Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says James Talarico will “go to hell” for his beliefs about the Bible.
Talarico is an ordained Presbyterian minister and seminarian who is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas. He will face erstwhile Southern Baptist Ken Paxton in the November election.
Religion has become a prominent theme in the election, as Talarico has made frequent comments about how his progressive Christian faith informs his political views. Paxton and the evangelical Republican establishment have pushed back hard, attacking both Talarico individually and his Austin, Texas, church collectively.
Patrick, however, upped the ante with his June 12 comments at the Republican Party of Texas’ convention in Houston.
The Texas Tribune reported:
James Talarico (AP Photo/Brenda Bazán)
“It’s James Talarico who decided to bring the Bible into this election. And let me tell you, that’s not a Bible I’ve ever read. I’ve never seen so much blasphemy from anyone running for office,” Patrick said to an uproar of applause. “Let me tell you what, I’m going to pray for that guy, because when he loses the Senate race, if he campaigns against God as he’s been doing, he’s going to hell, for sure. That’s what we’re up against. That’s the darkness. That’s the light. That’s why we must be one.”
While Texans often speak of someone “going to hell” as a metaphor, Patrick was not speaking metaphorically.
MAGA adherents and evangelicals believe someone with Talarico’s views about the Bible and culture should not be considered “Christian” — even though his views represent the quiet majority of Christians in America.
Talarico shot back that Patrick had “sold out the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable to enrich his donors” for decades. “Love feels like blasphemy when you worship power.”
Talarico is a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin. Paxton still holds membership at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano but reportedly hasn’t attended there in years. His church attendance is not clear. Patrick is a member at Second Baptist Church in Houston, also a Southern Baptist congregation.
Publisher Barry Shlachter declared online: “Texans learned this week that our lieutenant governor’s duties now include issuing official forecasts on eternal damnation. … Meanwhile, somewhere in the distance, the ghosts of the Spanish Inquisition are nodding approvingly and saying, ‘Now that’s the spirit!’”
Human rights activist Dana Wilson Smith wrote on Facebook: “Dan Patrick does not get to decide who goes to hell. That is not Christianity. That is political intimidation wrapped in religious fear. … This is not a Bible debate. This is Christian nationalism: one political faction claiming ownership of God, salvation, patriotism and moral authority. A government official telling a political opponent he will ‘go to hell’ for his view of Scripture is exactly why church and state must stay separate. The moment politicians start using heaven and hell as campaign weapons, they are not defending faith. They are abusing it.”
There is no mainstream Christian teaching that assigns anyone to hell for their interpretation of the Bible. Standard evangelical teaching is that hell is the destination for those who reject salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Other Republican officials have called Talarico “gay” and “transgender” even though he is neither. He has been accused of being a vegetarian, which he is not.
Patrick recently chaired President Donald Trump’s controversial Religious Liberty Commission and has declared that the separation of church and state in America is a lie.
Related:
Talarico’s pastor pushes back on Daily Wire’s claims
Don’t miss the faith argument in Talarico v. Paxton | Opinion by Mark Wingfield
Stephen Miller must be confused about gender identity | Opinion by Mark Wingfield
Fact checking three things James Talarico said | Opinion by Brent Barry