A radical Christian organization known for its violent anti-abortion stance and acts of domestic terrorism.
Religion: Christianity
Founded: Late 20th century
Location: Primarily United States
The Army of God, (not to be confused with the Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps, who has also been referred to by the same name) is a loosely organized, extremist Christian group primarily known for its strong opposition to abortion and its associated acts of violence and terrorism. The group, which lacks a formal organizational structure, first came into public awareness in the United States in the early 1980s, gaining notoriety through a series of attacks on abortion clinics and providers.
The origins of the Army of God are somewhat nebulous, as the group operates in a decentralized manner, with members often acting independently or in small cells without a central command. However, its activities and the use of the name “Army of God” became prominent in the early 1980s.
The group’s ideology combines militant Christian fundamentalism with strong anti-abortion sentiments, often justifying violent actions as a means of combating what they perceive as the moral decay of society, particularly focusing on abortion. Their worldview is rooted in a literal interpretation of certain Biblical texts and a belief in the concept of justifiable homicide in the context of preventing abortions. Members of the Army of God often view themselves as engaged in a spiritual and physical war against forces of evil, which they associate with abortion providers and supporters. Their tactics have included bombings, arson, kidnappings, and assassinations, and are often accompanied by statements or letters that cite Biblical scripture to justify their methods.
The ideology of the Army of God has been condemned by mainstream Christian organizations and pro-life groups, who argue that the group’s actions are contrary to Christian teachings on the sanctity of life and instead emphasize peaceful and legal means of protesting against abortion. Despite this condemnation, the Army of God continues to find support among a small, radical fringe who view their actions as a moral imperative in the fight against abortion.
The group also has a notable presence in anti-abortion literature and propaganda, which often includes militant language and calls to action against abortion providers. The ideological foundation of the AOG is partially laid out in the “Army of God Manual,” a document that serves as a guide for engaging in anti-abortion violence. This manual, although publicly disavowed by some associated with the AOG for its incitement to violence, outlines strategies and tactics for disrupting and attacking abortion services, including bombings and arson.
One of the most infamous acts associated with the Army of God was the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Eric Robert Rudolph, a figure linked to the Army of God, carried out this attack, which killed two people and injured over 100. Rudolph also perpetrated several bombings at abortion clinics and a lesbian nightclub. Other key figures include Paul Jennings Hill and Michael Bray.
The Army of God’s activities have drawn significant attention from law enforcement agencies, particularly the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which classifies some of its actions as domestic terrorism. However, while the group has been subject to numerous investigations and several members have been convicted and imprisoned for their crimes, the decentralized nature of the organization makes it challenging for law enforcement to predict or prevent acts of violence committed in its name.
image via Wikimedia Commons
