God Is Non-Binary and Other Things That Shouldn't Be Controversial

In Episode 26 of This Ain't It, Melissa and Matt dive into the aftermath of the Texas Democratic Senate primary, where James Talirico defeated Jasmine Crockett to become the Democratic candidate. The hosts explore the backlash Talirico has faced from conservative Christian media outlets, including a Christian Post article listing six supposedly "blasphemous" theological takes from the candidate. Melissa and Matt break down each controversy — from Talirico's statement that God is non-binary, to his claim that some of his atheist colleagues in the Texas legislature are more Christ-like than self-proclaimed Christians, to his victory speech comparing his campaign to Jesus flipping tables in the temple. The conversation goes deeper into the tension between progressive and evangelical Christianity, examining how critics from the religious right are labeling Talirico a "false teacher" while ignoring that his views align with mainstream Protestant theology shared by millions of Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians, and others. Matt pulls from the Sermon on the Mount, MLK's Letter from Birmingham Jail, and Thoreau's Civil Disobedience to contextualize the discussion. The hosts also touch on the broader issue of theological gatekeeping, the "country club church" mentality, legalism versus authentic faith, race and the Black Lives Matter movement, and why empathy seems to be in short supply.