Jim Rigby, pastor of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin since the 1980s, rarely uses the word 'God' and prefers terms like 'creative impulse of the universe.' His progressive theology has made him a target as he becomes central to understanding James Talarico, the Democratic Senate nominee trying to win statewide office in Texas for the first time in decades.

Talarico, 37, describes Rigby as 'my pastor in every sense of the word' and credits him alongside his grandfather as major influences on his Christian faith. The state representative, currently on leave from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, has built his campaign around biblical teachings, arguing that loving God and neighbor demands progressive policies on abortion, immigration, and economic justice.

His faith-forward approach stands out among white Democrats and has helped him win a competitive primary while outpacing Republican rivals in fundraising. Polls showed him ahead of scandal-plagued Attorney General Ken Paxton before the runoff. However, conservative critics including former Arkansas Senator Jason Rapert have labeled Talarico dangerous and demonic, accusing him of spreading apostate views.

The controversy centers on Talarico's theological interpretations, particularly his reading of Galatians' 'nor is there male and female' as challenging gender differences entirely. While progressive Christians champion his approach, the backlash reveals how his attempt to fuse progressive policy with biblical teaching is reshaping religious discourse in the nation's largest conservative state.