Pete changed his job title from Secretary of State for Defence to Secretary of State for War so as to be in tune with his beliefs. He identifies as a * Crusader Christian*. His body is covered with crusader tattoos. The Pentagon promotes warrior attitudes by having Crusader Christian prayer meetings.1
“[He] prayed during a religious service at the Pentagon that there be “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy”. (my emphasis)
One of his numerous tattoos uses an Arabic phrase.
“The tattoo is the Arabic word “kafir,” which translates to “disbeliever” or “infidel.” Critics say that it clearly brands Hegseth, who is a devout Christian, as an enemy of Islam. It remains unclear when he got the new ink—but the symbol does not appear in photos of Hegseth as recently as several months ago.”2 (my emphasis)
This neatly contextualises his instructions to generals about battlefield conduct,
“With every passing hour, we know — and we know they know — that the military capabilities of their evil regime are crumbling. They can barely communicate, let alone coordinate. They’re confused and we know it. Our response? We will keep pressing, we will keep pushing, keep advancing, no quarter, no mercy for our enemies.”3 (my emphasis)
“No Quarter” is a technical term, used by the military, on battlefields, and means,
“… all enemy combatants must be killed.”4 (see Addendum)
Generals on the battlefield who believe it to be impossible to guard and feed captured enemy gave *no quarter*. Captured enemy soldiers were slaughtered. This is a war crime5
Pete’s position isn’t a strategic decision taken in the immediate aftermath of a battle. Pete is ordering generals to give *No quarter* as a routine action in the aftermath of any battle. This completely rejects the Beatitudes, which
“…..[highlight] the qualities and attitudes valued in the Kingdom of Heaven. 6
Pete is a *Devout Christian* and the Beatitudes are central to every Christians understanding of Christianity. It follows that Pete is familiar with them. As the Secretary of State for War, he especially understands their importance for him as they are apposite to his role,
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy
And
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.7
Conclusion
Pete Hegseth identifies as a Christian. Is being a Christian performative? That is, should people be able to see that you are a Christian from your daily conduct? Slaughtering wounded and captured soldiers unequivocally fails the test of Christian Behaviour. The Beatitudes are inconvenient because Pete’s a Christian. They guide Christians in every aspect of their life because, “…..[they highlight] the qualities and attitudes valued in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Pete’s moral compass as a devout Christian has gone awry.
Addendum: No quarter ~ 1st December 2025
“The order was to kill everybody,” a person with direct knowledge of the operation reportedly told the Post, adding that the order was given verbally. In an effort to comply with that order, the commanding officer of the operation directed a second strike targeting two survivors of an initial attack, who were “clinging to the smoldering wreck…“It is absolutely unlawful to order that there will be no survivors,” ~ Ingber, professor of law at Cardozo Law School and an expert in international law, tells TIME. “There is no actual armed conflict here, so this is murder.”” Source Could Hegseth Face Prosecution for Alleged ‘Kill Everyone’ Order?
Notes
2 Pete Hegseth Sparks Outrage With Wild New Arabic Tattoo
3 Pete Hegseth Calls For ‘No Quarter’ For US Enemies In Apparent Violation of International Law
5 Cold blooded murder and years of cover-up: UK veterans speak out | Stop the War I include this in case the impression is given that this behaviour is exclusively American.
6 The 8 Beatitudes: List and Meaning Explained | Bible Study Tools
7 Matthew 5: verses 7 and 9
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