Includes bibliographical references (p. [277]-293) and index.

After the Oklahoma City bombing, Americans became aware of the alarming growth of paramilitary groups over the previous several years. This ominous development has arisen from a volatile mixture of frustration with the government and deep-seated religious beliefs that are primarily apocalyptic.

The zeal, unity, plans, and, in many cases, the hatred and paranoia exhibited by those involved with such groups are fueled by the sense that we are near the end of the world. The racist attitudes common among paramilitary organizations are also too often rooted in religious ideas. Understanding the beliefs of militant extremists as we approach the year 2000 - a crucial turning point for many paramilitaries - is critical if social disruption and perhaps even violent confrontations are to be avoided.

American Militias seeks to inform the reader exactly what is being taught to, and believed by, hundreds of thousands of extremists. Thorough and balanced, it explains and refutes some of the complex and bizarre conspiracy theories they hold and suggests ways of defusing their sometimes dangerous zealotry.