The Bad Roman: Christian Politics for Modern Times

What does it mean to pledge allegiance to Jesus over earthly governments? Craig is joined by Jason Porterfield, author of Fight Like Jesus: How Jesus Waged Peace Throughout Holy Week, to explore the complex relationship between Christianity and the state.

They address four topics often considered "too political" but essential for Christians seeking to faithfully follow Jesus's teachings, encouraging believers to examine where their true allegiance lies. 

Point by point, Craig and Jason discuss:

Through personal stories, biblical insights, and looking to early Christian perspectives on political involvement, the pair trace how government influence has shaped the church and consider what that means for believers today.

Key Topics that come up in the conversation:

🤝Christian Allegiance to Jesus vs. The State: Early Christians often grappled with the challenge of maintaining their faith in a political environment that demanded loyalty to the state. They emphasized the importance of prioritizing Jesus's teachings, which often stood in contrast to prevailing political ideologies, highlighting a commitment to spiritual over earthly authority.

📖Political Language in the Gospels: New Testament writers used political language of their time, applying titles like "Lord" and "Son of God" to Jesus—titles typically reserved for Caesar. This reframing challenged the political powers of the day, and underscored the radical nature of early Christian beliefs, which positioned Jesus as a figure of ultimate authority, above earthly rulers.

🪖Early Christian Attitudes Toward Violence: The early Christian community largely rejected violence and military service, reflecting a deep commitment to peace and nonviolence. Porterfield points to his resource, “100 Early Christian Quotes on Not Killing”, to illustrate this stance. However, he also traces how these convictions grew more complicated – and increasingly compromised – after Emperor Constantine’s conversion, when Christianity began to intertwine with state power.

Nationalism in Worship: The inclusion of national symbols, such as flags, in places of worship can create a conflict with the Christian principle of allegiance to Christ above all else. This practice raises questions about the intersection of faith and nationalism, challenging believers to consider where their ultimate loyalty lies.

Notable Quotes:

"Our hearts have room for only one all-encompassing allegiance." - Jason Porterfield quoting Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Join Craig and Jason as they navigate these challenging topics, encouraging listeners to reflect on justice, peace, and the power of global solidarity. Listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding of how early Christian teachings can guide modern believers in their political and spiritual lives.

Connect with Jason:

Free ebook

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-132

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Timestamps and Starting Points:

(0:02) Introduction to the Bad Roman Podcast

(0:22) Episode Overview

(0:56) Jason Porterfield's Background

(2:47) Current Political Climate

(4:26) Motivations Behind Jason's Recent Post

(9:24) Church Diversity and Political Tensions

(12:27) Analyzing Jason's Four-Point Post

(18:03) The Power of Language in Christian Identity

(24:24) Early Church Perspectives on Allegiance

(28:22) Jesus' Teachings on Taxes and Allegiance

(35:33) The Bruderhof Community's Resistance to Nazism

(46:21) Flags in Churches and Pledges of Allegiance

(54:56) Jason's Resource: 100 Early Christian Quotes on Not Killing

(57:51) Jason's Book: Fight Like Jesus

(59:48) Conclusion and Additional Resources

🔗For more on The Bad Roman Project

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No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

What happens when a military veteran begins to question the very foundation of his service? In this episode of the Bad Roman Podcast, Craig sits down with Steve O'Connor, a former Marine, to explore his transformative journey from military life to a critical examination of patriotism and faith.

Steve shares his family's deep-rooted military history and his own experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. He reflects on the internal conflict that arose when he began questioning the alignment of his actions with his Christian beliefs. This episode delves into:

Steve's candid reflections offer a unique perspective on the intersection of military service, faith, and personal growth. Tune in to hear how he navigates these complex issues and what they mean for his future.

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-131

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Starting Points and Key Moments:

(0:53) Steve's background and military service

(5:20) Steve's religious background and conversion

(7:27) Steve's military career and deployments

(11:48) Steve's awakening to the issues with military service

(14:09) Discussion on current military recruitment challenges

(21:23) Steve's struggle with past actions and beliefs

(29:13) Steve's family life and the impact of military service

(42:52) Conversations with others about military service

(50:36) Steve's evolving perspective on patriotism and symbolism

(59:36) Conclusion and future plans

🔗For more on The Bad Roman Project

Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog

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Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)

No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Elaina Wang, a health coach and former addict, shares her radical journey of transformation. Once trapped in childhood obesity and a 15-year methamphetamine addiction, Elaina has emerged as a living testament to resilience, intentionality, and self-governance. Her story is one of reclaiming bodily autonomy—a core principle for those who reject the systems that seek to control our lives, whether through addiction, consumerism, or coercion.

We dive deep into the realities of addiction and recovery, particularly the devastating effects of meth and fentanyl-laced substances. Elaina speaks candidly about the spiritual and psychological battle of addiction, the way it severs personal freedom, and the importance of rebuilding trust with oneself and others.

But true liberation isn’t just about breaking free from addiction—it’s about restoring the body as a temple and aligning daily choices with God’s design for health and wholeness. Elaina shares how real food, self-discipline, and holistic health practices played a pivotal role in her healing. She advocates for a low-carb, ketogenic diet, exposing the lies of corporate food industries and emphasizing the power of self-sufficiency in nutrition.

Key Takeaways

Elaina also opens up about managing her Keto Wang Facebook page, navigating censorship, online backlash, and digital boundaries in a world that often suppresses dissenting voices.

At its core, Elaina’s story is a call to radical ownership—of health, of choices, and of life itself. If you believe that true freedom starts with taking responsibility for yourself, this episode is for you.

👉 Listen now and start reclaiming your health.

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-130

Connect with Elaina:

Facebook: Keto Wang

Hack Your Health:

Coaching: hackyourhealthcoaching.com

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Starting Points and Key Moments:

(01:01) Elaina's Background and Addiction Story

(06:27) Turning Point at Age 30

(09:06) Methamphetamine Addiction Discussion

(15:17) Recreational Drug Use and Addiction

(19:14) Elaina's Recovery Journey

(22:12) Motivation for Getting Clean

(24:52) Sugar Addiction and Diet

(30:36) Government Involvement in Health

(36:32) Hack Your Health Program

(44:00) Nutrition as Foundation for Health

(45:39) Exercise and Sleep Balance

(49:55) Social Media and Dealing with Trolls

(56:04) Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

(1:02:32) Final Message on Addiction Recovery

🔗For more on The Bad Roman Project

Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog

Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links

Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)

No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

What if the roots of your faith and government were intertwined with ancient pagan practices? Brandon Kroll, host of the Manna Daily Podcast, joins Craig for a mind-bending exploration of faith, government, and hidden truths.

This episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas that might ruffle some feathers, but isn't that what we're here for? To challenge the status quo and rediscover what it truly means to follow Christ in a world that often pulls us in the opposite direction.

Brandon shares his journey as a contrarian, questioning authority and seeking deeper truths. His experiences during the 2020 election and the pandemic led him to scrutinize traditional practices and launch his own podcast. 

Here are 4 key takeaways from our conversation with Brandon:

This episode is a wake-up call for Christians seeking a deeper understanding of their faith and its relationship to worldly powers. Brandon's insights on occult influences and biblical interpretation will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.

Don't miss this one, folks. It's a journey down the rabbit hole that just might change how you view your faith and the world around you. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation is sure to spark deep reflection and discussion.

Connect with Brandon Kroll:

👉For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-129

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Timestamps and Starting Points:

(1:04) Brandon's Background and Journey

(5:57) Brandon's Political and Spiritual Evolution

(13:49) Pushback and Growth in Ministry

(17:44) The Concept of Sin and Missing the Mark

(19:17) Traditions of Men in Scripture

(25:19) Occult Influences in Government and Religion

(47:55) Bible Translations and Interpretation

(54:43) Living Out Biblical Basics

(1:03:29) Early Church Practices and Modern Applications

(1:05:30) Closing Thoughts and Resources

Books Refrenced:

Bible Verses Referenced:

🔗For more on The Bad Roman Project

Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog

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Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)

No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Is your faith shaped more by culture and politics than by Christ? Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to follow Jesus that’s truly countercultural—one that resists the pull of both left and right?

In this episode of The Bad Roman Podcast, host Craig Hargues sits down with author and researcher Cody Cook to unpack the radical history and modern relevance of Anabaptism. Cody shares insights from his new book, The Anarchist Anabaptist, diving into what made this movement so disruptive—believers’ baptism, nonviolence, separation from the state—and why their bold commitment to Jesus still challenges mainstream Christianity today.

What’s in it for you?

🔹 Faith Without Compromise – Learn how Anabaptists resisted political entanglements and what that means for Christians today.

🔹 Jesus vs. Empire – Explore the Anabaptist commitment to nonviolence and how it contrasts with modern Christian attitudes toward self-defense and war.

🔹 Practical Takeaways – Should Christians vote? Can pacifism and self-defense coexist? How do we build faith communities outside of state influence?

🔹 Honest Conversations – Craig and Cody don’t shy away from the tough stuff, including why Reformers persecuted Anabaptists and why their theology aligns more with Christian anarchism than many realize.

This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a challenge to rethink what it means to follow Christ in a world that demands compromise. If you’re ready to wrestle with faith in a deeper way, this episode is worth your time.

👉For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-128

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Connect with Cody Cook:

Starting Points & Key Moments:

(1:07) Background on Anabaptists

(1:48) Cody's Current Projects

(3:55) Anabaptist Church Availability

(5:06) Diversity Within Modern Anabaptism

(9:05) Anabaptists and Anarchism

(12:28) Historical Context of Anabaptism

(20:40) Pacifism and Self-Defense in Christian thought

(29:28) American Revolution and Christianity

(47:49) State Ordination and Biblical Perspective

(52:55) Democracy vs monarchy debate

(54:24) Cody's book recommendations and future projects

🔗For more on The Bad Roman Project

Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog

Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links

Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)

No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Ever wonder how faith should shape your politics? Craig sits down with Bob from Liberty Minds for a no-holds-barred chat about the messy, fascinating collision of Christianity and government. Bob’s lived everywhere from Central America to California, and his spicy takes will challenge what you learned in your childhood church pew.

Hear Bob’s eye-opening journey from Hannity fan to libertarian thinker—driven by a quest to let his faith, not party lines, guide his views. Why does caring for the poor get him labeled a “left winger”? Why are both Democrats and Republicans failing on war and foreign policy? And is America’s global power crumbling—or just getting darker?

From Trump’s 2024 re-election to the future of the American empire, this isn’t your grandma’s Bible study. Buckle up for bold questions, raw honesty, and a stubborn hope that points beyond politics: “No king but Christ.”

Connect with Liberty Minds:

Facebook Page

Hit play if you’re ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about faith and power.

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-127

3 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA, ADD TOTHE BAG thebadroman.com/donate, and share with a friend it (it's free!).

Starting Points:

(01:21) Guest Background: Bob's Personal and Professional Life

(06:07) Liberty Minds Facebook Page and Political Discussions

(08:35) Bob's Political Journey

(16:27) The Danger of "Both Sides Bad" Arguments

(19:56) Differences Between Right and Left Political Approaches

(26:08) The Anti-War Left and Disappointment in Political Consistency

(34:43) The Future of the American Empire

(47:10) Liberty Minds' Social Media Presence

(48:27) Closing Thoughts

For more on The Bad Roman Project:

Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog

Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links

Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)

No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

What if the teachings of Christ were at odds with the political movements some Christians support? In this thought-provoking episode of The Bad Roman Podcast, host Craig Harguess welcomes Stephen Sizer, a retired minister and expert on Christian Zionism, to explore this very question. Together, they unpack the complex history and theological misconceptions surrounding Christian Zionism, a movement that often uncritically backs policies in the Nation State of Israel.

Key Topics:

Defining Christian Zionism: Discover how this political movement, driven by Christians, predates Jewish Zionism and often contradicts Christ's teachings.

Personal Journey: Reverend Sizer shares his transformation from a conservative evangelical to a critic of Christian Zionism, inspired by his deep dive into biblical history and geography.

Biblical Interpretation: Challenge the common view of modern Israel as biblical Israel. Sizer argues that scripture defines Israel as a community of faith, not a nation-state.

The Good Samaritan Parable: Gain a fresh perspective on this timeless story, emphasizing compassion for all, regardless of identity.

Facing Criticism: Learn about the backlash Stephen has faced for his views and how it has only strengthened his resolve to challenge what he sees as the heresy of Christian Zionism.

Notable Quotes:

"Christian Zionism is a political form of what they see as love for Jewish people, philosemitism. But in reality, it's today a movement that uncritically endorses the worst excesses of the Israeli regime." - Stephen Sizer

"The best defense is a good neighbor. But building walls and killing people in the surrounding nations is not the way to win friends. It's not the way to bring peace." - Stephen Sizer

"The question is, are you going to stop or not? Not for one of ours or not even for one of theirs, but for a human being." - Stephen Sizer

Join us for a compelling discussion that challenges conventional beliefs and encourages a more Christ-like approach to the Middle East and Israel’s Occupation of Palestine. Listen now and explore how faith can guide us toward peace and justice.

Connect with Stephen:

Website [https://www.stephensizer.com/friends/]

Article: 7 Biblical Answers to Israel and the Church

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-126

3 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA, ADD TOTHE BAG thebadroman.com/donate, and share with a friend it (it's free!).

Starting Points:

(00:58) Stephen's Background and Journey

(02:14) Stephen's Ministry and Middle East Experience

(04:47) Stephen's Publications and Resources

(06:01) Defining Christian Zionism

(10:20) Christian Nationalism and Christian Zionism

(14:14) Distinguishing Between Jews, Israel, and Zionism

(22:20) Christian Support for Israeli Actions

(27:26) Historical Context of Christian Zionism

(35:06) Personal Experiences and Challenges

(47:20) Encouragement to Continue the Dialogue

(55:24) Additional Resources and Support

(56:38) Future Discussions and Collaborations

For more on The Bad Roman Project:

Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog

Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links

Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)

No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Social media addiction is real, and it's affecting our lives more than we realize. But what if we could harness its power for good (or even for God)?

This episode dives deep into the world of social media with Blaklee Ramsey, host of the Elevated Edit Podcast.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the conversation:

Blaklee shares her personal journey from social media burnout to finding purpose and connection online. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on navigating the digital landscape that'll make you rethink your scrolling habits. 

Craig kicks things off with a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their working together at Foghorns Wings near the University of Arkansas. It's all laughs and "remember whens" until...

BAM! We're thrust into the present, where TikTok reigns supreme and dopamine hits come faster than you can say "swipe up." 

So, are you ready to laugh, learn, and maybe rethink your relationship with that little device in your pocket? Tune in to this episode of the Bad Roman Podcast. Who knows? You might just find the inspiration to start your own digital revolution.

Connect with Blaklee:

Website

Stan Store

Elevated Edit Podcast: Apple Podcast, Instagram,

Personal Instagram

Tik Tok:

Patreon

Threads

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-125

3 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA, ADD TOTHE BAG thebadroman.com/donate, and share with a friend it (it's free!).

Starting Points and Key Moments:

(0:55) Reconnecting and Reminiscing

(4:06) Blaklee's Background

(11:32) The Dark Side of Social Media

(20:43) Positive Aspects of Social Media

(28:22) The Science Behind Social Media Addiction

(34:39) The Elevated Edit Podcast

(40:27) Advice for Aspiring Podcasters

(58:52) Final Thoughts

For more on The Bad Roman Project:

Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog

Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links

Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)

No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Ever wonder how a self-proclaimed "terrible person" can bring joy to others? Craig is joined by Jeff Macolino, a fellow podcaster and actor, for a candid conversation that unexpectedly turns into a heartwarming exploration of self-perception, humor, and the power of vulnerability.

Jeff, a multifaceted creative known for his work as a podcaster, actor, and filmmaker, opens up about his latest projects, including the quirky "Haunted Happy Hour" and the eagerly awaited "The Last Ride." His stories offer listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the challenges of bringing unique narratives to life.

Here are 3 key takeaways from Craig's chat with Jeff:

- The Healing Power of Humor: Jeff's approach to turning embarrassing moments into comedic gold isn't just entertaining—it's transformative. His willingness to share vulnerabilities creates connection and spreads positivity.

- Self-Perception vs. Reality: Despite Jeff's harsh self-criticism, his impact on others tells a different story. This disconnect highlights the importance of recognizing our positive influence on those around us.

- Faith and Self-Acceptance: Our discussion touches on the role of faith in self-acceptance, offering a unique perspective on how spiritual beliefs can shape our self-image.

This episode is a reminder that our harshest critics are often ourselves and a call to turn toward Grace. Jeff's honesty and humor provide a refreshing take on self-improvement and the human experience.

Listen to the full episode for more insights, laughs, and a dash of unexpected wisdom. It's a conversation that might just change how you view yourself and others.

Connect with Jeff:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-124

3 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA, ADD TOTHE BAG thebadroman.com/donate, and share with a friend it (it's free!).

Key Moments:

(0:22) Guest Introduction: Jeff Macalino

(0:44) Opening Banter and Sports Talk

(7:51) Jeff's Background and Podcast

(11:44) Exploration of Past Life Regression

(18:30) Spirituality and Christianity

(21:03) Political Engagement and Voting

(25:57) Christian Anarchist Perspective

(29:24) Self-Perception and Humor

(47:45) Closing Thoughts

For more on The Bad Roman Project:

Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog

Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links

Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)

No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

What if everything you thought about democracy was wrong? In our latest episode, Jeb Smith challenges the conventional wisdom on governance, exploring the surprising benefits of medieval kingship over modern democracy. Are we truly freer today, or have we misunderstood the past? Join us as Jeb unpacks these provocative ideas and shares insights from his book, "Missing: What Americans Get Wrong about Monarchy, Democracy, Feudalism, and Liberty."

In our conversation, we explore:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning the status quo and seeking a deeper understanding of governance and faith. Tune in to challenge your perspectives and engage in a conversation that goes beyond the surface.

Connect with Jeb:

Amazon Author Page

Fanmail and Hate male via email: [email protected]

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-123

3 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA, ADD TO THE BAG thebadroman.com/donate, and share with a friend it (it's free!).

Timestamps and Starting Points:

(1:08) Jeb's Background

(5:18) Influence of Tolkien and Historical Insights

(8:12) Identity and Labels

(9:25) Christianity and Politics

(11:01) The Dangers of Political Allegiance

(14:24) Western Christianity's Challenges

(15:46) Breaking Free from Political Labels

(19:06) The Power of Discourse

(22:01) Voluntarism and Anarchism

(25:11) Medieval Governance and Libertarianism

(30:36) The Role of Kings in Medieval Society

(35:13) Decentralization and Self-Government

(39:45) Abortion and Government Involvement

(43:24) Rebellion Against Tyranny

(45:51) Education and Indoctrination

(54:18) Democracy and Totalitarianism

(59:09) Libertarianism and Political Realities

For more on The Bad Roman Project:

Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog

Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links

Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)

No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com