OPINION:
The list of biblical absurdities from James Talarico, the Democratic Senate candidate in Texas, continues to grow.
In addition to his claims that God is “nonbinary,” that “the Bible is silent about abortion” and that there are “six different genders,” we now have his contention that Mary’s consent to the virgin birth is a story about her being “pro-choice.”
How should we respond?
Well, sometimes someone else has already said it better than you ever could. The following is an abbreviated version of an open letter written by Jeff Mullen, a pastor from Nevada, and posted to his social media on May 29.
If you are a faithful Christian (or even someone who is just curious about what the Christian faith is all about), this is the best thing you will read today.
“Dear Representative Talarico,
I do not write as a political opponent, but as a fellow citizen concerned about the growing confusion surrounding faith, truth, and Scripture. Because you frequently speak about Christianity, quote the Bible and present your views as expressions of Christian conviction, [many people] naturally assume they are hearing biblical truth.
My concern is that some of the positions you advocate may lead sincere people away from the clear teaching of Scripture and toward a version of Christianity that reflects the spirit of the age more than the Word of God. …
For that reason, I offer these thoughts — not as an attack, but as a pastoral appeal for biblical clarity and faithfulness.
Concerning your statement that God is nonbinary: Throughout Scripture, God consistently reveals Himself as Father. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, ‘Our Father in heaven’ (Matthew 6:9). Christ is the Son, and the Church is His Bride. These are not accidental descriptions but part of God’s self-revelation.
Every generation faces the temptation to reshape God according to its own values. Ancient cultures carved idols from stone. Modern cultures often carve them from ideology. Faithful Christianity begins by allowing God to define Himself rather than redefining Him according to cultural preferences. We do not improve upon divine revelation; we submit to it.
Concerning your statement that the Bible is silent on abortion: Scripture speaks clearly about life in the womb. David wrote, “You knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). God told Jeremiah, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you’ (Jeremiah 1:5). John the Baptist responded to Christ while still in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:41).
The consistent testimony of Scripture is that unborn children are known by God, created by God, and valued by God. The question is not whether the word abortion appears in the Bible.
The question is whether the child in the womb is a human life bearing God’s image. Scripture answers that question repeatedly and clearly. Christians have historically defended the unborn not because of politics, but because every human life belongs to God.
Concerning your use of Mary’s consent to defend abortion rights: Mary’s response to Gabriel was not an assertion of autonomy but an expression of surrender. When told of God’s plan, she replied, ‘I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word’ (Luke 1:38).
The entire story of the incarnation celebrates the acceptance and protection of life within the womb. … Mary’s example is not about the right to end life but the willingness to trust God with it. To use the incarnation as support for abortion requires reversing the very message the story proclaims.
Concerning your statements about biological sex: Scripture teaches that humanity was intentionally created as male and female. Genesis declares, ‘Male and female He created them’ (Genesis 1:27), and Jesus reaffirmed that truth (Matthew 19:4). The Christian understanding of sex is rooted not in cultural tradition but in God’s design. Our identity is not ultimately discovered through self-definition but through submission to the One who created us. …
[Mr. Talarico], the deeper concern behind [all] these issues is [what appears to be your attempt to reshape] Christianity so it aligns more comfortably with [your culture’s values rather than God’s]. … Paul warned Timothy that a time would come when people would seek teachers who tell them what they want to hear rather than what God has said (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
The role of Christian leaders is not to make Scripture acceptable to the culture. It is to faithfully proclaim Scripture, whether the culture applauds or rejects it.
Politics is temporary. Elections are temporary. Legislative victories are temporary. Souls are not. Scripture teaches that those who influence others bear a greater responsibility before God. … Jesus warns against leading others astray. These truths should humble every pastor, teacher … and [politician] who [publicly] speaks in God’s name.
My concern is not your political party, [Mr. Talarico]. My concern is whether the Jesus being presented to the public is the Jesus revealed in Scripture. …
America does not need progressive Christianity or conservative Christianity. America needs biblical Christianity — faithful to God’s Word, centered on Christ, and unafraid to proclaim truth in love.
Respectfully,
Pastor emeritus
Henderson, Nevada”
• Everett Piper (dreverettpiper.com, @dreverettpiper), a columnist for The Washington Times, is a former university president and radio host. He is the author of “Not a Day Care: The Devastating Consequences of Abandoning Truth” (Regnery). He can be reached at epiper@dreverettpiper.com.
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