Texas Senate candidate James Talarico sparks debate with sermon calling God non-Christian
Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico delivered a 2023 sermon titled “God is not a Christian,” condemning Christian nationalism and defending abortion rights.
James Talarico, a Texas state representative and Presbyterian seminary student, gave a sermon in 2023 called “God is not a Christian,” in which he described God as beyond human categories and denounced Christian nationalism as a “cancer on our religion.” Speaking at St. Andrews’ Presbyterian Church, he warned that the movement seeks to turn America into a theocracy and cited the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, pushes to replace public schools with private Christian schools, and the Jan. 6 Capitol riot as evidence of its harmful influence.
Talarico also rejected the notion of the United States as a Christian nation, emphasizing care for all faiths and non-believers. His comments have provoked criticism from Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, while his Senate campaign holds a slight lead over Paxton in one outlet's polling. Talarico’s spokesperson JT Ennis framed the remarks as part of a broader effort to challenge the use of scripture for political gain.
Why it matters
The candidate’s controversial religious statements could shape voter perceptions in a tightly contested Texas Senate race.
How this story developed
- Jul 28 Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico accused of violating state voting residency rules
- Aug 5 A July poll shows Talarico at 45% and Paxton at 40% in the Senate race.
- Aug 10 Republican Rep. Max Miller has remained on the ballot for Ohio’s 7th District after the certification deadline passed, even as his ex-wife accuses him of severe abuse.
- Aug 11 Miller filed paperwork to initiate a House Ethics Committee investigation of himself.
- Aug 18 Jacob Smith, former deputy legislative director for Sen. John Cornyn, joined Talarico’s campaign as deputy policy director.
In this story
Related stories
26 in this thread