The Ku Klux Klan is a secret terrorist organization that originated in Pulaski, Tennessee after the end of the Civil War. This nineteenth century organization transformed from a social club to a vigilante band that used intimidation and violence to make their views known. The group in the South focused its attacks on the rising ambitions of the Negroes, but in other parts of the nation the Klan targeted Catholics, Jews, and immigrants. Upon further inspection it was shown that the Klan had some one hundred thousand members. Although the Klan is not as prevalent in modern day society as it once was, groups still exist across the nation. “The Ku Klux Klan is a dying body,” said a Southern social scientist. “But note that I said dying and not dead….A mad dog may be meanest just before it dies.” (Dykeman and Stokely 45-7)

Although there are many differences between the old KKK and the new KKK, some beliefs have held strong over the years. In order to be accepted as a member of the Klan, one must submit an application and declare that they are of the White Aryan race. The Klan’s definition of the terms "White" or "Aryan" includes all fair skinned people Europe

This is the age of a disturbing paradox. The United States is the most market driven and the most religious nation in this time period. This is the age of “material prosperity and existential insecurity.” Never before has this nation craved spirituality and been seduced by the market simultaneously. Every day we are reminded of the hypocrisy of our political and religious leaders, yet our search for religion intensifies. “A pilgrimage to Graceland, praying football players, Jewish ritual in the Capital Rotunda, cremation, and Christian rock—all of these describe the landscape of American religion.” These varied religious practices mark religion as a national identity and mark the continuing role of religious practice in modern society. (West vii-ix)

In order to be a member of the KKK other important guidelines must be followed in one’s social life. Because the Klan believes fully in the segregation of races, white persons cannot engage in inter-racial dating. The Ku Klux Klan feels that racial integrity should be no different than “the rest of the plant and animal kingdom….When the fundamental nature of creation is tampered with, the result is ungodly mutation and confusion.” Those who have dated outside the race in the past or those who are doing so at the time of application are denied acceptance. They feel that government should outlaw inter-racial marriages. KKK members also look down upon homosexuals and feel that homosexual couples should not be allowed to marry. The Klan bases their beliefs on the Bible, citing many verses throughout it to support their view that Jesus Christ looks down on mixed-race couples and the matrimonial joining of homosexuals, suggesting that these persons are of inferior character. (MacLean 143, 181-2)

Finally, the Ku Klux Klan can be described as believing strongly in restoring America to the white, Christian nation that it was at the time of its foundation. They feel that those who formed the very ideals treasured by Americans, such as freedom of speech, were of White European heritage. “All of the early laws of the United States from its very inception restricted citizenship to White people and all of the early charters, laws, compacts, etc were signed into effect by White people.” Klan members believe that the first and only concern of the United States government should be to protect its citizens and their interests. They feel that no money should be used to aid foreign countries and that the money we save should be used to rebuild our educational systems and help those who are in need. The Ku Klux Klan is calling for the government to send American troops to our borders to end the flood of illegal aliens who “do not share the Christian European values of our nation’s founders (http://www.kukluxklan.org). It is evident that the Klan members wish to restore the United States to the White Christian nation that it began as. (Williams 73-4)

There is an obvious difference in American society between the experiences of men and women in religion, no matter which one it is, as long as there is a concept of God in that religion. Women are more inclined to see their God in personal terms, such as a reverend or parent who cares deeply. When women talk about their religious experiences, their accounts are much more emoti

Some topics in this essay:
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