Twisting Scripture to Fit Progressive Politics

Written by David E. Smith

Texas State Representative James Talarico has emerged as an apostate “Christian” whose progressive ideology runs contrary to two thousand years of orthodox Christian teaching. Unsuprisingly, he has become something of a media darling on the Left, promoted as a thoughtful Christian voice who can reconcile progressive politics through a reinterpretation of Scripture.

Talarico, who recently won the Texas Senate Democratic nomination, describes himself as a “secularist seminarian.” He has gained attention for using biblical language and religious imagery to defend a host of progressive political causes, including abortion and transgender ideology. His approach wildly distorts Christian teaching.

According to reports, Talarico has suggested that “God is nonbinary,” arguing that Christians should rethink traditional doctrines about gender and identity. These statements have sparked widespread criticism from Christian leaders and theologians who warn that this type of rhetoric replaces biblical authority with political ideology. For our part, we will simply call his statements secular humanism—as they elevate human reasoning over biblical truth.

In another striking example, Talarico has claimed that the Virgin Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel somehow demonstrates a model of consent that can be used to justify abortion. He has also suggested that the Bible is “all over the place when it comes to marriage,” a claim that critics say ignores the clear biblical teaching that marriage is the covenant union of one man and one woman.

On that latter point, Pastor James Pittman of New Hope Church in Palatine published the following video commentary in response to Talarico’s nomination. You will want to watch and share this:

Inverting Scripture to Serve Politics

The media, however, has largely celebrated Talarico’s approach. As one analysis noted, much of the press appears eager to promote religious figures who reshape Christianity to conform to modern progressive politics. Authentic biblical Christianity, by contrast, is often portrayed negatively or dismissed entirely.

Christian apologist Dr. Alex McFarland believes Talarico’s message is part of a broader effort to redefine the Christian faith.

“James Talarico’s statement that there is ‘something happening in Texas’ is absolutely true, but is it for the better? Decidedly not,” McFarland said. “Talarico’s faith-based bid to flip Texas to the Democratic Party is nothing more than a plot to persuade Texas Christians to give him a vote.”

McFarland warned that the strategy relies on confusing believers about what Christianity actually teaches.

“The great state of Texas is tragically becoming less Christian by the day, and ultimate opportunist Talarico is capitalizing on this dip in faith by muddying the water and ultimately creating a brand new religion based on this ‘progressive’ Christ,” McFarland said.

He added a clear warning for Christians who may be tempted to view such rhetoric as compatible with biblical faith.

“Let me be clear: the only Christ that leads to eternal salvation is the one found specifically in the Bible,” McFarland said. “We are all sinners in need of forgiveness, and there’s only one true Savior, Jesus Christ, and Talarico’s version is not the real Jesus.”

At the heart of the controversy is a fundamental question: Who defines Christianity—the culture, or the Bible?

For centuries, the Christian faith has been grounded in the authority of Scripture. While believers may disagree on secondary matters, the core doctrines of the faith—sin, salvation, the authority of God’s Word, and the person of Jesus Christ—have remained consistent.

Progressive reinterpretations like those promoted by Talarico represent something very different. Rather than submitting political views to the authority of Scripture, they reshape Scripture to affirm contemporary cultural beliefs.

This approach may be politically convenient, but it comes at a cost. When Christianity is reduced to a vehicle for advancing political ideology, its message is inevitably diluted.

The result is not a clearer presentation of the Gospel, but a counterfeit version that bears little resemblance to historic Christian teaching.

For Christians seeking truth in a time of cultural confusion, the answer is not to reinvent the faith but to return to its foundation. Scripture warns us:

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! ~Galatians 1:8:

The challenge facing believers today is not merely political—it is a matter of worldview. After listening to Dr. George Barna at the IFI Worldview Conference on Saturday, I am more convinced than ever that he is right: the need for the Christian remnant to disciple the world is urgent and rooted in the Great Commission. This remnant represents just 4 percent of the total U.S. adult population —or— approximately 15 million people.

Barna notes that true discipleship requires a complete transformation of beliefs and behavior—what he calls “thinking like Jesus so that you can live like Jesus.” Embracing a biblical worldview is not merely adopting a set of beliefs; it is a framework that shapes every decision and action.

If we are to be obedient to God’s instructions, this will require discernment to recognize the difference between Christianity faithfully proclaimed and a counterfeit version reshaped to fit the spirit of the age. Being biblically literate and well-versed is a prerequisite.