Prayers to the LORD or to ARES, the God of War?

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Father Joe

People kneeling and praying before a bronze statue of Donald Trump in Spartan armor. — *Slaves kneel in prayer before an idol of the pagan war god in Spartan armor.*

I am shocked that some who tout themselves as solid Catholics have compromised their faith by embracing the Fundamentalist mindset given place of honor in the Trump Administration. This group views the state of Israel as the fruit of prophecy, thus negating any rights of Palestinians to their homeland. This Evangelical Protestant perspective refashions Sacred Scripture into the idolatry of a BOOK, interpreting it literally and focusing upon a rigid Old Testament morality as a model for today. The defense of Israel thus becomes paramount. They are quick to excuse atrocities in Gaza and the systematic destruction of Iran.

A wimpish Congress has largely surrendered its role in governance to executive orders, first in the Biden administration and now with Trump. Subordinates that disagree with the supreme leader or who prove ineffective in fulfilling autocratic demands are quickly dismissed or replaced. Here I am thinking of figures like Pam Bondi, General Randy George, and Carrie Prejean Boller. Boller was fired for stating, “I am a Catholic, and Catholics don’t embrace Zionism.” What she says about the faith is true as the New Israel or Kingdom is not the middle eastern political state, but the universal or world-wide Catholic Church. She was roundly condemned as antisemitic and eliminated. Those who speak for our pretentious potentate fall over themselves so as to incur his favor. Everything they say begins with heaping blame upon his predecessor and enemies and next extolling praise and thanks upon him for his accomplishments. It is too much.

Catholics should rightly be hesitant to embrace the Protestant ethos which traditionally ruled this nation despite the constitutional separation of church and state. Make no mistake about it, these new Protestants like those of old distrust Catholics. (Note that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a Protestant-only Good Friday service at the Pentecost in-house chapel, specifying that there would be no Catholic services (like stations or veneration of the cross).

The Pope is concerned that any would adopt a diplomacy based upon the threat of military intervention. This was the whole point of our opposition against Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump gained office by opposing military malfeasance by the Democrats. Catholics and others found appealing his defense of religious liberty. Many applauded his stance against abortion. We worried about crime and the danger of open borders. But throughout, the bishops warned us about the mistreatment of immigrants. Many of us wanted justice, but not devoid of compassion and charity. Despite promises that we would not police the planet, the president has ordered the invasion of Venezuela and the kidnapping of a leader of state, collaborated over the destruction of Gaza, bombed Iran and killed its leadership, and now threatens Cuba with demands for regime change. Like the man or not, this administration is on the warpath. Islamic extremists pursue Jihad or holy war. Now evangelicals invoke God in favor of the president’s aggressive policies. Indeed, even worse, Paula White speaks of God and then praises Trump as if he is another Jesus Christ. Enough is enough!

The Pope may be an American but he is also “Peter” and he governs a people for Christ the world over. The foot-washing on Thursday reminded us that he is “the servant of the servants of God.” He represents the Prince of Peace where “an eye for an eye” was replaced by the Lord who forgives his murderers. Why are we surprised that Pope Leo XIV preaches peace? Pope John Paul II did the same when we invaded Iraq.

Catholic morality views biblical laws through the prism of tradition, natural law, and the guidance of the Magisterium. We are not obliged to follow obsolete levitical, ceremonial or civil laws. We also speak about the theory of just war and proportional force. Military action might sometimes be required, but only in desperation and when diplomacy has failed. The American system is based upon checks and balances that seem to be currently bypassed for political urgency. This is dangerous. How long and far should such go on? Might does not make right. Might should be on the side of right. There is an important difference. Gaza has suffered 169,000 injured (many requiring amputations) and 90,000+ dead (of which 20,000 were children). The current action in Iran has resulted in the deaths of 3,531 people, of which 1,607 were civilians and 244 were children. When politicians and Protestant clergy thank God for military victories and the death of enemies, is it only the Pope and a few maligned Catholics who pray for the innocent and the dead?

As one who regularly seeks to discern spirits, there was something intensely unsettling about a recent prayer service in Washington orchestrated by Paula White. Indeed, my anxiety is amplified by what is going on throughout the country and even in our churches. Over the years I have sometimes gotten into trouble for speaking my mind and failing to tow the line. But I am no YES man, even to lawful authority. While I feel that obedience is the most crucial and most difficult promise a priest makes, my personality or character cringes against blind obedience. It is not in my make up to join the lines of doting sycophants to any man, no matter how charismatic or popular. We belong to Christ, even when men in the Church fail us. We belong to Christ, and should not suffer bondage to any party or mere mortal. Too many fail to understand the lesson of the coin, as there can be no divided loyalty. Caesar may have his likeness on a coin, but Christ’s likeness alone must be inscribed upon human hearts. Yes, even Caesar belongs to God. There is no comparison. We must be careful of idolatry in all its devious forms.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prayed at a Christian worship service for the military: “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.” This might make a good pagan prayer to the the false god Ares or Mars, but it is no prayer to the true God revealed in Jesus Christ. The Holy Father is under attack for saying that “God rejects the prayers of warmongers.” “This is our God: Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.” Pope Leo XIV cited Isaiah 1:15: “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.” Tradition teaches that Pilate constantly washed his hands, particularly after the death of Christ. He lamented, will I ever get my hands clean? That should again be the question, today.