Texas Democratic Candidate's Minister Questions Jesus' Existence, Virgin Birth

Reverend Babs Miller, a minister at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church attended by Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, has cast doubt on fundamental Christian tenets, including the existence of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Birth.

Undercover footage released by the Daily Wire shows Miller questioning traditional Christian teachings, stating that Jesus "didn't die to save our sins" and that the story of the Virgin Birth may have been influenced by pagan traditions. She also expressed uncertainty about Jesus's historical existence, comparing the question to debates surrounding the existence of Buddha.

Miller, who was ordained in 2014 and describes herself as an "out chaplain lesbian," has stated she has known Talarico since his childhood and was influential in his development. A Texas Tribune report indicated Miller served as one of Talarico's references for seminary.

In the footage, Miller also referred to the vengeful God depicted in parts of the Old Testament as "pure mythology" and suggested that Christianity itself may have been invented.

Talarico, who is studying at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with aspirations of becoming a minister, has frequently invoked Jesus's teachings on issues such as poverty, immigration, abortion, LGBTQ rights, and the separation of church and state. He has previously drawn criticism for remarks, including declaring "God is nonbinary" on the House floor in 2021 while opposing restrictions on transgender students, and stating that "Modern science obviously recognizes that there are many more than two biological sexes; in fact, there are six."

These theological statements have become a focal point for Republican attacks. Talarico's opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and other Republicans have highlighted these remarks in speeches and advertisements, portraying them as evidence that Talarico is hostile to traditional Christianity. A spokesperson for Paxton's campaign criticized the church's stance, stating, "His own church has called our Lord and Savior a social justice warrior and can't even declare He existed."

One recent campaign advertisement from Paxton's campaign reportedly used AI-generated imagery and combined excerpts of Talarico's past comments, including his "God is nonbinary" statement.

Miller also commented on Talarico's political trajectory in separate footage, suggesting, "I can guarantee you that once he gets elected, he'll change his tune back to where he was."

The Talarico campaign did not respond to requests for comment regarding these statements.