Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

applegrove

(132,361 posts)
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 01:14 PM 4 hrs ago

James Talarico:

James Talarico: The kind of religion that says you can treat people however you want as long as you have a personal relationship with Jesus is an abomination.

We spend so much time looking for God out there, that we miss God in the person sitting right next to us.

Team Talarico (@teamtalaricohq.bsky.social) 2026-03-27T18:25:58.781Z
17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

erronis

(23,964 posts)
1. I worry about too much emphasis on religious viewpoints as a platform
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 03:19 PM
2 hrs ago

Using "scripture says" as a talking point will alienate a lot of people - whether they are Christian, or other faiths, or people of no faith, or people who just think that religion shouldn't be part of governance (and thus of politics.)

IcyPeas

(25,537 posts)
2. Totally turns me off .
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 03:34 PM
2 hrs ago

There's already too much of it mostly from republicans...

Can't we all just strive to be kind honest human beings?

ananda

(35,220 posts)
13. In this case I believe we can think that "God" means "good."
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 04:33 PM
1 hr ago

It really does have a universal message in it.

wiggs

(8,823 posts)
3. looks like he's in a church gathering, so perhaps especially pertinent to say these things there. otherwise I agree. nt
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 03:40 PM
2 hrs ago

jmbar2

(8,024 posts)
6. I like Talarico's message. He is directly confronting Xtian nationalist ideology.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 03:57 PM
2 hrs ago

Last edited Thu Apr 9, 2026, 05:04 PM - Edit history (1)

Only a strong Christian can speak to them like that.

Xtian nationalism is the foundation for Project 2025, the Supreme Court takeover, repeal of Roe v Wade, voter suppression, and the current invasion of Iraq.

His voice is uniquely suited to this time in our history.

Certainly an improvement over Trumps religious "advisor".

Seinan Sensei

(1,566 posts)
15. I agree, jmbar2
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 04:41 PM
1 hr ago

Talarico comes from a place of authentic faith.
Think in terms of Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity

The Nationalist Christians (Nat-C’s), on the other hand, begin with an agenda first, then back-fill with Bible verses in an attempt to lend gravitas to their biases.

It’s the difference between Exegesis (Talarico) and Eisegesis (Nat-C’s)

SSJVegeta

(2,872 posts)
8. Normally i would agree but this angle is very important
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 03:57 PM
2 hrs ago

The reason: Right now the Repubkican party and far right is being largely propped up by the Christian Nationalist institutions and funding that also fueld the extremist ideology that got us folks like Hegseth installed. In most ways the Texas Republican party is also entirely dependent on it.

One reason the GOP reallly didnt want Talarico to get the nom is because he has a broad populist platform and appeal but is also looking to destroy the hold Christian Nationalism has in politics.

By framing religious politics in a progressive light and exposing the hypocrisy and evils of Christian Nationalism, he has a very strong chance of removing the stranglehold these churches of hate (and their billions of dollars) have had on America for decades. He is a relentless proponent for the separation of church and state and also uses the examples of enforcing religion using governemnt as entirely antithetical to Christianity.

Talarico offers an antidote to the horrifying spiral of mindless cultism that has plagued most red states for the greater part of the last century.

We would do well to embrace that.

Tree Lady

(13,307 posts)
16. Yes he is going back to a strong belief in his faith
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 05:38 PM
26 min ago

While having a strong belief about separation of church and state.

JI7

(93,661 posts)
17. It's Texas . You have to view it compared to those in power right now
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 05:48 PM
16 min ago

Although Beto came close to winning and he is a typical liberal . And not like this
at all.

But coming close is still not winning.

Hopefully it will happen with him. And it's preferable to right wing using religion to attack others.

TheRickles

(3,414 posts)
7. He's speaking the language of the people in the audience, and very eloquently, too.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 03:57 PM
2 hrs ago

Hard to quibble with his message, and I'm sure he has other ways of phrasing it for other audiences (like DU).

Torchlight

(6,882 posts)
9. He's speaking to a potential voter base
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 04:03 PM
2 hrs ago

and attempting to broaden the discourse by using that base's language. From my chair, it seems rather prudent to invest in voter outreach regardless of pulpit.

surfered

(13,599 posts)
10. He walks the walk. The Christian Nationalists he opposes have a faith without works.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 04:11 PM
1 hr ago

They ignore the teachings of the one they claim to follow. They don’t welcome the stranger or help the needy or love thy neighbor.

Talarico supports the separation of church and state.

Fil1957

(715 posts)
11. Religion like many other things is neither good nor bad. It has been used for good, and way too often for evil.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 04:28 PM
1 hr ago

The U.S. whether we like it or not is one of the most religious rich developed countries. Talarico, because he expresses his religious views articulately and coherently has been able to reach christian conservatives and show that Christian Nationalism is a sham and is against the teachings of Christ.

This is why the GOP is scared shitless of him. I'm not religious myself, but I say more power to him and we need more like him. Democrats should not be afraid to play on the religious turf, otherwise we leave the entire playing field to those who do, and we lose by default.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»James Talarico: