Overview
- A Reformation Red Pill episode released March 16 featured host Joshua Haymes saying he prays “that God kills” James Talarico, with pastor Brooks Potteiger replying, “We want him crucified with Christ.”
- As clips ricocheted across social media on Tuesday and Wednesday, Talarico responded on X, writing, “Jesus loves. Christian Nationalism kills. You may pray for my death, Pastor, but I still love you.”
- Potteiger and his church later said the remarks drew on imprecatory psalms, which are biblical prayers for judgment, and argued he was praying for Talarico’s conversion rather than his physical death.
- The Pentagon press secretary defended Potteiger and said media were twisting his words, while records show Hegseth has called Potteiger a mentor and invited him to preach at a Pentagon prayer service.
- Talarico’s home church in Austin hired plainclothes guards after hostile messages linked to the uproar, reflecting how charged rhetoric has immediate safety effects on congregations.