Because the Bible Tells Me So

Religion and religious beliefs in the United States are often believed by many to exert a positive influence on individuals and the society they reside in. Several studies have indicated a strong religious foundation influences the development of the individual.s identity as well as the group identity they choose to belong to. While the influence of religion and the beliefs associated with it often provide a positive influence on the development of identity, this influence can be equally negative. The focus of my research was on the negative influence religion can have on shaping individual and group identity. In particular I concentrated on the influence the Christian Identity Movement exercises in the development of individual and group identities and their commitment to a violent confrontation with those who do not share their values, beliefs, and Aryan Christian identity. Through a secondary and qualitative analysis I examined how the Christian Identity ideology provides the basis