Pentagon Worship Service Features Controversial Prayer Inspired by Film

During a worship service at the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, who informally refers to himself as the 'secretary of war', read a contentious prayer inspired by the film 'Pulp Fiction'. This event took place on April 15 and marked Hegseth's second consecutive month addressing worshippers in this manner. The prayer was intended to bless the ongoing U.S. military actions against Iran, and Hegseth emphasised the significance that such worship could have on military decision-making.

Hegseth began his remarks by noting that discussions in worship should influence policy and military strategies. He stated, "Fifteen minutes ago, I was talking about blockades with Admiral Cooper, and now we’re going to study the Lord’s word. May what we talk about, how we worship today inform the remainder of our day and week and how we conduct ourselves, no matter what we’re doing."

Standing at the podium with a Bible adorned with a Jerusalem Cross and the phrase 'Deus Vult', Hegseth quoted from the Gospel of Luke 7. He relayed the account of John the Baptist sending disciples to Jesus to inquire about His messianic identity and mentioned the miracles witnessed at that time, culminating with the teaching that "blessed is the one who is not offended by me." Hegseth reflected on this notion, expressing that expectations of Jesus were often skewed by cultural, political, and philosophical lenses of the time.

He elaborated on the interpretation that people's views were often misplaced when seeking understanding or purpose, asserting that this message was prevalent in contemporary times as well.

Hegseth referenced a prayer he had received prior to the service, which was said to have been authored by the lead planner of a recent rescue mission involving Air Force members shot down in Iran. At the service, he led attendees in reciting this prayer.

The prayer included lines reminiscent of scripture, stating, "The path of the downed aviator is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of camaraderie and duty, shepherds the lost through the valley of darkness.” It proceeded with a stark declaration of vengeance, echoing sentiments from the aforementioned film.

Hegseth noted the prayer's title as 'CSAR 2517', which stands for 'Combat Search and Rescue', and acknowledged its borrowing from the biblical text Ezekiel 25:17, although the context of the prayer shifts the speaker from God to a U.S. military commander.

The biblical verse originally warns against the enemies of Israel during a time of conquest by powerful empires, while Hegseth’s rendition reframes it for a military context.

The prayer’s language indeed mirrors that found in Ezekiel, where God promises vengeance upon the Philistines. Hegseth’s incorporation of a reworked scriptural reference sparks extensive discussion about the interplay of faith and military actions in the current geopolitical landscape.

Also featured during the service was guest preacher Zack Randles, founding pastor of Waterfront Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in Washington, D.C. He addressed themes of service to God even amidst personal suffering, reinforcing the message with spiritual and musical elements that celebrated the role of the U.S. military.

Hegseth’s use of scripture and film dialogue continues to provoke discourse surrounding the blending of religious practices with military objectives, as this assembly has attracted attention for its controversial messages about vengeance and faith directly linked to the activities of armed forces.