Inside Pete Hegseth’s Evangelical Roots: How CREC’s Theocratic Vision Shapes His Defense Rhetoric

Pete Hegseth’s tenure as Secretary of Defense has been marked by more than just policy decisions; his speeches and prayers echo a deeply conservative evangelical worldview shaped by his affiliation with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC). This network, with over 160 churches worldwide, is not your average faith community — it champions a theocratic state governed by biblical law and Christian patriarchy, rejecting religious pluralism and secular governance.

Founded in 1993 by Doug Wilson, a pastor notorious for his unapologetic advocacy of Christian Reconstructionism, the CREC operates out of Moscow, Idaho. Wilson’s influence extends through affiliated institutions like Logos Schools and New Saint Andrews College, all promoting the idea that Christians are at war with secular society. Wilson himself has publicly linked military success to faith in Jesus Christ, framing the nation’s enemies as agents of the devil.

Hegseth’s rhetoric mirrors this militant theology. At a March 2026 Pentagon prayer service during the war in Iran, he called for “every round [to] find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” blending religious fervor with military aggression. This language raises urgent questions about the separation of church and state, especially since CREC doctrine dismisses the constitutional establishment clause’s intent, insisting that only Christians are fit for government roles.

The CREC’s patriarchal teachings are equally troubling. Wilson has openly described women’s roles in marriage as submissive, and the church has faced serious accusations of sexual abuse and mishandling those claims. Hegseth’s policies banning transgender service members and erasing LGBTQ+ symbols from the military further reflect CREC’s exclusionary and regressive worldview.

This isn’t just about personal belief; it’s about how a religious ideology with theocratic ambitions shapes the highest levels of military leadership. Hegseth’s CREC ties spotlight a dangerous fusion of faith and power that threatens democratic pluralism and civil rights under the guise of righteous patriotism. As the U.S. navigates ongoing conflicts and internal divisions, understanding the ideological forces behind key officials like Hegseth is critical for holding power accountable.