Where’s the “Jesus” in Christian Nationalism or Pete Hegseth?
Christian nationalism, despite its name, is fundamentally at odds with the core teachings of Christianity. The ideology misuses Christian symbols and language to justify exclusion, oppression, and the pursuit of political power, which contradicts the principles of love, humility, and justice central to Jesus’ teachings. Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee to head the Pentagon holds a dangerous, militant view of weaponizing Christianity against Americans, especially those he deems as “enemies within.”
Here’s why Christian nationalism is not truly Christian:
1. Focus on Power, Not Service
Jesus emphasized humility and servant leadership, teaching his followers to care for the marginalized and oppressed: “The last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16). Christian Nationalism seeks political dominance and societal control, often at the expense of vulnerable groups. This drive for power is incompatible with Christianity’s emphasis on serving others selflessly.
2. Exclusion vs. Inclusion
Jesus consistently included and uplifted outcasts, such as the poor, people viewed as “sinners,” Samaritans, and women. The Bible emphasizes human dignity for all: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Christian Nationalism excludes and marginalizes non-Christians, LGBTQ+ individuals, and racial minorities. Policies and rhetoric rooted in Christian nationalism often create divisions and promote bigotry, contradicting Jesus’ radical inclusivity.
3. Weaponization of Symbols
Jesus’s death on the cross happened because he refused to fight and chose to die without militancy or abandoning the ethics he taught of loving enemies. The cross should not represent conquest or domination. Christian Nationalism weaponizes Christian imagery, like Crusader symbols, to promote a militant and combative vision of society. The Jerusalem Cross, as tattooed on Pete Hegseth’s chest is not always a symbol of conquest. It can be a Christian symbol. But that isn’t how Hegseth uses it. Hegseth has been clear in his writings and public affiliations that he uses symbols and language from the Crusades in the Middle Ages, when European royalty sent armies to Jerusalem to kill Muslims and Jews. The Crusades were not “Christian.” The use of violence undermines the message of peace and love central to Christianity: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
4. Earthly Kingdom vs. Heavenly Kingdom
Jesus rejected attempts to make him a political ruler, stating: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). His mission focused on spiritual transformation, not political dominance. Christian Nationalism conflates religious identity with political power, attempting to enforce a theocratic rule. This pursuit of an earthly kingdom directly contradicts Jesus’ teachings about the nature of God’s kingdom.
5. Love vs. Fear and Hatred
Jesus taught love as the greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) and even called for loving one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44). Christian Nationalism often relies on fearmongering, scapegoating, and hatred to rally support. By demonizing immigrants, non-Christians, or other perceived “threats,” it fosters division and animosity, which are antithetical to the teachings of Christ.
6. Individual Conscience vs. Coerced Belief
Faith should be a personal relationship with God, freely chosen: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Christian Nationalism seeks to impose specific religious beliefs and practices on society through law and coercion. True Christianity respects individual conscience and the freedom to seek faith voluntarily.
7. Materialism and Nationalism
Jesus warned against materialism and putting worldly identities above spiritual truths: “You cannot serve both God and money”(Matthew 6:24). Christian Nationalism often prioritizes material wealth, national identity, and militarism over spiritual values. This contradicts the Christian call to focus on eternal temporal ones.
8. Lack of Compassion for the Vulnerable
Jesus calls his followers to care for the least among them: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). There are many vulnerable people today. Immigrants and people born with an LGBTQ identity are among the most vulnerable. Policies and rhetoric inspired by Christian nationalism frequently neglect the needs of the poor, immigrants, and other marginalized groups, prioritizing power and hate over compassion.
Christian nationalism is a distortion of Christianity that substitutes the faith’s spiritual and ethical principles with a politicized agenda rooted in exclusion, fear, and power. It fails to embody the love, humility, and justice taught by Jesus, instead using the guise of religion to advance un-Christian goals. Far from being a reflection of true Christianity, Christian nationalism represents a profound misrepresentation of its values and teachings.
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense to lead the Pentagon, is a leader in the Christian Nationalism movement. He merges extreme religious fundamentalism with nationalist authoritarianism. Hegseth rejects church-state separation and seeks societal transformation based on a far-right Christian theology, threatening democratic principles and marginalized communities.
Hegseth offers a “Taliban” style of Christianity. Hegseth’s Christian Nationalism movement advocates for a return to patriarchal control, promoting male leadership while seeking to revoke women’s voting rights and criminalize LGBTQ+ identities. It endorses “Reformed Reconstructionism,” a theocratic ideology aiming to apply biblical law to governance, bar non-Christians from public office, and prepare for Jesus’ return.
Pete Hegseth’s book American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free promotes a vision of America under siege by progressive ideologies where caring for your neighbors is central. Hegseth seems to believe that following Jesus’ teachings of nonviolence and humility are “evil.” Hegseth wants to wage an “insurgency” in American schools to advance his Christian Nationalist agenda. Hegseth portrays issues like free speech, religious freedom, and national security as part of a larger “crusade” against what he sees as threats to America’s identity. Critics argue that the book’s exclusionary and combative language, glorification of Crusader symbolism, and rejection of pluralism make it a dangerous manifesto that risks exacerbating societal divisions, emboldening extremism, and undermining democratic norms.
Hegseth and his “crusaders” employ militaristic imagery, particularly Crusader symbols like “Deus Vult,” and the Jerusalem Cross. Crusader symbols link modern Christian Nationalism to historical violence against Muslims and Jews, inspiring far-right extremists and radicalization.
His “American Crusade” rhetoric pits Christian dominion against perceived enemies, reinforcing tolerance for violence under religious or nationalist zeal, as seen in Trump’s pardon of Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher. Far-right extremists have co-opted Crusader symbols and were prominently displayed during events such as the Charlottesville rally, the January 6th Capitol riot, and other neo-Nazi and white militia movements.
Hegseth’s nomination is part of Trump’s glorification of militarized religious violence, normalizing extremism in mainstream politics, emboldening hate groups, and undermining inclusivity and equality.
Hegseth promotes an extremist vision undermining constitutional values. Christian Nationalism combines authoritarianism, religious fundamentalism, and nationalist fervor. Aligned with Trump’s agenda and the far-right, it endangers marginalized groups, democratic principles, and global stability, fostering systemic oppression and extremism.
