Defense Secretary Hegseth Promotes Combative Christianity in the Military

Critics worry Hegseth's religious rhetoric threatens to divide America's armed forces.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A photorealistic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a solitary military boot or uniform item resting on a wooden surface, bathed in warm, dramatic lighting that casts deep shadows, creating a contemplative and uneasy mood about the role of religion in the military.As the military grapples with the divisive influence of combative Christianity, a pensive scene reflects the complex tensions between faith, duty, and the ideals of a diverse, representative armed forces.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 made numerous public statements invoking his faith when discussing military operations. While the Pentagon defends Hegseth's actions as embracing America's Christian heritage, some experts and veterans are concerned that this could lead to the ideological consolidation of the military and undermine its diversity.

Why it matters

Hegseth's efforts to inject more explicit religious sentiments into the military raise concerns about the potential division of America's armed forces along religious lines. The military has historically aimed to be representative of the diverse American population, and there are worries that Hegseth's actions could threaten that principle.

The details

Hegseth has taken several steps to promote his Christian beliefs within the military, including presiding over Pentagon prayer services led by controversial pastors, revamping the Chaplain Corps to emphasize religious affiliation over rank, and frequently invoking his faith during press briefings on military operations. He has also criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the military, which he sees as discriminatory ideologies.

  • On March 10, Hegseth referenced Psalm 144 from the Bible during a press briefing on the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.
  • 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 in Quantico, Virginia.
  • This past spring, Hegseth began a monthly prayer service at the Pentagon, inviting controversial figures like Doug Wilson, a self-described Christian nationalist pastor, to deliver sermons.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Defense Secretary 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 is concerned about Hegseth's actions.

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 Doug Wilson to the Pentagon 'sends a clear and troubling message to our troops: not all of you belong.'

Kingsley Wilson

The Pentagon press secretary who defended Hegseth's actions, stating that 'the Christian faith is woven deeply into the fabric of our nation.'

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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

“Secretary Hegseth, along with millions of Americans, is a proud Christian and was glad to welcome Pastor Wilson to the Pentagon. The Christian faith is woven deeply into the fabric of our nation. Despite the Left's efforts to remove our Christian heritage from our great nation, Secretary Hegseth is among those who embrace it.”

— Kingsley Wilson, Pentagon Press Secretary

What’s next

The Pentagon is facing growing calls to investigate Hegseth's actions and ensure that the military remains representative of the diverse American population, rather than becoming consolidated around a particular religious ideology.

The takeaway

Hegseth's efforts to inject more explicit Christian beliefs into the U.S. military have raised concerns about the potential division of America's armed forces along religious lines, undermining the military's historical commitment to diversity and unity. This issue highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in government institutions and the military's responsibility to reflect the pluralistic nature of American society.