Defense Secretary Hegseth curtails Jesus teachings in Pentagon chaplain services

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a directive ordering Pentagon chaplains to stop preaching the words of Jesus during Christian services, stating that the New Testament contains passages he deems inconsistent with a warrior culture. The memo instructs chaplains to focus on “operationally useful” scripture, temporarily suspending teachings on mercy, loving enemies, caring for the poor, and other biblical themes while continuing with the Ten Commandments and selected Old Testament content.

The policy shift has drawn attention to evangelical pastor Douglas Wilson, a close confidant of Hegseth, who has been invited to preach at Pentagon services and has advocated radical ideas such as repealing the 19th Amendment and instituting religious tests for public office. Critics warn that Wilson’s influence could push the department toward a theocratic stance, while the administration maintains the changes are meant to align religious instruction with military objectives.