Pete Hegseth: Faith, War, and the Shaping of US Defense Policy
In the ongoing conflict involving the US and Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth frequently frames the situation through the lens of faith, asserting that the Christian God supports US actions. This perspective, while resonating with some, has sparked debate and raised concerns about the influence of religious ideology on national security policy.
A Divine Mandate for War?
During a recent CBS News interview, Hegseth confidently stated that Iran should not underestimate US resolve, emphasizing the backing of a “higher power.” He asserted the superiority of US capabilities, will, and troops, adding, “The providence of our almighty God is there protecting those troops, and we’re committed to this mission.” This statement prompted questions about the extent to which religious beliefs inform his approach to warfare.
When asked if he views the war through a religious context, Hegseth acknowledged fighting “religious fanatics who seek a nuclear capability in order for some religious Armageddon.” He further emphasized the need for troops to maintain a “connection with their almighty God” during challenging times. His invocation of Psalm 144 at a Pentagon press conference – “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle” – underscored this deeply held conviction.
Reprogramming America: A Christian Nation?
Hegseth has consistently advocated for a return to what he perceives as America’s foundational Christian principles. At a National Prayer Breakfast, he declared, “America was founded as a Christian nation,” and “It remains a Christian nation in our DNA, if we can keep it,” subtly adapting Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote about the US being a republic.
He reframes Franklin D. Roosevelt’s concept of the US as the “arsenal of democracy,” stating, “Not only are we warriors armed with the arsenal of freedom, we ultimately are armed with the arsenal of faith.” This illustrates his belief in a religiously-motivated American exceptionalism.
Symbols of Faith and Controversy
Hegseth’s personal faith is visibly expressed through tattoos, including a Jerusalem Cross – a symbol linked to the Crusades – and the phrase “Deus Vult” (“God Wills It”), the rallying cry of Christian knights during the Crusades. He claims the Jerusalem Cross led to him being disinvited from a detail at President Biden’s inauguration in 2021, alleging he was labeled an extremist.
His 2020 book, American Crusade, details his opposition to Islamists and frames the US’s current situation as a “crusade moment” reminiscent of the 11th-century Christian invasion of the Holy Land. He argues that Islamists are enabled by American “leftists” against God-fearing Christian Americans. He believes the US must confront Islamism “culturally, politically, geographically, and… militarily.”
A Clash of Civilizations?
Hegseth expresses concern that the US is losing sight of the perceived threat posed by Islam, stating, “The longer Americans live with the delusion that Islam is a religion of peace… the more difficult our task.” He believes Islam has been “at war with its enemies” since its inception and will never cease its conflict.
He views the current conflict with Iran as an extension of a battle that began with the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Furthermore, Hegseth has initiated efforts to reshape the military Chaplain corps, aiming to re-emphasize God and reduce secular language, believing that “war fighters of faith” have been alienated by secular humanism.
Concerns and Criticisms
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) has reported receiving numerous complaints alleging that military commanders view the war on Iran as fulfilling end-times Bible prophecies. While these claims are difficult to independently verify due to fear of retribution, they raise serious concerns about the potential for religious bias influencing military decisions.
Critics, like Mikey Weinstein of the MRFF, argue that Hegseth’s rhetoric portrays the US as launching a new crusade, providing propaganda for extremist groups like Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda. They fear this narrative fuels anti-American sentiment and exacerbates the conflict.
Christian Zionism and American Exceptionalism
Hegseth openly supports Israel, identifying as a “Christian Zionist” during his confirmation hearing. He believes in Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, aligning with the belief that the Jewish return to the Holy Land is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
Experts like Allyson Shortle of the University of Oklahoma suggest Hegseth’s views are rooted in a strain of evangelical Christianity that embraces American exceptionalism – the belief that Americans are uniquely virtuous and engaged in a moral struggle with other societies. This worldview positions Iran as an adversary in a battle over fundamental principles and values.
Reconciling Faith and Warfare
Hegseth attempts to reconcile the peaceful teachings of Jesus with his call to arms, arguing that while Jesus advocated turning the other cheek, “I’m pretty sure he wasn’t advising a secretary of defense at the time.” This justification highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of blending religious faith with the realities of modern warfare.
