The Pentagon’s shift from previous historical norms is dangerous, according to multiple former high-ranking #military officials, heads of #chaplain corps, some #veterans groups, current #Pentagon staff & current officers, some of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid retribution from the #Trump admin.

#law #Hegseth #Republicans #ChurchAndState #Christianity #Evangelism #NewApostolicReformation #NAR #war #NationalSecurity #geopolitics #law

And in recent weeks, the #war with
#Muslim-majority #Iran has only made Hegseth’s approach more stark.

On Wednesday at the #Pentagon, #Hegseth prayed for #US #troops to inflict “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy…We ask these things with bold confidence in the mighty & powerful name of Jesus Christ.” Later that day, his department announced #military #chaplains would no longer wear their rank on their uniform & instead would wear #religious insignia.

#Trump #law

His social media profile & public comments routinely espouse *his* understanding of #Christianity, which is one that would dominate American life & cast those who disagree with him as God’s enemies. #Hegseth has brought clergy from his small Christian denomination to preach at the #Pentagon, including a prominent pastor who says #women shouldn’t have the right to #vote.

#law #Trump #Republicans #ChurchAndState #Evangelism #NewApostolicReformation #NAR #military #war #NationalSecurity #law

Rather than boosting cohesion through a more universal spiritual uplift, they say, the new approach violates the #Constitution & undermines the bonds of mutual #respect between #troops that are essential, especially in #wartime.

Every month at the #Pentagon, #Hegseth hosts #evangelical worship services that #legal experts say are unprecedented.

#law #Trump #Republicans #ChurchAndState #Christianity #Evangelism #NewApostolicReformation #NAR #military #war #NationalSecurity #geopolitics #law

And as chair of the #JointChiefs of Staff in the late 2000s, with #troops in Iraq & Afghanistan, Navy Admiral Mike Mullen kept Mass off his public schedule, aiming to keep the particulars of his Catholic faith private.

But those longtime norms are being upended by the #proselytizing #Christian campaign of #Defense Sec Pete #Hegseth, say multiple former high-ranking #military officials & experts on #religion & #law.

#law #Trump #Constitution #ChurchAndState #NewApostolicReformation #NAR #war