Defense Secretary Hegseth Promotes Combative Christianity in the Military

Experts and veterans worry Hegseth's religious rhetoric threatens to divide America's armed forces.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:52am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a military chapel interior, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting a contemplative mood, conceptually representing the unease over the Pentagon's promotion of a specific religious ideology.The Pentagon's embrace of a combative Christian ideology under Secretary Hegseth's leadership raises concerns about the military's traditional commitment to diversity and unity.Quantico Today

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has increasingly used his position to promote his controversial brand of combative Christianity within the U.S. military. Hegseth has presided over prayer services led by conservative Christian pastors, revamped the military's Chaplain Corps, and amplified ultra-conservative Christian views on official Pentagon social media accounts. Some experts and veterans are concerned that Hegseth's efforts to inject more explicitly religious sentiments into the military could threaten its diversity and unity.

Why it matters

The ideological consolidation of the military around a particular religious or political ideology is a concerning development, as the U.S. military is meant to be representative of the diverse American population it serves. Experts worry Hegseth's actions could divide the armed forces along religious lines, undermining the military's core mission.

The details

Hegseth has taken several steps to promote his Christian beliefs within the military, including presiding over prayer services led by controversial pastors, revamping the Chaplain Corps to emphasize religious affiliation over rank, and using official Pentagon social media to amplify ultra-conservative Christian views. He has also invoked biblical references during press briefings on military operations.

  • On March 10, Hegseth referenced Psalm 144 from the Bible during a press briefing.
  • In September, Hegseth spoke about prayer, Jesus, and 'all precious souls made in the image and likeness of God' at a gathering of generals and admirals.
  • Hegseth began monthly prayer services at the Pentagon this past spring, inviting figures like Doug Wilson, a self-described Christian nationalist pastor, to deliver sermons.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense, who has increasingly used his position to promote his combative brand of Christianity within the military.

Matthew Taylor

A visiting scholar at Georgetown University's Berkley Center for Religion Peace and World Affairs, who expressed concern about Hegseth's actions.

Doug Wilson

A self-described Christian nationalist pastor who was invited by Hegseth to deliver a sermon at the Pentagon, prompting complaints and outcry.

Fred Wellman

An Army veteran running for Congress in Missouri, who criticized Hegseth for using his official position to make his religion the official one of the Department of Defense.

Nancy Lacore

A retired Navy rear admiral running for Congress in South Carolina's 1st District, who said inviting Wilson 'sends a clear and troubling message to our troops: not all of you belong.'

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What they’re saying

“I think it's extremely concerning the way that he is operating. It's concerning to me as a Christian, and it's concerning to me as an American.”

— Matthew Taylor, Visiting Scholar, Georgetown University's Berkley Center for Religion Peace and World Affairs

“Hegseth is using his official position to make his religion the official one of the Department of Defense using official facilities, communications channels and personnel. This must end and must be investigated.”

— Fred Wellman, Army Veteran, Congressional Candidate

“Inviting Wilson 'sends a clear and troubling message to our troops: not all of you belong. That is wrong, and it is not the military I served in—where diversity was our strength and unity was how we got the job done.'”

— Nancy Lacore, Retired Navy Rear Admiral, Congressional Candidate

What’s next

The Pentagon's actions under Hegseth's leadership will likely continue to be closely monitored by experts, veterans, and lawmakers concerned about the potential divisive impact of his religious rhetoric and policies within the U.S. military.

The takeaway

Hegseth's efforts to inject his combative brand of Christianity into the military raise concerns about the potential erosion of the military's diversity and unity, which are critical to its effectiveness in serving the entire American population. This issue highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate role of religion in the U.S. armed forces.