Pete Hegseth, the New Secretary of Defense, Is a Christian Dominionist
Le'ts call it what it is--religious extremism in a Brooks Brothers suit
Few professional journalists have the training or insight to delve into these corners of religion that are now in the White House. I’m going to keep highlighting the role of religion in this regime. To support this work, would you become a paid subscriber today?
The Senate narrowly approved Pete Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense—a devastating turn of events that places an inexperienced individual with a controversial history at the helm of the most powerful military force in the world.
Hegseth, who paid $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault and has been repeatedly noted for public drunkenness, now occupies a position that requires the highest levels of competence, integrity, and prudence.
What has garnered much less attention, however, is Hegseth's religious views.
This is not merely conservative theology; this is Christian dominionism—the advocacy of theocracy.1
Let’s just call it what it is—religious extremism in a Brooks Brothers suit.
What is Christian Dominionism?
Christian dominionism is the belief that Christians are called to "take dominion" over all spheres of life, including politics and government, by applying a narrow view of rigid biblical law to every aspect of society.
Dominionists reject the separation of church and state. Instead they seek to establish a theocratic order where civil policy aligns with their repressive interpretation of biblical principles.
A key extension of this ideology is the Seven Mountains Mandate, a framework that identifies seven key areas of influence—government, education, media, arts and entertainment, business, religion, and family—that Christians must control to shape society according to biblical values.2
Proponents of the Seven Mountains Mandate argue that secularism has led to moral decay and that reclaiming these "mountains" is essential to restoring God's intended order.
Some of the key promoters of the Seven Mountains Mandate include—C. Peter Wagner, a leading figure in the New Apostolic Reformation; Lance Wallnau, a preacher whose work has spread the ideology far and wide; Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, and Loren Cunningham who started Youth With A Mission (YWAM).
The Seven Mountains Mandate has gained traction among influential Christian leaders and organizations, blending theology with political activism to assert control over public life.
This framework provides dominionists with a strategic roadmap for achieving their goal of a hyper-Christianized society that covets influence in the areas of government policy, media narratives, and educational institutions.
Figures like Hegseth, who are steeped in this ideology, will likely prioritize policies that align with their religious worldview over pluralistic and democratic principles.
As noted scholar of Christian extremist ideology, Julie Ingersoll, commented, “When these guys say they believe in the separation of church and state, they’re being duplicitous. They do believe in separate spheres for church and state, but also in a theocratic authority that sits above both.”
Key tenets of Christian dominionism include:
The Dominion Mandate – The belief that Christians must exercise authority over society and institutions to reflect God's sovereignty.
Patriarchy – A strict gender hierarchy where men lead in the home, church, and society.
Biblical Law in Public Life – The promotion of Old Testament law as a foundation for civil governance.
Anti-Pluralism – The rejection of secularism and religious diversity in favor of a Christian nation.
Hegseth's Connections to Christian Dominionism
Pete Hegseth is a member of a congregation in Goodlettsville, Tennessee that is affiliated with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC).
This denomination was co-founded by Douglas Wilson, a figure notorious for blending extreme theology with politics.
Wilson's influence extends through institutions he founded or inspired, including:
Christ Church – The flagship church of the CREC.
New Saint Andrews College – A hub for classical Christian education.
Canon Press – A publishing arm promoting dominionist ideology.
Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) – A network advancing classical education as an alternative to public schooling.
Wilson's teachings emphasize patriarchal social structures and advocate for integrating his interpretation of biblical law into government.
His controversial pamphlet Southern Slavery, As It Was, which he co-authored in 1996, in which he argued that tales of the brutality of slavery were “largely false.” Wilson concedes that abuses occurred but wondered, “How widespread were these instances of unbiblical and ungodly treatment on the part of Southern slave holders?” (emphasis original)
Wilson's ideas continue to shape the CREC's push for a Christian society that challenges democratic values and pluralism.
How Hegseth's Dominionist Views Will Impact His Role
As Secretary of Defense, a role that puts him in charge of the agenda and policy for the entire U.S miliatry, Hegseth's dominionist beliefs put the “power of the sword” in the hands of an ideological extremist.
His views on gender roles and social hierarchy raise concerns about the treatment of women in the military and the potential erosion of existing policies aimed at fostering inclusion.
Furthermore, his affiliation with Christian nationalist circles raises the specter of military policies influenced by a radical ideology, potentially undermining the constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.
Hegseth’s rhetoric echoes the dominionist goal of "reclaiming" America for Christ, a vision that is fundamentally at odds with the principles of a pluralistic democracy.
His tenure could see increased pressure to infuse military culture with Christian nationalist ideals, further marginalizing non-Christian service members and reinforcing exclusionary policies.
Pushing Back Against Distortions of Christianity
Christian dominionism distorts the message of Jesus, who called for love, mercy, and humility—not authoritarian control.
As believers and citizens committed to justice, we must push back against these distortions and advocate for a faith that truly reflects the character of Christ.
The lectionary reading for this Sunday includes Luke 4:14-21. It’s the passage where Jesus announces his public ministry. He reads from a section of Isaiah, and says to the assembly:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:14-21)
True Christianity uses power to uplift the oppressed not to impose policies designed to compel piety.
We are seeing corruptions of Christianity invade the highest halls of power. They loudly proclaim the name of Christ while using their positions in ways that look nothing like him.
In these dismal days where men of unsound character and distorted faith are momentarily ascendant, it is incumbent upon Christians who love the pure, peaceable religion of Jesus to unapologetically proclaim a different witness.
The installation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense must serve to rouse Christians who strive to live as disciples of Jesus not devotees of dominionism.
What do you think about Hegseth’s appointment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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More specifically Pete Hegseth, Douglas Wilson, and those who follow this ideology could be described as a Christian reconstructionists, a type of dominionism championed by people such as R. J. Rushdoony. For more see “The Christian Reconstruction Movement in U.S. Politics” by Julie Ingersoll.
A recent and excellent book about dominionism and the New Apostolic Reformation is Matthew Taylor’s The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement that Is Threatening Our Democracy.
My initial thought upon reading of Hegseth's confirmation was, "Surely, at least one of the 50 senators who voted for him believes he is deeply unqualified for the role, lacking the character, experience, and expertise to lead the armed forces of a world superpower." They suppressed their lack of trust out of fear of Trump and his mob, and their desire to keep their position of power and influence, even at the cost of their integrity. Sen. Joni Ernst comes to mind; to echo comments I made elsewhere, I am thunderstruck that a survivor of sexual assault and harassment could sell their soul and vote for this adulterer, excessive drinker, and accused abuser, just to keep from losing their seat in "the world's greatest deliberative body." Incidentally, their acquiescence to Donald Trump, who they failed to convict twice after he was impeached, and for whom they confirmed this man, means they should never refer to themselves by that lofty phrase ever again. They have chosen capitulation over deliberation. It would have taken only one of those 50 to be true to themselves and vote "no," but they failed, and history will note their profile in cowardice.
We will need to educate people about dominionism. Most have no idea what it is and the danger it has always presented to the genuine church. In that movement, Jesus is not Lord, only white men in authority.