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" Baptizing Nazism: An Analysis of the Religious Roots of American Neo-Nazism "
Milwicki, Alon
Lichtman, Allan J.
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Latin Dissertation
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English
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| Record Number
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1051853
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TL50970
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| Main Entry
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Milwicki, Alon
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| Title & Author
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Baptizing Nazism: An Analysis of the Religious Roots of American Neo-Nazism\ Milwicki, AlonLichtman, Allan J.
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| College
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American University
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| Date
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2019
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| Degree
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Ph.D.
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2019
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| Note
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243 p.
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| Abstract
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This project will examine the Christian Identity Minister and racist zealot Wesley Swift and his role in crafting a lasting ideology for American Neo-Nazis and White Supremacists. Although 21st century America has dismissed Christian Identity as a fringe movement in American society, Swift’s teachings and sermons have provided an enduring theological justification for white racial superiority and domination of American society that still exists today. Many known white supremacists and Neo-Nazis like William Potter Gale, Conrad Gaard, Gerald L.K. Smith, Bertrand Comparet, and most notably, Richard Girnt Butler, have mentioned Swift as a positive influence or mentor. For the most part, scholars have failed to engage Swift’s organizations, writings, teachings, sermons, and speeches directly—and if they have, it is primarily to outline the doctrine of Christian Identity. Arguably, the reason for Swift’s success and the continued existence of his teachings was because he removed the movement from the political arena, and never strayed far from the pulpit. For this reason, it seems that historians have rarely addressed Swift as anything beyond being the voice of Christian Identity and have downplayed or ignored the foundations and broader implications of his movement. There were few – if any – right-wing extremist organizations or individuals that Swift did not influence in some way. This systematic study of Swift’s crusade and methodical emphasis on religious justification will enable a better understanding of why certain pockets of American society – including churches, organizations such as the Aryan Nations, gangs and prison gangs– continue to subscribe to his teachings, and how they continue to change, grow, gain support, and influence mainstream America.
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American history
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History
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Lichtman, Allan J.
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American University
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