In a recent social media post, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endorsed a video interview featuring Doug Wilson, a self-described Christian nationalist pastor. Wilson, the senior pastor of Christ Church in Idaho, has stirred significant controversy with his assertions, including the claim that women should not be allowed to vote. During the interview with CNN, Wilson stated, "Women are the kind of people that people come out of," and emphasized the traditional role of women as the chief executive of the home, responsible for nurturing "three or four or five eternal souls."
Wilson did not stop there; he also defended earlier remarks suggesting a mutual affection existed between slaves and their masters, a viewpoint that many find deeply troubling. Additionally, he advocated for the recriminalization of sodomy, despite the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in 2003 that invalidated such laws. In his repost of the interview on the platform X, Hegseth remarked, "All of Christ for All of Life," further amplifying Wilson's ideologies.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed Hegseth's affiliation with Wilson's church, stating that the Secretary appreciates many of Wilson's writings and teachings. This endorsement has raised eyebrows, especially given the nature of Wilson's teachings and their implications for public life. In the CNN interview, one congregant articulated a belief that her husband is the head of their household, asserting, "I do submit to him." Another pastor mentioned that families should vote as a unit, with the husband casting the vote.
Experts on Christian nationalism are increasingly concerned about the implications of such views being endorsed at high levels of government. Andrew Whitehead, a sociology professor at Indiana University Indianapolis, expressed that the goal of Wilson and his followers is to disseminate their beliefs across the nation and make them enforceable laws. "It's not just that they have these personal Christian beliefs about the role of women in the family; they want to enforce those for everybody," Whitehead stated.
The endorsement of Wilson's views by someone in a significant position like the Secretary of Defense is alarming for many Americans. Whitehead pointed out the potential consequences of Hegseth's actions, stating, "It really does matter if the Secretary of Defense is retweeting a video with very particular views about whether women should be able to vote or serve in combat roles or if slavery really isn't all that bad." This situation highlights the intersection of religion and politics and raises questions about the influence of Christian nationalism on public policy in the United States.
Christ Church, which is expanding its reach by establishing new parishes across the country, recently inaugurated a church in Washington, D.C. Reports indicate that Hegseth and his family have attended services at this new location, further solidifying his ties to Wilson's controversial teachings. As this story develops, it remains to be seen how these affiliations will influence public discourse and policy regarding women's rights and other crucial societal issues.
