Unpacking Pete Hegseth’s ‘Holy War’ Prayer at the Pentagon: Christian Nationalism and the Iran Conflict

By Bill Doughty

On March 25, a prayer service held at the Pentagon, led by what some have termed “Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth, ignited a firestorm of controversy. Hegseth’s invocation, delivered “in the name of Jesus,” called upon a Christian God to grant “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy” in the ongoing conflict with Iran. This stark appeal has drawn comparisons to historical crusades, Manifest Destiny, and Old Testament retributions, raising serious questions about the intersection of faith, military action, and secular governance.

A Call for Divine Violence: The Prayer’s Disturbing Language

Hegseth’s prayer, reportedly co-authored by a military chaplain, invoked chilling imagery: “Almighty God, who trains our hands for war and our fingers for battle… Break the teeth of the ungodly… Let their bulls go down to slaughter, for their day has come… Grant this task force clear and righteous targets for violence.” He implored for “justice… executed swiftly and without remorse, that evil may be driven back and wicked souls be delivered to the eternal damnation prepared for them.” This apocalyptic vision frames the conflict, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” not merely as a geopolitical struggle but as a divinely sanctioned “holy war” against “religious fanatics” aiming for “religious Armageddon.”

Such language echoes former President George W. Bush’s post-9/11 “crusade” rhetoric, but Hegseth’s approach goes further, seemingly embracing a path toward “end times” theocracy. The assertion of Jesus Christ as “king over all kings” within the nation’s defense headquarters raises alarms for proponents of secular democracy, suggesting a potential shift where Christian dominionism supplants the constitutional principle of “e pluribus unum.”

Christian Supremacy and its Implications for the Military

Critics argue that Hegseth’s prayer aligns with a broader pattern of white Christian supremacy, particularly given recent concerns about discrimination against secular humanism, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the armed forces. The increased profile of Christian military chaplains and alleged impediments to the promotion of Black individuals and women in senior officer ranks seem to underscore this concern.

The Pentagon service featured other figures supporting this perspective. Veterans Administration head Doug Collins, an Air Force reserve chaplain, was welcomed by Hegseth, who lauded the presence of “faith-filled members who pray together, who share scripture together on a regular basis.” Hegseth’s own pastor, Doug Wilson, has also spoken at previous Pentagon services. Wilson is a controversial figure, known for opposing gay marriage, advocating against women’s voting rights, and promoting the deeply contentious view that historical American slavery was beneficial for Black people, preserving families and introducing them to Christianity.

Widespread Condemnation and a Counter-Message of Peace

Hegseth’s stance has not gone unchallenged. Hundreds of Christian leaders, alongside other religious and nonreligious groups, have vehemently condemned white Christian nationalism and its associated views on patriarchy and dominionism. These dissenting voices have coalesced into ongoing “No Kings” rallies and protests, advocating for a separation of church and state within military and government affairs.

In a stark contrast to Hegseth’s call for violence, Pope Leo addressed Catholic worshippers during a Palm Sunday mass at St. Peter’s Square. The Pope unequivocally denounced the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States as “atrocious,” asserting that “Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” cannot be invoked to sanction such actions. Quoting scripture, Leo stated, “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood,” sending a clear theological rebuke to those who would instrumentalize faith for warfare.

Conclusion: The Crossroads of Faith and Force

The Pentagon prayer service highlights a critical juncture for military ethics and national identity. Pete Hegseth’s vision of a divinely mandated, violent confrontation, rooted in a particular interpretation of Christian nationalism, stands in stark opposition to calls for peace and secular governance. As the debate continues, the implications for the U.S. armed forces, religious freedom, and international relations remain profound, necessitating careful scrutiny from both defense analysts and the wider public.