Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is facing continued accusations of bringing Christian nationalism into the US military. His critics, however, aren’t just atheists, but members of the Christian faith. “Hegseth is overstepping his boundaries, trying to become the denominational policeman for members of the military,” Reverend Justin Cohen, a Baptist chaplain, told The Daily Mail. His concerns come after Hegseth made comments against “woo-woo” beliefs being pushed in the military. The comments, which were made December 16, were made against a “real problem” facing the US military. “It’s one you’re probably not aware of, but it’s a really important one, and it’s been going on for too long – the weakening of our Chaplain Corps. In an atmosphere of political correctness and secular humanism, chaplains have been minimized, viewed by many as therapists instead of ministers,” he warned.

The result has been Hegseth removing things like the Army’s Spiritual Fitness Guide. “It mentions God one time,” he said of the God. “That’s it. It mentions feelings 11 times. It even mentions playfulness, whatever that is, nine times… In short, it’s unacceptable and unserious, so we’re tossing it.” The guide has been removed even from the internet.

Some interpret his moves as violating freedom of religion. “What he is doing is multi-generational damage to the US military by attempting to take a sledge-hammer to the essence of the Chaplain Corps,” said Mikey Weinstein, founder and president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. “This is a tidal wave of unconstitutional destruction fueled by his fundamentalist Christian nationalistic arrogance and hubris,” he continued.

While Hegseth has not revealed his full guidance for chaplains going forward, he has promised the department will be “simplifying” its religious codes. “’We are proud to make the Chaplain Corps great again!” Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said. This leaves many feeling uncertain. “’This is the weirdest era we’ve ever seen when it comes to the chaplain system. And if chaplains are being compelled or directed toward one direction, that’s a very unhealthy military,” said one chaplain endorser.

For others, Hegseth’s connection to Pastor Doug Wilson is another cause for concern. Wilson is a polarizing figure in Christian circles, who supports Christian nationalism and has been accused of misogyny after members of his church have said they don’t believe women should have the right to vote. For Weinstein, he certainly didn’t mince words. “This idea of trying to alter the Chaplain Corps is simply a way to try to buttress and fortify this perspective of racism, Christian nationalism, white exclusivity, triumphalism and exceptionalism – his approved solution to eliminating representing any other faith.”