At a Pentagon Christmas worship service, Franklin Graham told a military and civilian audience that the familiar "God of love" "also hates" and can be "a God of war," quoting John 3:16 and a violent Old Testament passage. The service, hosted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife, included Graham's call for national repentance and healing. Hegseth closed by honoring three Americans killed in Syria and reflecting on the solace families find in faith. The remarks prompted scrutiny for their use of violent biblical imagery in a government and military setting.
At Pentagon Christmas Service, Franklin Graham Says ‘God Also Hates’ and Calls God ‘A God of War’
Evangelical leader Franklin Graham addressed troops and Pentagon staff at a Christmas worship service Thursday, telling the congregation that the familiar “God of love” also “hates” and can be “a God of war.” The event was hosted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer Hegseth.
Graham opened by reciting John 3:16: "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that he whoever believeth in him shouldn't perish, but have everlasting life." He then told attendees, "We know that God loves, but did you know that God also hates? Do you know that God also is a God of war? And many people don't want to think about that, or forget that."
Graham quoted an Old Testament passage in which a king is ordered to destroy an enemy: "Utterly destroy all that they have. Don't spare them....but kill them, both men, women, infant, nursing child, oxen, sheep, camel, and donkey." Anticipating resistance to the passage, he added: "Now, people will say, 'Franklin, that is so hard. That's not the God I believe in.' Well, you'd better believe in him!"
Graham also called for national repentance, saying, "I pray that God will forgive the sins of our country. When you think of all the things we do, and the mistakes we make, pray that God will heal our land, and that America will once again turn to the God of our fathers and serve him."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth closed the service by honoring American service members and an interpreter recently killed in Syria. "I just got back from Dover for a dignified transfer for three great Americans," Hegseth said. He reflected on the grief of families and the comfort many find in faith: "Almost to a man and a woman, you see them find hope, that there is something bigger...they serve a bigger and greater God. And we know where they are."
Context and Reaction
The remarks stood out because they combined explicit, violent biblical imagery with a government-hosted, military audience—raising questions about the tone and appropriateness of such language at an official Pentagon event. Graham's comments also reiterated his longstanding emphasis on sin, repentance, and the sovereignty of God as both loving and just.
