Question

why did the KKK burn the cross?

Answer 1

I believe it has Scottish origins....In Scotland, the burning of the cross, known as Crann Tara, was used as a declaration of war. The sight of it commanded all clan members to rally to the defense of the area. Many Christians consider it sacrilege to burn or otherwise destroy a cross. Klan Christians , however, state that it is not destroying the cross, but " lighting " it, as a symbol of the members' faith. You can read more about it here...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_burning