Ben Klassen

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Ben Klassen (February 20, 1918 – August 6, 1993) was an American religious leader who founded the Creativity Movement, a non-theistic, white supremacist religion which promotes white interests and the advancement of the white race. Klassen, originally from Ukraine, immigrated to Canada and later moved to the United States. His ideology and writings have been influential in the white supremacist and white nationalist movements.

Early Life

Ben Klassen was born in Rudnerweide, Ukraine, into a Mennonite family. In 1935, his family moved to Mexico before settling in Canada. Klassen pursued a career in teaching and later in electrical engineering and real estate development. His experiences and observations during these years shaped his racial and political views, leading him to advocate for what he termed "Racial Holy War" (RaHoWa).

Creativity Movement

In 1973, Klassen founded the Church of the Creator (COTC), later known as the Creativity Movement. The religion's philosophy, detailed in Klassen's book The White Man's Bible, rejects theistic beliefs and promotes a lifestyle and moral code based on the survival, expansion, and advancement of the white race. Klassen's writings include several other books, such as Nature's Eternal Religion and Salubrious Living, which outline the beliefs and dietary guidelines of the Creativity Movement.

Klassen's ideology is rooted in the belief that white people are nature's highest creation and that it is their duty to dominate the Earth. The Creativity Movement does not worship a deity but venerates the white race itself. Klassen also incorporated environmental concerns into his philosophy, advocating for living in harmony with nature.

Controversies and Legacy

Throughout its existence, the Creativity Movement has been associated with various legal issues and acts of violence, including hate crimes. Klassen himself was a controversial figure, often criticized for his racist and anti-Semitic views. Despite these controversies, he maintained a group of followers and left a lasting impact on the white supremacist movement.

After Klassen's death in 1993, the Creativity Movement faced several leadership struggles and legal challenges, but it has continued to exist in various forms. Klassen's writings remain influential in white supremacist circles, and his ideology continues to inspire individuals and groups within the far-right.

Death

Ben Klassen committed suicide in 1993, leaving behind a legacy that is still debated and discussed within both academic and law enforcement circles. His death marked the end of an era for the Creativity Movement, but the organization has persisted, adapting to the changing landscape of the white supremacist movement.

See Also

• White Supremacy
• White Nationalism
• Hate Crimes
• Far-right Politics