It’s a popular adage that we should never discuss religion or politics in polite company, even though we do it all the time. I think most of us generally accept and respect that others may hold beliefs that differ from us. Thomas Jefferson once famously said: “… it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.” And most of our politicians have shied away from claims of knowing God’s will; I’ve always been impressed with Abraham Lincoln who was once asked if God was on his side. He responded with: “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”

Unfortunately this level of humility and maturity eludes our current Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Politicians (including presidents) have often attended prayer breakfasts in various settings but they don’t normally give the prayer; that’s normally reserved for the chaplain. This makes some sense because chaplains have a deeper understanding of both prayer and Scripture and are more likely to pray appropriately. Not this guy.

Here are some of his words from his prayer: “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation. Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”

I believe in a God of peace and mercy. I believe in a God that does not take direction from me. I believe in a God who hates war, hates violence, and calls all of his people to peaceful solutions.

I believe in a God who does recognize the need for measured self defense and I belong to a church that has developed the Just War Doctrine.

But Pete believes in a God who appears to revel in vengeance, who roots for the accuracy of bullets and bombs, and shows no mercy to at least some of his creations.

Pete’s God frightens me.