From Hegseth to RFK Jr., religion is being weaponized as a hollow symbol in politics

In recent weeks, religion in American public life has been twisted into a blunt instrument for political ends, with leaders using sacred language and symbols as mere props rather than sources of genuine spiritual reflection.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s March 25 prayer at the Pentagon stands out for its brutal invocation of Scripture. Calling for “overwhelming violence of action” and asking God to “break the teeth of the ungodly,” Hegseth drew directly from some of the Bible’s most violent imprecatory Psalms. These passages, historically interpreted with caution and often understood as metaphorical struggles against sin, have been weaponized by Hegseth to sanction and celebrate military aggression. This reading fundamentally distorts Christian theology, which teaches love, mercy, and peace—even in times of war.

Contrast this with Pope Leo XIV’s Palm Sunday and Easter sermons condemning war and violence, grounded firmly in the Augustinian tradition that views Scripture holistically. Pope Leo rejects any use of religion to justify conflict, emphasizing Jesus as the “King of Peace” who rejects the prayers of warmongers.

Meanwhile, other figures like RFK Jr. and media personalities Candace Owens and Megyn Kelly use religious symbols like the rosary more as status markers than objects of devotion. Kennedy’s rosary on The Atlantic cover, for example, signals religious identity but lacks engagement with the theological depth those symbols represent. This “unreligious religiosity,” as religion editor Matthew Schmitz calls it, reduces faith to a superficial badge of authority.

Both approaches—Hegseth’s scriptural cherry-picking and Kennedy’s symbolic display—reflect a broader trend: religion severed from its theological roots and moral frameworks. This detachment allows political leaders to exploit faith for power, violence, or legitimacy without accountability to the ethical demands of their professed beliefs.

The Christian tradition insists on reading Scripture in context, emphasizing love for enemies and mercy even amid conflict. When leaders ignore this, they betray not only their faith but the democratic values that demand accountability and peace.

In an era marked by authoritarian overreach and escalating conflict, the hollow use of religion as a political tool is not just a spiritual failure—it is a dangerous abdication of moral responsibility. We must call out this cynical exploitation and demand that faith serve justice, not just political spectacle.