The Best Christian Sermon I Have Yet Heard

[Gunnar]

James Talarico Delivers Sermon Against Christian Nationalism

James Talarico clearly points out the inherent folly, evil and hypocrisy of so called "Christian Nationalism." He brilliantly pointed out that Christ never urged us to love our particular religion or our church. He taught us to love our neighbor, not the church or a particular religion or ideology (particularly a political one). Unlike Christian Nationalists, he advocated the power of love -- not the love of power or domination. He advocated inclusion and mutual understanding -- not hatred and exclusion of others who are not like us.

I urge you all to watch it. I found it quite inspiring. It is hard for me to imagine anything more antithetical to the teachings of Christ than Trumpism and Christian Nationalism and White Nationalism.

I particularly liked these comments from others who watched it:

As an atheist, I have to admit, we need more Christians like this man speaking.

In 34 years of living in the religous south, this is the first truly Christian sermon I've ever heard.

Great sermon. African American churches have been praying for our White brothers and sisters to understand that Nationalism in the church is not of Christ. Thank you for telling the truth.

Muslim here and I am in awe at your wisdom, I wish we had an imam like you to deliver such a sermon about the dangers of Islamic nationalism.

I've never heard this distinction between Christianity and Christian Nationalism spoken more eloquently! Thank you

Every Christian church in America needs to hear this.

I grew up southern Baptist. I’m now an atheist, but I could have listened to this for hours. This is how I saw Jesus as a kid. Love.

I am a Catholic Priest, ordained 32 years. Excellent preaching. Thank you! I could not agree more!

I am a veteran and a former pastor at a mega church in the South. I walked away from evangelical Christianity and embraced an engaged contemplative life, and I have not been able to listen to a Christian sermon for the past seven years.

I listened to this one and stand with every word this brother speaks. I’m in awe of his clarity and bravery in the face of Christian Nationalism and I pray for more leaders of faith to stand with him.

James Talarico, I am Buddhist and totally shaken by the beauty, intelligence, articulation, inclusiveness, compassion, love, foresight, respect, humbleness, depth, value, …. of this speech of yours. May your path be enlightened and guide you to bring the light and peace to as many others as possible.
OM. AMEN.

I’m a Muslim I’m also a Palestinian I grew up on my ancestors land in what became Israel until I was forced to migrate. I have an Israeli passport. I now live in the USA .I have countless Christian and Jewish friends from back home and the US.
I Have Seen It All. Your words are an elixir to my crushed soul. Assalamu Alaikum everyone ( peace to all)

[Moksha]

Hey Gunnar, take a look at that Jersey Girl post below entitled Gunnar.

[Everybody Wang Chung]

That was a great sermon. It gave me a good case of holy envy.

Compare this sermon to any of the last General Conference talks and you’ll know why the Church is struggling finding and keeping members.

I also appreciated that he talked to the audience like a normal adult and not in that fake baby-talk-voice we are forced to endure at General Conference.

[Gunnar]

Hey Gunnar, take a look at that Jersey Girl post below entitled Gunnar.

Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I no one else feels is offended or upset because of my recent lack of participation here. I will always appreciate the friendship and comradery I have found here. I have learned a lot from my participation here.

[Gunnar]

That was a great sermon. It gave me a good case of holy envy.

Compare this sermon to any of the last General Conference talks and you’ll know why the Church is struggling finding and keeping members.

I also appreciated that he talked to the audience like a normal adult and not in that fake baby-talk-voice we are forced to endure at General Conference.

Yep! I think that sermon topped anything I have ever heard from a General Conference talk!

[Gunnar]

Another gem by James Talarico: Trump or Jesus. If most Christians and politicians were like this man, the world would be a much better place, and immoral, corrupt monsters like Trump would never have had a chance of being elected to any important political office in our country:

Key moments:

19:15 Jesus Was Marginalized. 20:29 Five Jesus Was Subversive. 20:44 Six Jesus Was a Feminist. 37:54 Love Is the Only Way

I like that he said:

Jesus of Nazareth was not a prophet for Christianity, He was a prophet for humanity.

In short, Jesus and his teachings are as antithetical to Trump and what he stands for as anything could possibly be. Comparing him favorably to Jesus Christ is as blasphemous as anything I can possibly imagine!

I admire the way he closed out his speech, not by expressing hatred for Trump but by saying:

I pray for Donald Trump. But I won't apologize for that. I refuse to succumb to the hate and the greed and the inhumanity that lurks in my own ego. I remember the teachings of Jesus that I learned in this very sanctuary, and I struggle mightily to stay on that path. So yes, I pray for President Trump. I pray that he remembers compassion. I pray he remembers love. I pray he remembers his place in our human family.

I personally doubt there is much chance of that happening, based on Trump's past history, but I have to admire the spirit, hope and compassion of the sentiments expressed in that prayer.