You would think a podcaster who brands homosexuality as ‘uniquely evil’ might be someone to steer clear of if you are a serving politician – even a self-serving one! But not tattooed U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, whose repeated appearances on the Reformation Red Pill podcast, hosted by Pastor Joshua Haymes of Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship, have raised even the painted-on eyebrows of the Republican hard-core in Washington.
The pastor, who is associated with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC)—a denomination advocating for biblical law to shape public life—has gone so far as to call for capital punishment for what he terms ‘sexual sin’ – so President Trump is in trouble! Among the most alarming messages shared by Haymes has been his call for the execution by drowning of those supporting gender-affirming care for transgender youth, whom he labels ‘trans allies’. While Haymes later claimed not to advocate violence, his continued celebration of public executions as ‘biblical’ has raised serious concerns about the ideology being normalised through this platform.
Hegseth’s involvement in this milieu extends beyond mere appearances. He has shared content promoting anti-gay laws and has openly aligned himself with CREC’s strict theological framework. The Pentagon confirmed Hegseth is a ‘proud membe’” of the church affiliated with CREC and holds traditional Christian views. Analysts observing the podcast episodes featuring Hegseth noted discussions on ‘sphere sovereignty’, a concept delineating church, family, and government as separate entities governed by biblical law, including Old Testament punishments.
The broader implications of Hegseth’s association with these views are being keenly debated. The Guardian previously reported on his endorsement of extremist Christian doctrines opposing same-sex marriage and supporting biblical law in governance. Haymes has also embraced ex-gay conversion therapy, asserting that homosexuality can be ‘cured’ by Jesus… even though Jesus himself never once mentioned homosexuality! Such views are widely condemned by medical and psychological professionals as harmful and discredited.
As the U.S. faces critical debates over inclusion, civil rights, and the role of religion in governance, the normalisation of rhetoric calling for punitive measures against members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies by figures connected to national defence is particularly troubling. If not downright alarming.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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