WASHINGTON – James Talarico, a candidate for the Texas Senate, once gave a sermon titled “God Is Not a Christian,” strongly criticizing conservatives whom Democrats accuse of pushing America toward a theocracy.
Talarico, who is a Presbyterian seminarian as well as a Texas congressman, admitted in a 2023 sermon that he often feels hesitant to express his faith. Yet, he expressed concern about a “cancer in our religion.” He explained that “God is much bigger than our human categories. God is not Presbyterian. God is not Christian. God is not a noun at all. God is a verb. God is not a being. God is self-being and God is love,” while addressing the congregation at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
Talarico underscored that Jesus opposes anything that disrupts love for one’s neighbor, including organized religion. He pointed out that Jesus often contradicts religious norms, suggesting sinners might enter heaven before the devoutly religious.
Throughout his rapid ascent in politics, Talarico has embraced religious narratives, reminiscent of former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who is recognized for his eloquent speeches and critique of conservative religious attitudes.
The ambitious candidate, who previously described God as non-binary, shared in a 2021 podcast, “I’ve always thought of myself as a Christian who hates Christianity.” Despite his unease at times, he confessed, “I always find myself drawn back to Christianity.”
These remarks came during a conversation with Roberto Henderson Espinoza, a self-identified “transqueer, Latino” activist theologian, whom Talarico holds in high regard as a model of faith.
According to Talarico’s spokesperson, JT Ennis, “James is a Christian seminarian who has dedicated his life to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and he sees and fights corruption because there is nothing Christian about those in power using the Bible to justify hatred and greed and score political points.” Ennis added that while politicians like Ken Paxton criticize Talarico for his beliefs, he will keep encouraging Texans to love their neighbors.
In a sermon this year, the Democratic Party similarly characterized its battle against Christian nationalism, advocating for its eradication from church teachings.
Talarico called Christian nationalism a “sectarian movement based on mutual hatred,” claiming that “Jesus came to change the world,” whereas Christian nationalism seeks to uphold the existing order. He criticized how it has warped the image of Jesus into a “gun-toting, gay-bashing, science-denying, money-loving, fear-mongering fascist,” emphasizing that it’s essential for Christians to denounce this trend. He warned, “Christian nationalism is on the rise.”
“We are closer to a Christian theocracy than we think,” he cautioned, mentioning issues like the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, efforts to replace public schools in Texas with private religious schools, and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack as examples of disruptive Christian nationalism.
Talarico also challenged the notion that America is a Christian nation and spoke against religious intolerance. He stated, “If this were truly a Christian nation, we would ensure that every child in this state and in this country is housed, fed, clothed, educated and insured.” He continued, “If this were truly a Christian nation, we would never be a Christian nation, because we know that the table of fellowship is open to everyone, including Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and even our atheist neighbors.”
Currently, Talarico holds a slim 1.2 percentage point lead over Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) in the latest polling data.
When reminded of some of his past comments viewed as “woke” from earlier in the 2020s, Talarico acknowledged, “some of the old statements were off the mark,” even labeling them as “creepy.”
