James Talarico counters Hegseth pastor’s ‘crucified’ prayer

Joshua Haymes, the host of Reformation Red Pill, posted a podcast episode on March 16 entitled “James Talarico Believes Christians Are Idiots. Is He Right?” During the episode, Haymes was joined by Pastor Brooks Potteiger, where the duo watched and discussed a clip of Talarico where the Texan describes Christianity as both pro-choice and feminist.

Nearly 16 minutes into the 18-minute episode, the duo said they “pray a man like this would be cut to the heart,” with Haymes referencing imprecatory psalms — or those used to call upon God against “public enemies” — to be yielded against Talarico.

“I pray that God kills him,” Haymes continued. “Ultimately, that means killing his heart and raising him up to new life in Christ. That’s the first thing.”

Following those comments, Potteiger, who has been a spiritual adviser to Hegseth, jumped in and added: “We want him crucified, with Christ.”

The two then called upon God to stop Talarico “by any means necessary,” earning a response online from the Presbyterian seminarian and politician.

“Jesus loves. Christian Nationalism kills,” Talarico wrote in a social media post late Tuesday night, March 24. “You may pray for my death, Pastor, but I still love you. I love you more than you could ever hate me.”

Potteiger responded directly to Talarico’s post, writing in part: “James, you promote the killing of babies in the womb in the name of Christ. I don’t hate you. I love you enough to pray for your genuine repentance.” 

Commenters were divided beneath the senatorial candidate’s post. Some alleged Talarico was taking the language in the podcast episode too literally, with @RealBrittHughes saying “crucified with Christ” is a reference to the Book of Galatians, where Paul wrote that people must die for their sins and become a believer in Christ.

Others said Talarico’s response was the embodiment of Jesus’ teachings, with @anniedufour99 adding: “Bless you, Mr. Talarico. Nor that we expected less of you, but this answer proves once again that you understand the essence of Jesus’ message and they do not.”