James Talarico Addresses Abortion and Faith
James Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas, has recently made headlines by stating that “the Bible is silent on abortion.”
In a chat with podcaster Jamie Kern Lima this month, Talarico, who secured the Democratic nomination in the recent primaries, expressed his discontent with Texas’ stringent abortion laws. He emphasized the need for women to make their own choices regarding their bodies.
“I trust Texas women to make decisions about their own bodies, to shape their own destinies in consultation with their families, their doctors, their faith leaders,” Talarico asserted. He believes that government and politicians should not interfere in such personal matters, a perspective he maintains as a product of his faith. “Jesus never talks about abortion,” he added, reinforcing his point by stating, “The Bible is silent on abortion.”
His opinions have drawn criticism from conservative circles, including from former President Donald Trump, who labeled Talarico as “perhaps the worst TEXAS candidate,” claiming he believes in “six genders” and is “insulting to Jesus Christ.”
On the other side of the campaign, Talarico’s Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, described him as “radical” after winning the GOP nomination.
Following Paxton’s primary win, Talarico addressed some of his previous comments during an interview with CBS News’ Ed O’Keefe.
“There are some statements that I have made that I certainly regret. There are statements that I have made where I have missed the mark. I will be the first to admit that,” he acknowledged.
When pressed about a remark he made in a 2021 debate regarding biological sexes, Talarico clarified, “I know there are two sexes, men and women. I also know there is a very small percentage of people who have these chromosomal abnormalities.”
During the podcast, he encouraged Christians to consider scripture as a whole when discussing significant issues like abortion. While the Bible does not directly address abortion, various verses are often cited in support of pro-life views.
For instance, in Jeremiah 1:5, God tells the prophet, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Similarly, Psalm 139:13-15 reflects on the fearfully and wonderfully made creation in the womb.
Additionally, Luke 1:41-44 recounts a moment when the unborn John the Baptist leaps in his mother’s womb upon visiting Mary. Exodus 21:22-25 presents legal consequences for harm to a pregnant woman and, by extension, her unborn child. Lastly, Leviticus 20:1-5 warns against the sacrifice of children, highlighting a community’s responsibility to protect life.
