The Sunday Interview: James Talarico and the Christian Left
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Summary
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Can the Christian left challenge the religious right’s claim to moral authority? Leah Payne speaks with journalist and essayist Miguel Petrosky about his article for The Revealer, “James Talarico and the Christian Left,” and what the Texas Senate candidate’s blend of Christian conviction and economic populism reveals about progressive politics.
They explore the appeal of Talarico’s neighborly tone, his framing of inequality as a spiritual struggle, and why religious language can resonate with religious and secular voters alike. They also examine why coverage treats his faith as a political novelty despite the long tradition of Black clergy connecting Christian theology with progressive activism.
As mainline Protestant denominations lose members, can the Christian left gain political influence through advocacy, protests, and coalitions? And where is the line between bringing Christian convictions into public life and seeking a nation organized around a particular Christian vision?
Subscriber bonus: Leah and Miguel discuss whether Talarico’s approach can travel beyond Texas.
About the guest: Miguel Petrosky is a journalist and essayist covering American and global politics, religion, and culture. He lives in Scotland. Find him on Instagram @miguelpetrosky.
About the host: Dr. Leah Payne is the author of God Gave Rock & Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music (Oxford University Press, 2024) and host of Spirit & Power: Charismatics and Politics in American Life, an Axis Mundi Media podcast. Find her on most social media platforms at @drleahpayne.
Links:
Read “James Talarico and the Christian Left” by Miguel Petrosky in The Revealer.
Read Leah’s book, God Gave Rock & Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music.
Listen to Spirit & Power: Charismatics and Politics in American Life.
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Books mentioned:
📕 American Caesar: How Theocrats and Tech Lords Are Turning America into a Monarchy by Brad Onishi — out September 15: https://static.macmillan.com/static/essentials/american-caesar-9781250427922/
📗 Defying Tyrants: Following Jesus in a World of Christian Antichrists by Matthew D. Taylor — out October 6: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9798341900370/Defying-Tyrants
Live events:
🎤 Brad in Portland at Annie Bloom’s Books — September 16, 7 PM: https://annieblooms.com/event/2026-09-16/reading-bradley-b-onishi
Full tour dates: https://axismundinetwork.substack.com/p/the-american-caesar-book-tour
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