14 Comments
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Craig Unger's avatar

Scary stuff.

Bruce Landay's avatar

It's sickening to read about events like this. Anyone in uniform, or a civilian supporting the military, who has different beliefs, runs the risk of becoming an outcast. The military should never be used for either partisan political purposes or religious goals. Military members and civilians who support the military, either by working for the government directly or a contractor, should not be coerced into participating or supporting these types of events.

As a former Air Force officer I realize that every service member joins for their own reasons, whether patriotism, family tradition, or just needing a job. People should never be put in the position of having to attend a religious service. The reality is that for a service member, especially an officer, if your commanding officer suggests or strongly recommends you do something, then it's pretty clear what has to happen. Saying "no" comes with consequences.

John Stuart Hughes's avatar

Thank you for investigating this matter, Seth! This has been a long-burning issue in the military for years, and Mikey Weinstein has been advocating vigorously for freedom from religion since he was a USAFA cadet. I think this will blow over… but, it might not!

Rain Robinson's avatar

Kegseth - there is nothing Christ-like in action about him. Full of hatred for women, as is preacher Wilson, kegseth wants to mold the US military into a punishment machine against women, people not white enough, and LGBTQ persons. "Christian" nationalism is an obscene power trip, not a religious movement. It is a patriarchal wet dream made up of so-called humans who regard women as nothing more than baby makers, who should not vote, not speak up when abused, and accept torture as a way of life. Cruel, sadistic, violence loving people support "christian" nationalism. Fact.

Cass MacCallan's avatar

My husband and I are pagans, and he said he’d never be able to practice his faith and serve under Hegseth at the same time. He retired in December after 25 very successful years in service.

All Look for America's avatar

An ABOMINATION on the Military and our country.

Second Twin's avatar

American Taliban. What’s next? The Expulsion of 1492?

Andrea C.'s avatar

Thank you for writing on this. “SECWAR” should not be able to use his position & authority to showcase & endorse his religion / denomination.

Cheryl Cardran's avatar

HORRIFYING! Nothing like a drunken misogynist preaching Christianity with a sword over your head!

Linda Palmer's avatar

Both men have sexual misconduct including children. GOP Predators Daily Kos

Michael Peck's avatar

Could it be a problem that there can only be one chosen people?

Gail Helt's avatar

Hegseth is not loyal to Christ. He can’t seriously demand the military be loyal to Christ. That won’t stop him from trying, of course.

Greg's avatar

Would these same people be complaining if it was a Muslim Imam or a Buddhist Monk doing the same thing at the Pentagon? How about a transgender religious leader? Relax you liberals. Your day will come when you can return to drag queen shows on navy ships by navy sailors and drag queens reading story time to military kids on base libraries.

Andrea C.'s avatar

Can you give an example where a SECDEF has done this before? It would never be okay for any SECDEF, no matter their religion, to do this.