Deus vult

Deus vult is a Latin phrase that translates to "God wills it." It originated as a rallying cry during the First Crusade in 1096, where it was reportedly used by Pope Urban II at the Council of Clermont.[1] The phrase became a symbolic call for Christian forces participating in the Crusades, representing religious motivation for military campaigns in the eastern Mediterranean.
In contemporary times, "Deus vult" has been appropriated by far-right extremist groups, including white supremacists and anti-Muslim organizations.[2][3] These groups have weaponized the phrase as a slogan promoting hate speech, using it to justify violence, discrimination, and hostility against Muslims. Instances of its use can be found in online forums, social media platforms, and public rallies, where it is employed to incite hatred and intolerance.[4]
Often white supremacists will use the Jerusalem Cross in association with the term "Deus Vult".[5] Tom Hill, president and executive director of the Center for Peace Diplomacy, said that these two symbols "when used in combination...are 'an invocation of the claim that crusader violence and its atrocities (including the massacre of civilians) was legitimate.'"[5] “It is this bloody, militant intent that comes first when seeking to understand its current usage as a symbol for those pledging their allegiances in contemporary politics — and this is why it has been appropriated by the so-called ‘alt right,’” Hill said.[5]
The use of "Deus vult" in modern contexts has drawn criticism for perpetuating hate speech and promoting exclusionary ideologies. Documented cases of this phrase being used as a symbol of anti-Muslim sentiment highlight its transformation from a medieval war cry into a tool of bigotry in the present day.
References
- ↑ Tyerman, Christopher. God's War: A New History of the Crusades. Harvard University Press, 2006, p. 127.
- ↑ Perry, Samuel. Whitewashing the Crusades: The Uses of History in Modern Nationalism. Routledge, 2019, pp. 22–24.
- ↑ Ahmed, Akbar. Journey into Europe: Islam, Immigration, and Identity. Brookings Institution Press, 2018, p. 89.
- ↑ Little, Becky. "How Hate Groups Are Hijacking Medieval Symbols While Ignoring the Facts Behind Them" History.com, January 31, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Sara Melais. "Did Pete Hegseth’s tattoos bar him from National Guard service in 2021?". Poynter. Retrieved January 16, 2025.