James Talarico Delivers Sermon on the Separation of Church & State

On June 30th, 2024, James Talarico spoke at his home church about the importance of the separation of church and state.

[@beatsmebydre9966]

As an atheist I would vote for this guy for President.

[@d.e.t4147]

Atheist here also, and I agree!

[@lorigiggles2]

This guy is an honest, respectful and intelligent human being. I don't believe in a god, but I'd vote for him too. He understands what democracy means. Bravo! 👏

[@foxibot]

Thank you for being reasonable. And protecting our democracy. I know we are in an indirect democracy, but I love being free and living in a huge melting pot. I’m Louisiana French.

[@RobertFrag-lj6yl]

same and same

[@sjones2088]

Then you really got it!

[@patriciawhite6820]

This sermon is one of the most intellectual and spiritual justification for separations of church and state. I am 72 years old, and I am terrified of what is happening in our country!!

[@levistrauss8310]

@@patriciawhite6820 many of us are worried. Unfortunately, we missed a lot of warning signs with the MAGA and Christian nationalist movements in America. But now people are seeing the troubling signs 🪧 and waking up to the hypocrisy and idiocy of this path.

[@patriciawhite6820]

@@levistrauss8310 Thank you for responding. I am so appalled with Trump's comparisons and references metaphorically to Jesus.What is more appalling is the people who accept this. Mr. Talarico exemplifies what Christ wants Christians to do. I live in Memphis which is overridden with crime, especially murders and carjackings. A lot of this I attribute to racial divide which has been proliferated by politicians who benefit. I. pray for my country and for my city.

[@Sweet1222]

Me TOO. I’m also 72.

[@chuckpatterson8374]

Smoothed talker…..same liberal trash.

[@rebeccadees2300]

I’m also 72 and have been in distress since SCOTUS showed their partiality for Trump. I’m truly frightened about the upcoming election in November. I’m so glad that I found this video.

[@scissorhands6661]

This is what Christianity is supposed to be!!! Everyone in America should listen to this. 💙🇺🇸

[@neonscorpion2981]

Please run for President, you would have my vote in a heart beat... and I'm not even Christian. You truly inspire me as a person.

[@wellhellothere6347]

He thinks Unicorns, Giants and Men with Magic hair are real.

[@candicemarie6963]

Agree!

[@sunitarichter6184]

I agree, I am Catholic and I do hope and pray you would one day soon become the President of the US

[@candicemarie6963]

@@sunitarichter6184 I am a fallen away Catholic secondary to the abuse, coverup and pervasive disregard for women, people of color, gays and lesbians and its unthinkable support of Trump in 2016. It was goodbye RCC! Pastor T is a breath of fresh air, we need him in national government!

[@lilugidami9657]

OMG I was going to say the same thing!!

[@Kram21265]

Imagine a world where all Christians tried to be like Jesus.

[@ekmickley]

It is too difficult..that is why evil thrives..Evil is easy

[@Clinty93]

As a weary Christian, this Sermon gives me hope.

[@ernestoamador2481]

I am an atheist that has a great respect for you,because you are a man of justice. Thanks for this sermon.

[@Teresa-L.2024]

This is the message Americans need to hear. May the Lord protect James and give him the opportunity to share this message nationwide.

[@suzannerose6542]

I feel so relieved to know that a currently serving Christian politician is sane, kind, honest, and willing to speak up against Christian nationalism. Thank you

[@lakersrus2074]

I’m gonna say it again and repeat for the people in the back. I hope you are given a prime spot to speak at the Democratic convention in Chicago this year. You truly embody the spirits of what it means to walk in the Christian faith according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

[@Kram21265]

Amen!

[@patirvin-bz9pg]

That is a wise suggestion.

[@fetuchinii]

I’m not a Christian, however listening to you inspires me to be one. Thank you James

[@taracorley3291]

Give it a chance.

[@TommyStahr]

It's just faith & and love. Jesus said to repent. That just means turning around from self-centered living to Christ centered living. Jesus is Love. A lot of His so-called followers today aren't loving. I'm a Jew by birth and gay, too. Jesus saved me from Schizophrenia 42 years ago. 1946themovie proves the Bible is not anti-gay. The church doesn't listen to Jesus much today. I suggest reading the gospel of John chapter 13-17. This is my command; LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Over and over religions fall to lies. This is all coming to a tragic end soon. 2Thess2:11 Says They will believe THE LIE. Jesus is coming soon. I pray we meet Him together soon.

[@wet-read]

Why? You can admire a Christian without accepting the absurd dogmas and other stuff in Christianity.

[@michaelhogan4666]

Welcome. I’ve been a Christian since 1975. My small advice…beware Bible thumpers. There are fanatics. Get a similar believing person you trust, and explore the BIBLE with a good concordance, STRONG’S is the best one I’ve studied, for me. A concordance is a guide to the Bible that I’ve found to be quite comprehensive for me. God bless ya. You’re in GOOD HANDS. THIS is the kinda shit that warms my heart.

[@chuckpatterson8374]

@@TommyStahr as you stated, repent, turn around from your selfish lifestyle. Jesus does love you, but we have to be obedient to His Word, not our feelings.

[@marthasalinas6385]

Thank you James 🤠 please Run for Governor of Texas we need you 💙🇺🇸

[@amaraezem7348]

Yes we need him.

[@kathleendolphin7993]

As a Texan, I agree. You not only “get it” you beautifully articulate it. The Truth. Christ on the cross. We are here to care for each other.

[@marthasalinas6385]

@@kathleendolphin7993 thank you so much 💙🙏🏼

[@kathleendolphin7993]

@@marthasalinas6385 JAMES FOR GOVERNOR AND Jasmine Crockett for AG.

[@user-ch7ho9fh4p]

@@kathleendolphin7993 Well said. Caring for each other is the reason we are born (reincarnated) on this planet. Earth is a school, where we must learn to let go of our ego, our pride, our vanity, our arrogance. Where we learn to be humble, kind, understanding, caring. Jesus should be our role model. With his life, he showed how we must conduct ourselves on our daily life to evolve spiritually.

[@d.e.t4147]

Man, if this was the message I’d heard growing up with people who authentically and genuinely lived it, I probably would’ve never left the church 30 years ago.

[@taracorley3291]

It’s not too late. I have really struggled with my faith the last 7 to 8 years. But when I realized this is not how God designed us to treat each other. I refuse to let Christian Nationalists or whoever they are come between me and Jesus.

[@d.e.t4147]

@@taracorley3291 I appreciate that but after leaving the church and my faith the blinders have been lifted and I can no longer ever pretend that god exists. I just don’t believe.

[@taracorley3291]

@@d.e.t4147 I’m sorry.

[@paperlove5399]

OMG! REAL Christianity - I didn't believe such a thing existed any more. As a non-religious person this sermon touched me like nothing else could! Please, get this man's message out there! I agree on the "James Talarico for President" declaration! This is TRUTH at its very best and most powerful. Thank you so much for standing up and showing everyone what Real Truth looks like, Mr. Talarico! Please keep up your wonderful shining of light on what our world needs most right now. You are much appreciated!

[@patirvin-bz9pg]

Same here.

[@iceman7232]

Does that mean you're going to start studying the scriptures ?? I hope so... God bless...

[@spottv7261]

This dude needs to run for higher office. Win, lose or draw…his message needs to be put into the spotlight.

[@tracymoore9044]

Thank you for recording and sharing this. It is so good to hear a Christian who gets what being Christian is supposed to be. Not a dominator, but a member of the family.

[@camschmidt557]

Many of the things being promoted here are totally unbiblical and are not the teaching of Jesus, quite the opposite

[@caroldexter-parente3733]

I hope the DNC is looking at this person as a key speaker for the Convention! We all need to hear this!

[@mrJohnDesiderio]

GREAT! I'm an atheist but I agree with him 100%

[@levistrauss8310]

James Talarico for President 2028! Who’s with me!?!?

[@mitchpowell]

definitely!

[@redwingsfan713]

I am

[@mariaroberto9853]

Why not 2024?? We need someone like him now

[@levistrauss8310]

@@mariaroberto9853 too late in the political season….

[@COhiker12]

I say the ticket should be Buttigieg/Talarico 2028

[@kulusadira8658]

This young man is AWESOME!!!

[@Wilwong888]

Amen, thank you Mr. James Talarico. I'm a Christian and I doubted my faith by what some people are doing now, but you reassured me that True Christianity is not what is portrayed now in Christian nationalism. Matthew 22:34-40-Truth!!!

[@jjschereriv]

As a one-time Lutheran pastor, James, you have touched my -- and I'm guessing OUR - heart. Bless you, brother. And all that WITHOUT NOTES! When I did research for my 1973 book 'Parables', I discovered that often-missed message revealed in The Good Samaritan: "OMG! A SAMARITAN?! You gotta be kidding me!" Please stay alive and stay political. America needs you.

[@stevenjamison5896]

I'm an agnostic and I would vote for you in a second for president.

[@93komuso]

Not a Christian, but this is the type of Christianity I can respect. Beautiful and powerful sermon. I hope that the future of your religion looks more like this, and less like the rising christo-fascist variety.

[@AnimalRescueNetwork]

Time to run for National Office or Governor.

[@midvale5thyear]

I am an atheist, but I would follow this Christ-like man anywhere.

[@stephaniebaird8401]

He's very nice too. I've had the pleasure of meeting him twice and he's just a down to earth nice person

[@lindadodson1586]

Don't base your opinion of Christians because of the right-wing so-called Christians. There are a lot of us like Mr. Talarico who live and love like Jesus, who don't judge because of sin (we're sinners too), who don't force our beliefs on others. As MLK said, only love can conquer hate.

[@jimmythebold589]

@@lindadodson1586 right? i'm a flaming anti-theist i wish more christians in office were like him, but you have to wonder why that isn't the case. i know why, but i'm being respectful to you

[@user-ki1un4jg2d]

@@lindadodson1586 Mr . Talarcio is inspiring me , as a Christian , to vote to get good things like prayer back into public schools . He is also inspiring me to vote to ban bad things like , Alcohol Tobacco Porn , which have harmed millions of people !

[@melodymaker6]

Agreed

[@LuciaBeans]

Thank you for being a real follower of Jesus's teachings and not just a cult leader. Edited to add: I'm more impressed with your speach/sermon the longer I listen. I don't identify as a Christian but I would be proud to vote for you because I do identity with the general themes you speak of, which transcend organized religions.

[@user-ch7ho9fh4p]

IMO, Christ showed us the way. In fact, his first followers called themselves "the people of the way." When we follow the way, there is no reason to warm a pew in a place that doesn't follow it.

[@gengushmurda6448]

You made my 4th of July! Thank you James. If I were there I wouldn’t have been able to clap enough ♥️

[@stephaniebaird8401]

This is my kind of Christianity, radical love, how beautiful is that?

[@taracorley3291]

That is the way Jesus intended.

[@DeniseAludo-ip1ww]

Thank you for so wonderfully articulating the dangers of Christian nationalism and how the radical love of Jesus can transform or hearts and our nation. I pray the Lord will lift up more leaders like you to help us embody a true democracy and Christlikeness.

[@musickf]

As an Atheist, this guy gets it. I'd be proud to call him a friend.

[@thefiftyyearoldfourtwentyg7377]

James is This Generations JIMMY CARTER I am NOT religious but I stand with JAMES

[@PCBEaR65]

I would say he could be cut from similar cloth as JFK, in the understanding of beliefs vs. action. As he said, how both of those inform each other.

[@michaelh3299]

I am not a Christian, but I very much Respect You, your beliefs, and the REAL Christian Religion, that is based on LOVE, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. NOT money and Political Power.

[@ellensnyder3569]

I'm Jewish but appreciate your tempered truth telling and your messaging of separation of church and state. This is what was intended to be in our constitution which is now being threatened by Donald Trump and project 2025

[@patirvin-bz9pg]

Absolutely!

[@scottwahlin9327]

I think James Talarico will be in the national spotlight soon, and I expect that he will remain there. Certainly he will be viable presidential candidate while he is still young... if we are still a democracy.

[@nura1627]

He gets it.

[@sheryl2761]

I have felt so disconnected from Christ as my entire family are happily Christian Nationalists. 😢 Thank you for shinning the light of truth. 🙏

[@camillewest4998]

Thank you, James. This is a powerful message that everyone should hear!! Please run for Governor. We need you!!

[@bensieber6960]

This is what I was raised with in a Christian family, and not hearing this or seeing it in practice is what drove me from the church as an adult. I count myself an atheist these days, but absolutely believe in Mr Talarico's message as a humanist. I've become a fan of Mr. Talarico's speeches and dissents in the Texas State House. It's wonderful to see the depth of his conviction and learn that he is part of a religious community that embraces the actual teachings of Christ. Powerful teaching - spread the word - spread the love!!

[@maineskeptic5887]

Representative Talarico, I'm grateful for your message and for your courage. As a former Texan, I still love the state, and I know the bloodthirsty cruelty of the current Texas administration does not represent the true heart of Texas. Stay safe and stay proud in the months ahead.

[@blejean5571]

Brilliant and thoughtful message

[@thinklt]

Please run for president!! I’ve watched you for a while and I feel you represent true Christian values. You have so precisely and inspirationally articulated that which no other has before - that being truly Christian actually leads us to being more left-leaning. I do love my neighbors, I do love our planet, and that love leads me to support healthcare for all, DACA, gun control laws, be a “tree-hugger”, etc. That love actually came from church, where I listened to sermons every Sunday when I was a little kid. I stopped going to church in my teens but the teachings have made me who I am. I am a progressive democrat because I am actually Christian at my core. Thank you for the amazing sermon. We should all share it so that James Talarico’s words inspire others and will also believe he should be president!

[@deeprigmore4158]

What an amazing spiritual community!! And, thank you, James Talarico for your true message of Christianity!

[@Getouttovote]

This guy is so great… he definitely have a beautiful soul

[@cliftongaither6642]

im an atheist and i think this gentleman is spot on. thank you Sir.

[@5DogMa]

Great speech and thank you for this! I'll be sharing with all my "Christian" family and friends who are voting for Trump! I AM a Christian and will vote for Biden. I believe in and understand the constitution and what democracy means. Vote blue up and down the ballot to save our nation.

[@aberahellemo3909]

Thank you for your inspiring and uplifting sermon.

[@faithwong9232]

Every American should hear this message! I am sharing the link.

[@elizabeths.healey3553]

I could almost attend a Church led by him.👍

[@isolani]

Texas is fortunate to have this guy.

[@midnite1369L]

Wow... i'm not religious, but that was very inspiring. More people on the right need to hear this great man. I would actually consider going to a church to hear him speak. This is a message that i would like my kids to hear.

[@vsquare5653]

This is so amazing. James Talarico, you should one day run for President.

[@jamilieberman996]

We need a REAL Christian like this to reach out to MAGA. They may actually listen. His message NEEDS to be heard across the nation.

[@patriciaflores6425]

Real Christians are being rejected by MAGA.

[@nobaloney10]

I found you by accident. I actually do live in Texas and I admire you greatly. I’m 73.

[@lindadodson1586]

Bravo! Your sermon echoes what I believe perfectly. And when I've tried to point out hypocrisy to my Trump-loving friends, they don't want to hear it. They deflect to everything Biden does wrong. I asked a friend what he thought of Trump swearing in a church. This friend is a Pentecostal, bible-reading/memorizing, evangelizing Christian--but he blew that off and said it wasn't the worst word Trump could have used, and then went on to bash Biden. I pray for him--and people like him--to have their eyes opened and their minds and hearts turned back to Jesus.

[@LEM19284]

This is the only thing I need to hear until November, when we restore our sanity and right the ship.

[@TexasFirecracker]

Having had the great pleasure and honor of seeing James live at the Texas Democratic Party convention last June as a Congressional Delegate, I remark with absolute certainty, James is going to go very far - and I thank God for that. 👏🏼

[@NewEarther]

Wonderful!!! Spread the word about this refreshing message!!

[@rashedac7403]

Thank you! I am a Christian in MD. Thank you for expressing and articulating the thoughts of many. I hope you that you continue to push this message forward in whatever your goals are--locally or nationally.

[@kellypeters8330]

Absolutely phenomenal speech ❤

[@ShrinkRai]

I haven't listened to a freaking SERMON in a WHILE! Finally, one worth a grit!!

[@christinejordan4639]

Thank you. I'm an atheist but follow you on Twitter and love listening to your sermons. I find the current state of our country and christian nationalism terrifying.

[@lizdente9928]

I love this because so much of what is missing in American politics is a vision for the future. The Dems so often talk about what they aren’t, but not what we are or want to be. The picture of “dance with me,” listening, working together, living in harmony with each other and nature… people need that hope.

[@Webbgurl2000]

Do you realize a number of the social programs that Dems are trying to pass or protect are about caring for people??

[@midnite1369L]

Would like to see more of this guy on tv. What a great message.

[@elaineskelton7451]

Thank you for this clear and powerful message. I agree with many that you should speak at the Democratic Convention. ❤

[@DiNY-u9k]

Wow! I am stunned, brother Christian. I thought that I was the person who knew that Jesus only gave those two commandments. That is probably because I spend a lot of time trying to reeducate those who have been deceived by the wolves in sheep's clothing. And, yes, politics. As a matter of fact, I am working as fast as I can to complete my book. The title is Conservative and Christian are Opposites. You have no idea how much joy you have brought to me with this video. You are one of those people who, when I have lost all faith in humanity, shows me that there still are good people in this world. May God continue to bless you as you speak God's truth. ❤

[@Cjs_Travelin_Van-Na]

This man takes my breath away. I love him with all my heart.

[@jennyerickson3085]

Touches my soul, more people need to hear this. Blessings to all. Brings tears, this is who we are.

[@vickihou8114]

Thank you for a message our nation needs to hear

[@henrikstornblom]

Amen. As an outside observer (lives in Sweden), I am worried about the United States. But this gives me hope!

[@user-ki1un4jg2d]

Here in the USA , we still have the freedom from God under our constitution to say our Pledge of Allegiance the correct way , with the words Under God included . Isn't that great ? So you do not have to worry about us ... yet .

[@citizencrabgrass5128]

That's the best sermon I've heard since I was confirmed, and that was before "born again" Christians, "prosperity gospels", & political Christianity became a thing.

[@amflexpackagingcorporation6297]

I love what you are saying. This country needs people like you with integrity and real faith. Thank you this in inspiring to me..

[@maddmaddmom]

Wow. Just wow. ❤

[@ClarissaKelly13]

THIS is real truth, THANK YOU!! 🙌🙏 The ugliness and power seeking in Christianity today caused me to leave religion, Christs words have been used and abused… I still love Jesus’ teachings and believe if those were what Christians led with it would change the world.

[@bernarda3856]

Awesome speech and like everyone else here I agree why can’t this guy run for President

[@SusanKimber-Skeete]

James Talerico for President!! We need you🫶🏽

[@christopherdean2893]

Spot on Brother

[@susanblackley7065]

Thank you for your voice and your message and your work.

[@priscillawilliams5487]

Wow, give him a couple of more years, and he will be ready for the highest office if it is what the Lord has in store for him......

[@mcamour1742]

I feel like he is ready now to be honest

[@pipestone67]

Atheist, I appreciate your effort, thank you for standing up for what is right.

[@TheOraclenut]

Please keep this up, thank you.

[@rachellee5818]

Wow! He sounds very "Chrisr-like" . Refreshing

[@robinshushan9379]

Thank you, James!

[@sandihunter1260]

I'm not a christian or an American but this speech is what all America has to hear before November 4th.

[@gulfmarine8857]

This man is righteous. Got my sub Jesus is global.

[@anitajanke6112]

This is what I wanted to hear for soo long, Thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙏

[@Anna-ry4nz]

What a breath of fresh air…

[@prscustom10]

so good! We need more of this in our lives.

[@jimie34]

I'm absolutely ecstatic about this Sermon! It describes my vision of God and Christianity perfectly! I can not seem to get enough of it's

[@nanszoo3092]

God bless and protect you. THIS is what I've been trying to say for the past 9 years.

[@rachelmiller7525]

OMG, a true Christian!

[@patirvin-bz9pg]

I would call this man, a follower of Jesus. If the national Christians had to follow Jesus's teachings, many churches would fold.

[@danielroyse6640]

This is an awesome, truthful sermon. I wish the whole world could hear this.

[@jmb2358]

This message is powerful and so important!! Thank you. ❤

[@beekind6014]

Amen! God bless you James your message is godly, patriotic and beautiful.... May your message be heard!

[@chrisli9935]

We need more right minded true Christian and honest politicians like you sir, thank you for your message and thank you for your service. I have been so incredibly troubled by the corruption in our church and our government leaders who have confused so many in their faith. Please continue to lead our nation in good Christian morals and integrity.

[@kals5573]

Thank you!

[@leeandrews6890]

Praising God and sharing this message! Thank you James.

[@LuvLuke954]

Singularly and by far the MOST perfect, most beautiful, most honorable, most succinct and engaging presentation on Jesus’ love I have ever seen or heard. Thank you so much for lifting my spirits and articulating precisely how I have felt these last 8 years. God Bless you Mr. Talarico. And everyone.

[@MAC19523456]

He speaks for the America I love, not the America that we're barreling toward.

[@flip1980ful]

I can’t thank you enough for being you. The message you share is in my heart now. I was put out by my Catholic family because they couldn’t get the gay out of me. I prayed and prayed then decided that god must have a plan for me that involves this. Its a complex thing he’s done here. Lolz

[@user-ch7ho9fh4p]

Such a wonderful feeling seeing a Christian following the way Jesus came to teach us. As a Spiritist and a former Catholic this is the closest I have seen a pastor or a priest preaching "love thy neighbor" as extending beyond ourselves, our families and our tribe. It is not easy to follow in Christ's footsteps. It's easier to use His name for power and dominance. Easy to forget his kingdom is not of this world and surrender to greed, power and other worldly temptations. Thank you, Mr. Talarico, from bringing this light into this world. The spiritual realm is using so many good people to spread a message that has been consistent for 2,000 years: love God above all else and love each other as God loves us. Faith without actions is dead.

[@susandecker6351]

Too bad he's not teaching the way of Jesus. Loving one another requires us to tell the truth. Read Romans 1. I challenge you. God destroyed an entire planet for the atrocities this man and his church accept.