Soldiers Of God: White Supremacists and Their Holy War for America [Paperback]

Craig Bushart (Author), John R. Craig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1999

Written with the cooperation of leaders of groups like the Aryan Brotherhood and the Ku Klux Klan, "Soldiers of God" allows white supremacists to speak their minds. Through exclusive interviews and documents, the authors skillfully place the views of this expanding underground movement into the context of modern America.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Through dozens of interviews with members involved in various supremacists organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan and Aryan Nation, the authors look at the motivations that drive individuals to support these extremist associations. The men and women who are interviewed are candid in voicing their belief that the U.S. government is under the influence of the Zionist Occupational Government (ZOG), whose aim is to create a one-world government where the rights of white Americans would be severely curtailed. Although many see conspiracies behind nearly every action taken by the federal government, American readers might find themselves agreeing with some of the concerns of these groups about the growing lack of citizens' privacy as the government and private companies collect more and more data on individuals' lives. Separating this book from others on radical organizations is the authors' assertion that many members are driven by the principles of Christian Identity, a religion that believes Anglo-Saxons are the only true offsprings of Adam. Most members quoted here proclaim they are doing God's work in fighting, through violence if necessary, to create a white homeland. Bushart, Craig (both freelance journalists) and Barnes (an English teacher) are to be credited with doing firsthand research that they have melded into an involving account of what motivates fringe groups. Photos not seem by PW.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Any book about white supremacists can easily degrade into a shouting match. Authors Bushart (Lee Coll.), John R. Craig (investigative reporter), and Barnes (English instructor) have written instead a fascinating narrative about the public and private lives of white supremacists. We see them not as single-minded, sick individuals but as complex human beings espousing extremely narrow views concerning the hierarchies of races and their places under a white God. The authors should be commended for their evenhanded reporting of this inflammatory issue. They neither blame nor excuse those they studied; they simply report on their subjects' beliefs and behavior. The most informative discussion concerns the white supremacists' theological interpretations of the Bible, which form their own racist world view and justify their actions. If racism is to be fought, one must know how the racist thinks. This book is a clear window into the mind of the white supremacist, and only through such books as this can we understand the depths of their hatred and the lengths to which they will go to rid the world of "inferior" races. Recommended for all libraries.AGlenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. Lib., Honolulu, HI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pinnacle; Reprint edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786006498
• ISBN-13: 978-0786006496
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,200,965 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Out There with the Soldiers of God, April 1, 2000

By 

Susan M. Willis (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soldiers Of God: White Supremacists and Their Holy War for America (Hardcover)

SOLDIERS OF GOD: WHITE SUPREMACISTS AND THEIR HOLY WAR FOR AMERICA is an excellent introduction for anyone who would like basic information about the extreme right-wing white racist groups in the U.S. The authors took pains to win the trust of leaders and participants in such organizations as the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nations, and others holding the fundamental belief that America was created by and for the white race. The corollary to this belief is that their inheritance is currently under attack by a government (usually described by them as Jewish-controlled) bent on subverting white racial purity and true Christian values.

The authors spent a good deal of time attending meetings, rallies, and social events sponsored by the groups under study, as well as conducting extensive interviews with their leaders and reading widely in the printed and online material produced by them. Bushart, Craig, and Barnes do an admirable job of carrying out their intent to present the belief systems and viewpoints of white supremacy adherents as straightforwardly as possible, leaving it up to the reader to judge the credibility of these beliefs. One especially thought-provoking point made by the authors is that there are quite a few issues and concerns raised by the white supremacists which also resonate with more mainstream American citizens. I have met and chatted with Howard Bushart. He is a very thoughtful and articulate man, and I was impressed with his genuine desire to understand his subjects on their terms, to learn from his own research, which is the starting point all good scholarship.

The book is very well written and includes exclusive photos taken in the course of the authors' research. I highly recommend it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, truthful account of White Supremacy, August 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Soldiers Of God: White Supremacists and Their Holy War for America (Hardcover)

The authors of this book need to be commended for their work. For the first time, the views of a wide array of white supremacists are presented without snide comments or constant attacks. Instead, the authors have presented the facts and let the reader conclude the validity of the arguments made by the KKK, WAR, etc. This is the only true way to combat such views is open, honest discussion and not screaming fits (a la "Geraldo", "Donahue").

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A detailed book exposing answers to many of my questions., June 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Soldiers Of God: White Supremacists and Their Holy War for America (Hardcover)

This book has answered many questions I have always had about white supremacists organizations and Identity Christianity. By using Bible quotes and personal interviews "Soldiers of God" makes it clear as to what, why and how these people derive their conclusions from the Bible. I recommend that everyone pick up a copy and read about these interesting people and their complicated beliefs.