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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJames 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.
— Team Talarico (@teamtalaricohq.bsky.social) 2026-03-27T18:25:58.781Z
We spend so much time looking for God out there, that we miss God in the person sitting right next to us.
erronis
(23,964 posts)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)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)It really does have a universal message in it.
wiggs
(8,823 posts)erronis
(23,964 posts)enigmania
(471 posts)jmbar2
(8,024 posts)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".
ananda
(35,220 posts)I like it.
Seinan Sensei
(1,566 posts)Talarico comes from a place of authentic faith.
Think in terms of Carters work with Habitat for Humanity
The Nationalist Christians (Nat-Cs), on the other hand, begin with an agenda first, then back-fill with Bible verses in an attempt to lend gravitas to their biases.
Its the difference between Exegesis (Talarico) and Eisegesis (Nat-Cs)
SSJVegeta
(2,872 posts)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)While having a strong belief about separation of church and state.
JI7
(93,661 posts)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)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)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)They ignore the teachings of the one they claim to follow. They dont welcome the stranger or help the needy or love thy neighbor.
Talarico supports the separation of church and state.
Fil1957
(715 posts)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.