Twisting Scripture for Politics: The Real Threat Inside the Church

When a politician puts on a clerical collar and starts preaching falsehoods in the name of Jesus, we ought to be alarmed. That’s exactly what happened when Texas House Democrat James Talarico—who claims to be a pastor—publicly stated that there is “no historical, theological, or biblical basis” for Christians to be anti-abortion or anti-gay. As someone who loves God’s Word and takes it seriously, I couldn’t stay silent.

This is more than political theater. It’s twisting Scripture to serve an ideology. And when that ideology contradicts the Bible itself, it doesn’t matter how soft the tone or polished the speech—it’s a lie. A dangerous one.

God’s Word Is Clear—Even If Culture Isn’t

Let’s start with abortion. Talarico’s claim that the Bible doesn’t support a pro-life position is patently false. One of the clearest pro-life verses in all of Scripture is Jeremiah 1:5:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”

That doesn’t sound ambiguous to me. God is the one who forms life in the womb. He knows us, sets us apart, and gives us purpose before we are even born. That means unborn life has inherent value—because it is known and created by God.

This is echoed again and again throughout Scripture:

• Psalm 139:13–16 – “You knit me together in my mother’s womb… Your eyes saw my unformed body.”
• Exodus 21:22–25 – Demonstrates that the life of the unborn has legal and moral weight.
• Luke 1:41 – John the Baptist leaps in the womb in response to Jesus. If that’s not personhood, what is?

If a self-proclaimed pastor can read all of that and still say there’s “no biblical basis” for opposing abortion, I have to wonder—what is his basis? Because it clearly isn’t Scripture.

What About Sexual Morality?

Talarico didn’t stop at abortion. He lumped in homosexuality as well, claiming that being “anti-gay” has no biblical foundation. Again, that’s not just misleading—it’s a deliberate denial of God’s moral design.

The Bible is crystal clear that God created sex and marriage for one man and one woman, and anything outside that design—whether it’s heterosexual adultery or same-sex intimacy—is called sin. Not out of hate, but because God loves us enough to show us a better way.

Here are just a few Scriptures progressive Christians try to ignore or twist:

• Romans 1:26–27 – Calls same-sex acts “shameful” and “unnatural.”
• 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 – Lists homosexuality among sins that exclude people from the kingdom of God without repentance. But it also offers hope: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed… justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Genesis 2:24 – God’s original design for marriage: male and female, united as one flesh.

This isn’t about shaming anyone. It’s about truth that sets people free. Jesus never affirmed sin—He called people out of it. If we really love others, we’ll do the same.

When Pastors Preach Lies

What makes Talarico’s statement especially dangerous is that he’s not just some uninformed politician. He calls himself a “pastor.” And that title comes with weight. People will assume he speaks for God—even when he clearly doesn’t.

This is what makes twisting Scripture so effective: it hides a lie behind the appearance of truth.

Jesus warned us this would happen:

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” – Matthew 7:15

Talarico may be wearing a collar, but he’s preaching the gospel of the culture, not the gospel of Christ.

And this is exactly how Satan works. He’s not always blatant. He’s subtle. He quoted Scripture in the wilderness when he tempted Jesus—but he twisted it. That’s what we’re seeing today: Satan’s strategy through smooth-talking messengers who distort God’s Word to serve man’s agenda.

The Rise of Progressive Christianity

Here’s what grieves me most: it’s not the atheists or the skeptics outside the Church doing the most damage right now. It’s the wolves inside the flock. People who wear the name “Christian” but teach a version of faith that aligns more with politics than with Scripture.

This isn’t just about James Talarico. It’s about a larger movement of progressive Christianity that redefines sin, rewrites doctrine, and rejects God’s authority—all while using His name.

Progressive theology tells people:

• “God just wants you to be happy.”
• “Love means never telling someone they’re wrong.”
• “The Bible is outdated—let’s reinterpret it.”

But here’s what God actually says:

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” – Isaiah 5:20
“They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” – 2 Timothy 4:4

True love doesn’t affirm lies. It tells the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable.

We Must Stand on Truth—Not Compromise

The Church is at a crossroads. We can cave to culture and embrace a watered-down faith that offends no one and saves no one. Or we can lovingly, boldly stand on the Word of God—even when it costs us.

People like Talarico want to silence Christian convictions by claiming they’re “unbiblical.” But the truth is on our side. God’s Word hasn’t changed—and it never will.

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” – Isaiah 40:8

We don’t need to be mean. But we must be clear. Souls are at stake. And if we don’t speak up when Scripture is being twisted to promote sin, then we’re part of the problem.

I won’t stay silent. I hope you won’t either.

Arch Kennedy — Bold, Unfiltered, and Unafraid