On Thursday evening, Hegseth shared a nearly seven-minute video on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The clip was originally from a CNN segment covering a church known for Christian nationalist views, led by pastor Doug Wilson in Moscow, Idaho.

Video Includes Controversial Church Teachings

The video detailed Wilson’s influence through his church, the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), an organization he helped establish. Within the segment, a pastor affiliated with CREC advocated overturning women’s right to vote. Another suggested that ballots should be cast by households rather than by individuals.

Also included was a female church member who spoke about submitting to her husband, aligning with the church’s strict traditional gender roles. While those clips reflect the views of certain church figures, it was the reposting by a high-ranking government official that amplified the controversy.

In sharing the video, Hegseth added his brief caption: “All of Christ for All of Life,” a phrase that echoes a slogan associated with Christian reconstructionist ideology, and often linked to efforts to infuse biblical teachings into public life.

Reactions on Social Media and Beyond

Hegseth's post on X quickly gained attention, garnering more than 12,000 likes and over 2,000 reposts. Responses online were sharply divided, with some commenting in support of the Christian worldview presented and others voicing alarm over the potential merging of religious beliefs with government responsibility.

The repost sparked backlash from figures within the religious community. Doug Pagitt, a progressive evangelical pastor and director of Vote Common Good, called the ideas within the video “very disturbing,” stating they represent beliefs held by only a "small fringe" of Christians.

Pagitt emphasized the danger of someone in such a high-ranking role within the Defense Department using their position to amplify these ideas. He raised concerns about the implications for pluralism and the religious neutrality expected of government agencies.

Pentagon Spokesman Affirms Hegseth’s Church Ties

On Friday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell addressed questions regarding Hegseth's religious affiliations. Parnell confirmed that Hegseth is an active member of a church connected to the CREC network, where Doug Wilson plays a central leadership role.

Parnell added that Hegseth holds many of Wilson’s teachings in high regard, noting his appreciation for the author’s religious writings. The spokesman did not respond directly to whether Hegseth endorses the idea of repealing women’s voting rights.

Hegseth has not publicly clarified his stance on the specific views shared in the video or whether he supports policy changes based on them. Still, the report marked another instance where his religious interests intersected with his federal position.

Christian Services Conducted at the Pentagon

Months before the video post, Hegseth took further steps to bring his faith into his workplace. In May, he invited his pastor, Brooks Potteiger, to hold a Christian worship service within the Pentagon.

This marked the beginning of what has been described as a series of Christian prayer gatherings conducted during official hours at the Department of Defense. The meetings were announced through government communication channels and were open to service members and department personnel.

The decision to host religious services on a workday, coupled with official invitations sent via a government network, has raised questions from critics about the separation of church and state. Some see it as a possible breach of the federal government's commitment to religious neutrality.

Questions Surround Hegseth’s Motivations

While Hegseth’s social media activity and religious initiatives have been met with both support and sharp criticism, it remains unclear if any formal investigation or internal review will be launched.

The debate continues over where the line lies between personal faith and public duty, particularly when symbolic actions from a Cabinet-level official carry considerable public weight. Critics believe such acts risk promoting exclusivist religious values under the guise of patriotism or governance.

As public attention grows, the discussion surrounding Hegseth’s religious advocacy invites broader reflection on the role personal beliefs should—or should not—play in shaping national policy and leadership conduct.