By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Zach Rateliff

During a quiet moment on his show, Zach Rateliff pulled up a photo of an Austin church sign and said, “I’m going to wear my glasses and refer to my notes—this will be the most prepared show I’ve done in a while.” The image of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church sparked a conversation that would peel back the layers of a congregation whose leaders describe Jesus as a “loving atheist” and openly perform same‑sex marriages.

Who Is James Tallarico?

James Tallarico frequently cites his Christian faith. Rateliff noted that Tallarico’s public statements often lean on his upbringing at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian in Austin, a detail that many listeners had never connected to his political persona.

According to the host, Tallarico describes Reverend Dr. Jim Rigby as his spiritual mentor, saying he receives “all the spiritual guidance” from him. This connection frames Tallarico’s religious rhetoric, linking his policy positions to the theological outlook of his home church.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian: Leadership and Doctrine

The church’s senior pastor, Reverend Dr. Jim Rigby, has been at the helm. Rigby’s theological stance is unconventional for a mainline Presbyterian body. He has publicly stated that he “avoids Christian prayers and creeds because they can exclude non‑Christians,” and that he “doesn’t particularly like theology.” These comments were highlighted by Rateliff as a stark departure from traditional evangelical teaching.

Reverend Babs Miller, an 80‑year‑old minister who was ordained by Rigby, also serves the congregation. Miller’s long tenure and retirement around 2020 were mentioned, underscoring the continuity of progressive leadership within the church.

The Clash Over Christian Identity

Rigby’s characterization of Jesus sparked the most heated segment of the show. He was quoted saying, “Jesus is closer to a loving atheist than an indifferent theologian,” and added, “Jesus never asked people to worship him, emphasizing following his example rather than doctrinal confession.” Rateliff responded, “That’s a loving atheist? He’s the Son of God, not an atheist,” highlighting the tension between progressive pulpit language and conservative biblical interpretation.

The church’s practice of officiating same‑sex marriages was also discussed. Rateliff noted that Rigby has presided over events where “50 couples, same‑sex couples, got married,” a fact that underscores the congregation’s inclusive stance. While Rateliff expressed personal tolerance for same‑sex marriage, he argued that conservative churches should not be compelled to adopt those practices, stating, “Don’t force my conservative church to agree with that.”

Why It Matters for Conservatives

Rateliff’s analysis connects the dots between Tallarico’s faith references and the broader cultural battle over religious liberty. He argued that when public officials cite a church that openly rejects traditional creeds, it fuels a narrative used by progressive media to portray Christianity as monolithic, when in fact there is a wide spectrum of belief.

By exposing the doctrinal positions of Tallarico’s home church, the show invites conservatives to scrutinize the sources of their leaders’ spiritual authority. Rateliff warned that “when government officials use their power to interfere with a citizen’s religious freedom, they need to be replaced,” echoing a call for vigilance against state overreach.

Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder that faith communities shape political rhetoric. Understanding the specific teachings of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian helps voters assess whether Tallarico’s public faith aligns with traditional Christian doctrine or reflects a more progressive interpretation that may conflict with conservative values.

The full episode of The Zach Rateliff Show is available on OBBM Network TV.