Should White Supremist Groups Be Considered Cults?

Walter Martin’s influential work, Kingdom of the Cults, established a rigorous framework to identify and categorize religious movements that deviate significantly from orthodox teachings and employ manipulative, authoritarian control methods. Given the troubling rise and persistent influence of white supremacist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nations, and various neo-Nazi organizations, it’s critical to examine whether these groups fit Martin’s established criteria for cults. Former FBI Director Christopher Wray explicitly identified white supremacist and far-right extremist groups as the most significant domestic terrorism threat facing the United States, a position reinforced by assessments from the Department of Homeland Security, which described white supremacist extremists as “the most persistent and lethal threat in the Homeland.” This article evaluates prominent white supremacist organizations through Martin’s lenses—doctrinal deviation, centralized authoritarian leadership, exclusivity, psychological manipulation, and opposition to mainstream Christianity—to determine if their harmful ideologies and structures warrant classification as religious cults.

Walter Martin, in his authoritative book Kingdom of the Cults, provides a widely recognized framework for identifying and defining cults. His criteria encompass:

1. Deviation from Orthodox Doctrine:

• Groups like the KKK and Aryan Nations explicitly distort biblical teachings:

  • They misinterpret scriptures (e.g., the “Curse of Ham,” the Tower of Babel, chosen race doctrines) to legitimize white supremacy and racism.

  • They elevate racial purity doctrines above essential Christian teachings on equality, love, and justice.

2. Centralized, Authoritarian Leadership:

• Historically, the KKK has been structured around secretive, hierarchical leadership, with figures such as Grand Wizards demanding unquestioning loyalty.

• Aryan Nations, under figures like Richard Butler, demonstrated authoritarian, charismatic control, claiming special racial and spiritual authority.

3. Exclusivity and Isolation:

• White supremacist groups isolate followers culturally and ideologically:

  • They claim exclusive “truth” regarding racial purity and supremacy.

  • They reject mainstream Christian churches that advocate racial equality and integration, labeling them as corrupt or unfaithful.

4. Manipulation and Psychological Control:

• These groups employ:

  • Indoctrination via propaganda, rituals, uniforms, and symbols designed to create loyalty and solidarity.

  • Psychological coercion through fear, hate, and conspiracy theories to maintain group cohesion and control.

5. Opposition to Mainstream Christianity:

• Explicitly oppose mainstream Christian ethics on racial equality, reconciliation, and justice.

• Label churches advocating racial harmony as apostate or spiritually corrupted, actively seeking conflict with traditional Christian churches and denominations.

Using these criteria, many white supremacist groups qualify as cults due to their doctrinal deviations, authoritarian structures, exclusivity, psychological manipulation, and opposition to orthodox Christianity. Below is an examination of prominent white supremacist organizations, assessing how they meet Martin’s cult criteria.

Arguments for Inclusion in Kingdom of the Cults:

Consistent with Martin’s Methodology:

• The KKK and Aryan Nations clearly meet Martin’s criteria for a cult-like organization, particularly through doctrinal deviation, authoritarian structures, exclusivity, and opposition to orthodox Christianity.

Historical and Theological Significance:

• 1. Their profound social impact—fueled by theological distortions—arguably merits attention in any thorough survey of religious cults, given the severe consequences of their ideologies (violence, terror, discrimination, division).

1. Ku Klux Klan (KKK)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Distorted biblical theology (e.g., “Curse of Ham”) to justify racial supremacy.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Hierarchical leadership structure with secret rituals and strict obedience.
• Exclusivity: Claims unique racial insights.
• Manipulation: Indoctrination via rituals and propaganda.
• Opposition: Rejects mainstream Christian doctrines of equality.

2. Aryan Nations

• Doctrinal Deviation: Neo-Nazi theology combined with Christian Identity teachings.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized control under Richard Butler.
• Exclusivity: Promotes strict racial purity.
• Manipulation: Isolation and aggressive propaganda.
• Opposition: Rejects inclusive Christian doctrines.

3. Christian Identity Movement

• Doctrinal Deviation: White Europeans identified as God’s chosen people.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Charismatic leaders claiming exclusive theological truths.
• Exclusivity: Isolationist ideology.
• Manipulation: Coercive indoctrination.
• Opposition: Anti-Semitic and opposed to mainstream Christian ethics.

4. The Covenant, The Sword, and The Arm of the Lord (CSA)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Militant extremist interpretation of Christianity.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Absolute hierarchical control.
• Exclusivity: Compound-based isolation.
• Manipulation: Violent coercion and strict indoctrination.
• Opposition: Opposes peaceful mainstream Christian teachings.

5. Creativity Movement (formerly World Church of the Creator)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Non-Christian racial supremacy religion.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized control under founder Ben Klassen.
• Exclusivity: Claims sole racial religious truth.
• Manipulation: Intense ideological indoctrination.
• Opposition: Rejects all mainstream religions.

6. National Alliance

• Doctrinal Deviation: Neo-Nazi racial ideology.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Founded by William Luther Pierce; centralized authoritarian control.
• Exclusivity: Advocates racial purity.
• Manipulation: Propaganda and psychological coercion.
• Opposition: Opposes racial equality doctrines.

7. Atomwaffen Division (National Socialist Order)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Violent neo-Nazi ideology.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Authoritarian leadership demanding total allegiance.
• Exclusivity: Secretive, exclusive membership.
• Manipulation: Psychological coercion and indoctrination.
• Opposition: Hostile to mainstream societal ethics.

8. The Base

• Doctrinal Deviation: Extreme neo-Nazi ideology.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Absolute obedience demanded by leadership.
• Exclusivity: Highly secretive structure.
• Manipulation: Intense indoctrination promoting violence.
• Opposition: Rejects mainstream moral standards.

9. White Aryan Resistance (WAR)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Racist doctrines led by Tom Metzger.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Charismatic centralized authority.
• Exclusivity: Strong internal cohesion.
• Manipulation: Intensive propaganda.
• Opposition: Rejects mainstream ethical norms.

10. Volksfront

• Doctrinal Deviation: Neo-Nazi beliefs promoting racial separatism.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Strict hierarchical structure.
• Exclusivity: Exclusive ideological community.
• Manipulation: Propaganda and psychological manipulation.
• Opposition: Opposes racial equality.

11. Hammerskin Nation (Hammerskins)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Racist skinhead ideology.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Strictly hierarchical with ritualistic initiation.
• Exclusivity: Rigid ideological purity.
• Manipulation: Indoctrination through symbolism and rituals.
• Opposition: Hostile to mainstream racial equality.

12. Identity Evropa (American Identity Movement)

• Doctrinal Deviation: White nationalist ideology.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized control and charismatic leadership.
• Exclusivity: Strong internal ideological cohesion and isolationist tendencies.
• Manipulation: Extensive ideological indoctrination.
• Opposition: Opposes mainstream inclusive Christianity and racial equality.

13. League of the South

• Doctrinal Deviation: Neo-Confederate theology advocating white Christian ethno-state.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized charismatic leadership.
• Exclusivity: Promotes exclusive southern white identity.
• Manipulation: Psychological and ideological indoctrination.
• Opposition: Opposes civil rights and mainstream Christian values.

14. Vanguard America (Patriot Front)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Neo-fascist racial supremacy.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Strict hierarchical leadership.
• Exclusivity: Membership requires ideological conformity.
• Manipulation: Aggressive indoctrination and propaganda.
• Opposition: Opposes racial equality and mainstream societal values.

15. National Socialist Movement (NSM)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Neo-Nazi doctrines explicitly advocating racial purity.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized, authoritarian structure demanding strict obedience.
• Exclusivity: Maintains strict ideological exclusivity.
• Manipulation: Uses intense propaganda and psychological control.
• Opposition: Rejects mainstream Christian teachings on equality.

16. National Socialist Vanguard

• Doctrinal Deviation: Extremist neo-Nazi racial doctrines.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Highly secretive, rigid hierarchical structure.
• Exclusivity: Strong ideological isolation and exclusivity.
• Manipulation: Psychological indoctrination promoting violent ideologies.
• Opposition: Hostility towards mainstream religious and societal values.

17. Order of Nine Angles (ONA/O9A)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Combines neo-Nazism, occultism, and satanism.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Secretive, centralized control demanding extreme loyalty.
• Exclusivity: Requires isolation from mainstream society.
• Manipulation: Uses psychological manipulation and coercive indoctrination.
• Opposition: Explicit opposition to mainstream religious ethics.

18. Asatru Folk Assembly

• Doctrinal Deviation: Promotes racially exclusive Norse paganism and white supremacy.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized leadership enforcing ideological purity.
• Exclusivity: Strong racial exclusivity and isolationist worldview.
• Manipulation: Intensive indoctrination and ideological control.
• Opposition: Rejects mainstream inclusive religious doctrines.

19. Aryan Brotherhood

• Doctrinal Deviation: Violent white supremacist ideology initially emerging from prison gangs.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Highly structured authoritarian hierarchy.
• Exclusivity: Extreme exclusivity based on racial ideology.
• Manipulation: Employs coercion, violence, and strict control.
• Opposition: Rejects mainstream Christian ethics and societal standards.

20. The Order (Brüder Schweigen)

• Doctrinal Deviation: White supremacist terrorist ideology rooted in Christian Identity.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized, charismatic leadership.
• Exclusivity: Secretive membership demanding extreme loyalty.
• Manipulation: Violent indoctrination and coercion.
• Opposition: Actively opposes mainstream religious and ethical teachings.

21. Stormfront (Online Community)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Promotes racial supremacy and separatism online.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized moderation enforcing strict ideological adherence.
• Exclusivity: Strong internal community isolation.
• Manipulation: Psychological indoctrination through propaganda.
• Opposition: Rejects mainstream Christian doctrines of equality and inclusion.

22. Proud Boys

• Doctrinal Deviation: Ideological blend of white nationalism, misogyny, and anti-democratic extremism.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized structure under charismatic leaders enforcing strict obedience; leaders convicted of seditious conspiracy.
• Exclusivity: Requires ideological conformity and initiation rituals promoting internal cohesion.
• Manipulation: Extensive indoctrination through propaganda, symbolism, and rituals.
• Opposition: Actively hostile to mainstream democratic values and social equality.

23. Oath Keepers

• Doctrinal Deviation: Militant extremist ideology rooted in conspiratorial anti-government and white nationalist beliefs.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Organized paramilitary structure under authoritarian leadership; multiple convictions for seditious conspiracy.
• Exclusivity: Membership demands strict ideological conformity and paramilitary discipline.
• Manipulation: Psychological control through conspiracy theories, tactical training, and fear-based rhetoric.
• Opposition: Rejects mainstream democratic institutions and inclusive societal ethics.

24. Three Percenters

• Doctrinal Deviation: Militia ideology based on extremist interpretations of patriotism, often intertwined with white nationalist rhetoric.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Hierarchical paramilitary organization requiring obedience to central leadership.
• Exclusivity: Strong internal ideological conformity and isolation from mainstream political structures.
• Manipulation: Psychological coercion via conspiracy narratives, armed training, and aggressive indoctrination.
• Opposition: Opposes democratic governance and mainstream values of racial equality.

25. America First/Groyper Movement

• Doctrinal Deviation: Explicit white nationalist and antisemitic ideology promoting racial and cultural supremacy.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized charismatic leadership under figures like Nick Fuentes demanding ideological adherence.
• Exclusivity: Advocates ideological purity, explicitly rejecting multiculturalism and mainstream conservatism.
• Manipulation: Extensive use of online propaganda, ideological indoctrination, and aggressive social tactics.
• Opposition: Strong opposition to mainstream democratic values, inclusive Christianity, and racial integration.

26. National Socialist Club (NSC-131)

• Doctrinal Deviation: Violent neo-Nazi and white supremacist ideology advocating racial supremacy.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Secretive hierarchical structure demanding absolute loyalty and obedience.
• Exclusivity: Membership strictly limited to adherents demonstrating ideological conformity and racial purity.
• Manipulation: Intensive psychological indoctrination emphasizing violence, hate-based propaganda, and symbolic rituals.
• Opposition: Actively hostile toward mainstream societal, democratic, and ethical standards.

In conclusion, applying Walter Martin’s authoritative framework from his book, Kingdom of the Cults, clearly demonstrates that prominent white supremacist groups—including the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nations, Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and others—meet the established criteria of religious cults. These groups exhibit significant doctrinal deviation by distorting religious teachings to justify racism and supremacy, rely on centralized authoritarian leadership demanding strict obedience, enforce exclusivity through ideological isolation and racial purity doctrines, practice intensive psychological manipulation via propaganda and coercion, and vehemently oppose mainstream Christian ethics emphasizing equality and justice.

Former FBI Director Christopher Wray has explicitly identified white supremacist and far-right extremist groups as the most significant domestic terrorism threat facing the United States—a stance further supported by the Department of Homeland Security, which labels these groups “the most persistent and lethal threat in the Homeland.” Recognizing these extremist groups as cults is not merely an academic exercise but a crucial step toward effectively addressing their harmful societal impacts, including violence, discrimination, terrorism, and the undermining of democratic values. Applying Martin’s cult criteria underscores the urgent need for public awareness, law enforcement vigilance, and community action to mitigate the influence and threat posed by these destructive organizations.