Stay with us until the end, because this story is not just political — it is deeply spiritual.
U.S. Senate candidate and Texas State Representative James Talarico (D-Austin) recently stated in a television interview that the Bible does not mention abortion or same-sex marriage. According to him, Jesus taught that salvation is obtained by treating people well and “welcoming the stranger.”
During his appearance on a national program, Talarico cited Matthew 25, saying that Jesus made it clear how we will be judged and saved: by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and welcoming the stranger. He added that it is not about attending church or political affiliation, but about how we treat other people.
The candidate also criticized what he called “the religious right,” suggesting that for decades it has convinced many Christians that abortion and gay marriage were the most important issues — two topics he claimed “are not mentioned in the Bible and that Jesus never talked about directly.”
Talarico, who studies at a Presbyterian seminary in Austin, further stated that Jesus gave two commandments: love God and love your neighbor, and that there are no exceptions to that second commandment, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, or religious affiliation.
However, it is important to understand the biblical context. In Matthew 22:36–40, Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest — not which were the only commandments. He quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 and concluded:
“On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
This means that all moral teaching in Scripture is connected to those principles — not that other biblical teachings are dismissed or erased.
The discussion also touched on immigration and civil authority. Other Christian leaders referenced Romans 13, which teaches that governing authorities are established by God to maintain order and execute justice. The passage describes civil authority as “God’s servant” to bring punishment upon the wrongdoer.
The topic has generated significant conversation among believers, especially in a time when faith and politics often intersect.
Let us reflect on this.
It is true that Jesus called us to love, to serve, and to show compassion. Matthew 25 reminds us that genuine faith must be expressed through action. But biblical love does not cancel biblical truth.
Scripture speaks clearly about the value of life in the womb:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)
The Bible also defines God’s design for marriage:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife.” (Genesis 2:24)
As Christians, we cannot select only the verses that align with cultural narratives. Loving our neighbor does not mean redefining what God has established. True love speaks with grace — but it also stands in truth.
At Somos Cristianos, we believe the Gospel is not a political tool, nor is it something to be reshaped according to cultural trends. The Christian faith is whole and complete: it includes mercy and justice, compassion and holiness, grace and truth.
Jesus did command us to love our neighbor. But He also called people to repentance, obedience, and alignment with the Father’s will.
I invite you to join in this prayer.
Lord, grant us wisdom in times of confusion. Help us not to be swayed by statements that sound compassionate but may be incomplete. Teach us to love as You love, yet remain firm in Your truth.
Guard our hearts from pride, division, and hostility. Enable us to represent Christ with character, conviction, and humility. May our faith not be political, but deeply biblical.
In the midst of noise and debate, let Your Word remain our foundation.
Amen.
Somos Cristianos, connecting hearts with Christ.
