by adding the phrase "of thy people," arguing that the Bible only required him to love white people. This selective and dishonest reading of scripture is a common tactic among hate groups.
Elevating the white race to divine status: A 1920s Klan publication claimed that the "distinction among the races is not accidental but designed" and "indicates the wisdom of the divine mind". This "racial exegesis" asserts that God created a hierarchy of races, with the white race at the top.
Sanctioning the KKK's actions as holy: In her 1925 book The Ku Klux Klan in Prophecy, Bishop Alma Bridwell White rationalized that the KKK was sanctioned by God "through divine illumination and prophetic vision". She even suggested that the Apostles and the Good Samaritan were members of the Klan.
Depicting the fiery cross as a Christian symbol: The KKK uses the burning cross—a symbol of racial intimidation—and portrays it as a sign of Christian sacrifice and service. One KKK leader described the fiery cross as driving away "darkness and gloom" with the fire of the cross, "purif[ying] and cleanse[ing] our virtues by the fire on His Sword".
Weaponizing Christian nationalism: KKK dogma often intertwines American patriotism with white Protestant Christianity. The Klan’s platform in the 1920s claimed, "Jesus Christ is the Klansman's criterion of character," and stated that the U.S. "must be preserved" as a "Protestant Christian democracy".
Sorry for the formatting
Listening to Kirk, I hear the echo of voices from my youth:
+9
The Ku Klux Klan has historically used distorted and manipulated religious language to justify its white supremacist ideology, but these quotes and interpretations are universally rejected by mainstream Christian denominations. The KKK, particularly its 1920s incarnation, used a specific brand of Protestantism to fuel its hatred of Black Americans, Jewish people, and Catholics.
Examples of religious quotes and distortions by the KKK
Twisting scripture to promote racism: KKK imperial wizard Chris Barker once misquoted Leviticus 19:18 ("Love thy neighbor") by adding the phrase "of thy people," arguing that the Bible only required him to love white people. This selective and dishonest reading of scripture is a common tactic among hate groups.
Elevating the white race to divine status: A 1920s Klan publication claimed that the "distinction among the races is not accidental but designed" and "indicates the wisdom of the divine mind". This "racial exegesis" asserts that God created a hierarchy of races, with the white race at the top.
Sanctioning the KKK's actions as holy: In her 1925 book The Ku Klux Klan in Prophecy, Bishop Alma Bridwell White rationalized that the KKK was sanctioned by God "through divine illumination and prophetic vision". She even suggested that the Apostles and the Good Samaritan were members of the Klan.
Depicting the fiery cross as a Christian symbol: The KKK uses the burning cross—a symbol of racial intimidation—and portrays it as a sign of Christian sacrifice and service. One KKK leader described the fiery cross as driving away "darkness and gloom" with the fire of the cross, "purif[ying] and cleanse[ing] our virtues by the fire on His Sword".
Weaponizing Christian nationalism: KKK dogma often intertwines American patriotism with white Protestant Christianity. The Klan’s platform in the 1920s claimed, "Jesus Christ is the Klansman's criterion of character," and stated that the U.S. "must be preserved" as a "Protestant Christian democracy".