Pete Hegseth Reads Fake Pulp Fiction Bible Verse at Pentagon Prayer Service, Calls Press 'Pharisees'

Pete Hegseth Quotes Pulp Fiction at Pentagon Prayer Service and Compares Journalists to Pharisees

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth sparked widespread backlash after reading a fabricated Bible verse during the Pentagon's monthly prayer service on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

Hegseth presented the passage as "CSAR 25:17," claiming it was a prayer used by combat pilots before rescue missions in the ongoing conflict with Iran. He told attendees the prayer was given to him by the lead mission planner of a combat search and rescue operation that recovered two downed American airmen from Iran earlier that month.

"The path of the downed aviator is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to capture and destroy my brother."

The passage closely mirrors a famous scene from Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film "Pulp Fiction," in which Samuel L. Jackson's character Jules Winnfield recites a heavily modified version of Ezekiel 25:17 before carrying out a violent act.

The actual text of Ezekiel 25:17 reads: "I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I take vengeance on them."

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the similarities to the film, saying Hegseth shared a "custom prayer" that was "obviously inspired by dialogue in Pulp Fiction."

Catholic commentator Taylor Marshall compared the incident to "poisonous theology." Other religious leaders expressed concern that using a Hollywood movie quote in place of actual Scripture undermines the seriousness of military chaplaincy and faith in the armed forces.

Hegseth also drew criticism for likening the critical press to the Pharisees in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 3, during the same service. He suggested that journalists who questioned the prayer were acting like the religious leaders who opposed Jesus Christ.

Defense Secretary Under Fire for Reading Samuel L. Jackson's Fake Ezekiel Quote at Military Worship Service

This marks the second consecutive month that Hegseth has led a prayer at the Pentagon worship service that featured violent language. Franklin Graham publicly thanked Hegseth for "not being afraid to stand up for Jesus Christ in the Pentagon," while critics warned that blending Hollywood fiction with Scripture sets a dangerous precedent for faith in military institutions.

The Crusader's Opinion

Here is what I find deeply troubling about this entire episode. If you are going to stand at the podium of the most powerful military headquarters on Earth and lead a prayer service, you had better be quoting the actual Word of God. Not Quentin Tarantino. Not Samuel L. Jackson. The Holy Bible.

Scripture is not a prop. It is not a motivational speech you remix for dramatic effect. Ezekiel 25:17 is real. It carries the weight of divine authority. Swapping it out for a Hollywood hitman's monologue, even dressed up as a "custom prayer," treats the Bible like a screenplay. Our troops deserve genuine spiritual leadership grounded in Truth, not entertainment.

And comparing journalists to Pharisees? That is a cheap deflection. Own the mistake. Repent. Move forward. That is what a real Christian does.

Take Action

• Pray for our military chaplains and service members, that they receive authentic, Scripture based spiritual guidance during wartime.
• Contact the Pentagon's Office of the Chaplain to express support for Biblically sound prayer services: www.defense.gov
• Support military ministry organizations like Cru Military Ministry and The Navigators Military Ministry that provide genuine discipleship to troops.
• Share this story with fellow believers and discuss: What standard should we hold our leaders to when they invoke the name of God?
• Support Christian journalism and persecution awareness at www.TheShepherdsShield.org