One of the Today's Issues hosts says it's a good thing his exposure was limited.
Stephen Colbert had to shove the interview with Talarico to the show's YouTube channel, so it didn't trigger the FCC's "Equal Time" rule, which would mean Colbert would have to offer an interview to the Republican Candidates in the race. So, the reach of the Talarico interview was muted a bit.
Today's Issues host Ray Pritchard says that's probably not a bad thing, since Talarico's grasp of scripture, a topic he speaks to often on the campaign trail, is shaky at best.
“I am so sorry to say he needs to go back and repeat all of his basic Bible study courses and all of his basic theology,” said Pritchard, taking issue specifically with Talarico’s interpretation of Jesus’ words in Matthews.
“Jesus in Matthew 25 tells us exactly how you and I, and every one of our fellow believers, how we're going to be judged and how we're going to be saved … by feeding the hungry, by healing the sick, by welcoming the stranger,” Talarico said.
Pritchard says the Presbyterian seminarian student has to work on his soteriology.
“What he got wrong is that salvation is not by good works. Caring for the homeless, caring for the sick, caring for the widows, it's a great biblical obligation. But salvation is by faith through grace in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Pritchard said.
Blaze Media host Allie Beth Stuckey also took issue with Talarico’s interpretation of scripture, using Ephesians 2:8-10.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them,” she read.
In addition, Talarico said this about Christ's commandment, to love one's neighbor as oneself.
“Love thy neighbor regardless of race or gender or sexual orientation or immigration status or religious affiliation.
Pritchard says that's right only if your love for said neighbor also includes calling them to repentance and righteousness.
