Dan Patrick, James Talarico, and the Danger of Playing God
Texas politics and theology collided again this week after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick declared that Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is “going to Hell” because of what Patrick called Talarico’s “blasphemous” interpretations of Scripture. The comments, delivered before cheering delegates at the Texas Republican Convention, immediately sparked debate far beyond the Lone Star State.
Speaking June 12 to cheering delegates at the Republican Party of Texas’ 2026 State Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Patrick accused the Austin Democrat of injecting faith into the high-profile Senate race and called Talarico’s views on Scripture blasphemous.
Patrick’s remarks came as he criticized Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian and Texas state representative, for using Christian language and biblical themes to support progressive policies. Patrick accused Talarico of campaigning “against God” and concluded that if he continues doing so, “he’s going to Hell, for sure.”
The dispute reflects a growing divide within American Christianity itself. Talarico has become nationally known for presenting progressive causes through a Christian framework. He supports abortion rights and LGBT causes while frequently quoting Scripture and speaking openly about his faith. Critics argue that his interpretations depart from historic Christian teaching, while supporters view him as offering a more inclusive understanding of Christianity.
From a biblical perspective, Christians should certainly contend for truth.
Paul instructed believers:
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”
— 2 Timothy 4:2
And Jude urged Christians:
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.”
— Jude 3
There is nothing wrong with identifying false teaching.
Jesus Himself warned repeatedly about false prophets.
The apostles confronted doctrinal error.
Paul rebuked Peter.
John warned against deceivers.
Truth matters.
Doctrine matters.
And ideas about God have eternal consequences.
However, there is another biblical truth that should give every Christian pause.
No believer possesses the authority to pronounce with certainty that another specific person is destined for Hell.
That authority belongs to God alone.
Jesus warned:
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged.”
— Matthew 7:1
Christ was not forbidding discernment. He was condemning hypocritical and self-righteous judgment.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls.”
— Romans 14:4
Christians can evaluate beliefs.
Christians should evaluate teachings.
But final judgment belongs to Christ.
James reminds us:
“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge.”
— James 4:12
That distinction matters.
James Talarico’s theology deserves scrutiny. His views on abortion, sexuality, and several cultural issues stand in sharp contrast to historic Christian orthodoxy. Christians should not pretend that doctrine is unimportant.
But neither should believers act as though they possess God’s throne.
The Gospel itself reminds us that salvation is not determined by politicians, preachers, or commentators.
It is determined by Christ.
The thief on the cross was headed for destruction until the final hours of his life.
Saul of Tarsus persecuted Christians before becoming the Apostle Paul.
God delights in saving sinners.
That reality should produce humility.
As Christians engage cultural battles, we should speak boldly and truthfully.
But we should also remember the words of Peter:
“Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
— 1 Peter 3:15
America desperately needs biblical truth.
But truth should never be separated from humility.
The ultimate question is not whether Dan Patrick or James Talarico is right.
The ultimate question is whether our beliefs and lives are submitted to the authority of God’s Word and the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
One day every politician, pastor, commentator, and voter will stand before Christ.
And on that day, it will not matter who won the latest election.
It will matter whether we knew the Savior.
As believers, we should pray for James Talarico.
We should pray for Dan Patrick.
And we should remember that God’s mercy is greater than any political divide.
Because no sinner is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
And no Christian should forget that apart from Christ, we all deserve judgment.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8
Truth matters.
Humility matters.
And God alone is Judge.