Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
04/20/2026
Pete Hegseth recites prayer from Pulp Fiction during military sermon
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth sparked attention after leading a Pentagon prayer service using a reworked “Bible verse” made famous in Pulp Fiction. The adapted passage — loosely inspired by the Book of Ezekiel — was reportedly recited before a high-stakes CSAR (Combat Search and Rescue) mission involving A-10 “Sandy” crews during a downed pilot rescue in Iran. However, the prayer closely echoes a monologue by Samuel L. Jackson portraying a hitman in the film.
■Class discussion: In the Pulp Fiction movie, Jackson’s character later says he used his “vengeance” speech because he enjoyed scaring his victims. Should any prayer be based on crime movie dialogue? How often do politicians quote from movies? Which president said, “Make my Day,” a “Dirty Harry” quote from the film Sudden Impact? How have popular movies influenced political views? How have political leaders used films for their own political goals? Can you identify political propaganda?
