“Bloods and Crips: Modern-Day Holy Warriors in an Urban Battlefield”

The Bloods and Crips are two of the most well-known street gangs in the United States, originating in Los Angeles in the late 20th century. While they are often associated with violence and crime, examining them through a philosophical and theological lens reveals deeper layers of meaning and significance. This dissertation aims to explore the Bloods and Crips as modern-day fighters in a holy war, drawing parallels with historical holy wars and the conflict between the church and mystics during the Enlightenment.