Pete Hegseth promotes war using the Bible
Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth prayed to “break the teeth of the ungodly” during a Christian worship service at the Pentagon. Needless to say, it’s an alarming speech from a public servant.
Hegseth said that the prayer he was about to read was sent by a chaplain who oversaw the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This was allegedly the prayer the chaplain prayed to the Americans who partook in the mission.
“The first reading is from the Book of Psalms 18:37-42.” Hegseth read the passage aloud. It pertains to King David’s prayer for protection in battle. The war secretary then proceeded with the chaplain’s prayer. A point to clarify is that David in the Bible was not known to start wars or invade lands. When attacked, David merely defended his land. The aforementioned Book of Psalms was told from David’s perspective, wherein he attributed his victory to his god.
There appears to be a misuse of the anecdote to justify the war in Iran—most especially when the United States attacked first. Not that the Bible should ever be used by Americans as an ideological motivator during war, but knowing the context behind the passage makes it significantly alarming.
A Crusade in the name of the US
“Almighty God, who trains our hands for war and our fingers for battle. You, who stirred the nations of the north against Babylon of old, making her land a desolation where none dwell. Behold now, the wicked who rise against Your justice and the peace of the righteous. Snap the rod of the oppressor, frustrate the wicked plans, and break the teeth of the ungodly,” Hegseth said.
“By the blast of Your anger, let the evil perish. Let their bulls go down to slaughter, for their day has come… Pour out your wrath upon those who plot vain things, and blow them away like chaff before the wind,” he said. He then continued to pray for the soldiers who are about to go to war.
“Grant this task force clear and righteous targets for violence. Surround them as a shield. Protect the innocent and blameless in their midst. Make their arrows like those of a skilled warrior who returned empty-handed. Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation. Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy. Preserve their lives, sharpen their resolve, and let justice be executed swiftly and without remorse, that evil may be driven back and wicked souls be delivered to the eternal damnation prepared for them. For the wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion,” Hegseth ends, before asking these acts of violence be justified in Christ’s name.
Fighting terrorism with religious extremism
If the Iranians had used the Quran as a justification to slaughter American troops, what difference would there be? Should that prayer apply to American troops instead, it would be called terrorism. These words would be treated as provocations against the United States.
Hegseth is not a local pastor with odd beliefs. He is the defense secretary—or in this case, the secretary of war. The First Amendment of the US Constitution discourages the promotion of one religion over another. As a government official, Hegseth has to be cautious with promoting his personal, religious ideals. When he prays for “overwhelming violence” against enemies—though not a directive—it’s still dangerous rhetoric to promote.
Essentially, fueling an official military campaign with religious rhetoric blurs the separation between church and state. It’s a disturbing thought, especially where the constitution is concerned.
(featured image: Gage Skidmore)
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