The Bad Roman: Christian Politics for Modern Times

What if the key to a harmonious society lies in the ancient practices of early Christians? In this captivating episode, Joseph Macolino returns to unravel his vision of voluntary Christian communities, inspired by the communal living described in the Book of Acts. Picture a world where cooperation replaces coercion, and rulers are a thing of the past. Joseph paints a vivid picture: "Imagine a society where bartering goods and services is the norm, and conflicts are resolved through conversation, not force."

We journey into the realm of fantasy with Joseph's book series set in Everath, where Marfta Port exemplifies a voluntary community. This fictional world serves as a powerful allegory for how Christians might live peacefully today. Joseph shares, "Through Marfta Port, I wanted to show that a different way of living is possible—one where faith and community go hand in hand."

The discussion deepens as Craig and Joseph tackle the nuances of Christian pacifism. They explore the idea that pacifism doesn't equate to passivity. This thought-provoking dialogue challenges listeners to reconsider their views on self-defense and retaliation.

But what about the inevitable challenges of community living? Joseph candidly addresses potential pitfalls, such as dealing with bad actors, emphasizing, "Open communication and shared values are crucial to overcoming these hurdles."

This episode is a compelling invitation to rethink societal norms and explore the transformative power of faith-based communities. Are you ready to question the status quo and envision a new way of living? Tune in and let your curiosity lead the way.

Connect with Joseph Macolino:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-121

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Timestamps and Starting Points:

(0:22) Guest Introduction

(1:09) Salsa and Conversations

(2:58) Personal Updates

(5:11) Community Building Vision

(6:23) Community Structure

(8:25) Overcoming Misconceptions

(10:25) Bartering and Self-Sufficiency

(12:09) Financial Considerations

(14:12) Community Impact and Outreach

(16:35) Balancing Work and Community Life

(20:32) Location Challenges

(23:59) Core Christian Role

(25:25) Inclusivity in Community

(30:39) Living the Gospel

(44:46) Marfteport: A Fictional Community

(51:27) Handling Community Conflicts

"Chaos Theory" by Robert Murphy, a book exploring the feasibility of voluntary societies and addressing common concerns.

For more on The Bad Roman Project:

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No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Is the world turning a blind eye to the plight of Palestinians? Grace Batchoun, a Christian and Co-founder of  Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, joins Craig for a deeply personal conversation about the ongoing Occupation of the Palestinian people and genocide in Gaza. Grace shares her journey as a Palestinian Christian and highlights the dire situation in Gaza, challenging the narrative of Israel's self-defense. 

Grace and Craig emphasize the need for Christians to align with the teachings of Jesus by advocating for peace and justice over death and destruction. Grace deconstructs the ongoing expansion of settlements, which defy international law and United Nations resolutions. How does this impact the lives of those in the region? The conversation unpacks the complexities of everyday life brought on by the Israeli Occupation of Palestinians, urging listeners to reconsider their perspectives and recognize the humanity of Palestinians. 

The current humanitarian crisis and genocide in Gaza is another focal point. The severe conditions caused by Israeli blockades and refusal to work toward a ceasefire agreement—continuing the unending starvation, destroyed infrastructure, and families in distress. What does this mean for the people living there, and how can the international community respond?

Craig and Grace also examine the role of evangelical Christian support for Israel. Does this stance align with the teachings of Jesus on peace and justice, or does it contradict them? Through personal stories and historical context, this episode offers a Palestinian perspective on displacement and life under occupation.

Finally, the discussion sheds light on the broader implications of Israel's actions on international law and human rights. How do these actions measure up against the conventions established after World War II? Listen to this episode of the Bad Roman Podcast and join the conversation online as we navigate these challenging topics, encouraging listeners to reflect on justice, peace, and the power of global solidarity.

Learn More about Palestine:

Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-121

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Key Moments and Starting Points:

(0:22) Addressing the Gaza Crisis

(2:07) Grace Batchoun's Background

(4:09) Awakening to Activism

(6:41) Humanitarian vs. Occupation Crisis

(9:07) Misinterpretations Among Christians

(12:12) The Reality of Gaza

(16:30) Genocide or Defense?

(19:01) Personal Stories and Historical Context

(25:56) The Ongoing Occupation

(33:07) Misconceptions About Hamas

(36:09) International Response and U.S. Influence

(41:32) The Role of Christians and the Church

(48:22) Call to Action

(54:14) Personal Transformation and Advocacy

(1:02:11) 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

Are we truly grasping the essence of Revelation, or have we merely relegated its message to the past? In Part 4 of our series "From Eden to Empire," we invite you to see Revelation as a lens for understanding all empires, not just Rome. Discover how its profound teachings can guide Christians in navigating their relationship with worldly powers.

We’ll reexamine the imagery of beasts and Babylon, often interpreted as symbols of Rome's might, revealing their relevance to any empire marked by oppression and idolatry. What does it mean to bear the mark of the beast? We’ll explore this as a symbol of allegiance to earthly powers over God, contrasting it with the divine mark of believers. Plus, we’ll dive into the origins of the notorious number 666, uncovering its historical context and broader implications for complicity with imperial power.

Revelation's urgent call to "come out of her" challenges us to disengage from the ways of empire, urging believers to live as citizens of God's kingdom. We’ll also redefine the concept of the antichrist—not as a singular figure, but as any force opposing Christ's reign.

Join us as we unpack these themes, fostering a historically grounded understanding of how Revelation speaks to the intricate dynamics of power and faith. With the U.S. presidential elections on the horizon, this episode is sure to provoke thought and inspire reflection on the intersection of empire and spirituality. Tune in and engage with these enduring questions!

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-120

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

Connect with Matt and Expedition 44:

YouTube

Website

Covenant Theological Seminary

Expedition 44 episode on Romans 13

Starting Points and Key Moments:

00:02:42 Matt's perspective on Revelation and dispensationalism

00:04:34 Interpretive views of Revelation

00:08:35 Babylon and its representation in Revelation

00:12:17 The whore of Babylon and its implications

00:20:43 Call to come out of Babylon

00:23:08 The 144,000 and their significance

00:28:34 Introduction to Revelation 13

00:32:08 The beast from the sea and its symbolism

00:35:26 The fatal wound and its historical context

00:42:23 The mark of the beast and its meaning

00:50:23 The number 666 and its interpretations

00:55:08 The concept of Antichrist in John's writings

01:02:27 Overview and conclusion of the series

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

In Part 3 of our series "From Eden to Empire," we unravel the complexities of Romans 13 and its implications for Christians living under governmental authority. Was Paul truly advocating for unwavering obedience to the state, or was his message more nuanced? We explore the context of Paul's letter to the Roman church in the 1st century, revealing that his words were tailored to address specific circumstances rather than offering a blanket endorsement of government power.

Our discussion delves into the idea of living peacefully within the empire while maintaining allegiance to Christ as the ultimate authority. We examine the distinction between submission and obedience, highlighting that the Greek term used by Paul suggests a voluntary yielding rather than blind compliance. This episode challenges listeners to consider when submission to earthly authorities aligns—or conflicts—with their commitment to Christ.

We also touch on the topic of taxes, suggesting that Paul's references may have been more about local dues and neighborhood authorities than the overarching Roman government. By contrasting the teachings of Romans 12 with the directives in Romans 13, we uncover how embodying the principles of the former can help navigate the challenges posed by the latter.

Join us as we dissect these themes, encouraging a deeper understanding of how Christians can faithfully engage with worldly powers while staying true to their spiritual convictions. This episode promises to provoke thought and inspire meaningful reflection on the intersection of faith and governance. Don't miss this crucial installment as we continue our journey from Eden to Empire.

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-119

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

Connect with Matt and Expedition 44:

YouTube

Website

Covenant Theological Seminary

Expedition 44 episode on Romans 13

(1:43) The Historical Context of Romans 13

(3:45) Paul's Mission for Unity in the Church

(5:37) Paul's Revolutionary Gospel

(8:11) The Misinterpretation of Divine Ordination in Political Power

(11:12) The Structure and Themes of Romans

(14:26) The Sermon on the Mount and Its Impact on Society

(17:49) Homeowners Associations in Ancient Rome

(20:45) The Role of Governing Authorities in Early Christianity

(24:20) The Role of Christians in Ancient Rome

(28:20) The Role of Governing Authorities in the New Testament

(52:52) Ancient Societies and Modern Perspectives

(55:31) The Double Voice in Romans 13

(59:13) Allegiance and Conscience in Biblical Context

(1:05:54) Jeremiah 29's Exile Guidance as a Metaphor

(1:08:35) Theological Reflections on Romans 12 and 13

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

In the second installment of our series "From Eden to Empire," we delve into Matt's dissertation with a focus on the teachings of First Peter. Building on the foundation laid in our first episode, which explored the "Deuteronomy 32 Worldview," we now turn our attention to how these themes are expanded in Peter's writings.

Peter's teachings challenge us to reconsider the nature of submission—not as mere obedience to human authorities, but as a voluntary act for the sake of Christ. What does it mean to live as exiles and strangers, maintaining a distinct identity from the world's systems and authorities? This episode invites you to explore these questions and more.

We also discuss the transformative power of baptism, which Peter presents as a declaration of allegiance to God's kingdom. This act of spiritual warfare signifies a break from worldly systems and a commitment to a higher calling. How does this shape our understanding of spiritual identity and community?

Join us as we explore the call for Christians to live as witnesses, leading lives that not only silence critics but also draw others to Christ. Rather than seeking to fix or overthrow worldly systems, Peter's teachings encourage us to embody a different kind of revolution. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that deepens your understanding of First Peter and its relevance today.

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-118

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Connect with Matt and Expedition 44:

YouTube

Website

Covenant Theological Seminary

Expedition 44 episode on Romans 13

Starting Points & Key Moments:

(0:22) Exploring Romans 13 and 1 Peter

(3:54) Context and Authorship of 1 Peter

(8:34) Deuteronomy 32 Worldview

(12:38) Living as Exiles

(29:19) Submission and Authority

(36:06) Cultural Context and Social Structures

(20:36) Baptism as Spiritual Warfare

(40:27) Freedom and Honor

(47:28) Conclusion and Next Steps

(48:11) Additional Resources

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

Explore the profound intersection of faith, spiritual governance, and political power with our guest Matt Mouzakis. Matt provides insights from his research, guiding us through a deep examination of Romans 13 using the "Deuteronomy 32 worldview." Together, we reflect on the early Christian perspective of state authority, highlighting the importance of prioritizing Christ over earthly powers.

As we turn to politics, Craig challenges reliance on human governance and argues for a return to Jesus' teachings. This leads to a thought-provoking discussion on how modern political systems clash with the early Christian conviction of having "No king but Christ." Join us as we explore these transformative ideas and reconsider the role of faith in the modern world.

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-117

TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA or HELP GROW THE BAG thebadroman.com/donate

Connect with Matt and Expedition 44:

YouTube

Website

Covenant Theological Seminary

Expedition 44 episode on Romans 13

Starting Points & Key Moments:

4:21 Deuteronomy 32 Worldview and Its Historical Context

8:04 Spiritual Beings and Their Roles

11:10 Rethinking the Nature of God

21:48 Forbidden Knowledge and the Fall of Spiritual Beings

26:07 The Three Falls in Genesis

32:08 Understanding Satan in the Old Testament

38:36 Divine Council and Judgment in Psalms

42:07 Government and Faith

44:50 Jesus as the Reflection of God

47:32 The Desire for a Tall King

50:21 Voting as a Rejection of God

55:14 No King but Christ: A Return to Early Christian Teachings

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

Are libertarians really sticking to their principles, or are they just playing the political game? In this episode, we’re getting into some tough questions about the Libertarian Party and the choices they’ve been making lately. Our guest thinks a lot of libertarians are backing people like Donald Trump and Argentina’s President Javier Milei just to stay relevant, even if it goes against what libertarianism is all about.

We’re calling out the hypocrisies within the Libertarian Party and taking a hard look at the policies of some of the big names they’ve been supporting. Do these people actually stand for libertarian values, or is something else going on? Our guest isn’t holding back, especially when it comes to pointing out the harmful stuff Milei, Musk, and Trump have been up to, and how echo chambers are shutting down real debates in libertarian circles.

Then, we take the conversation in a whole new direction: Christian anarchism. Should Christians be rejecting the state altogether and following Christ instead of any political figure or party? We get into this radical idea and what it means for both your politics and your faith.

And we’re not done yet—we also dig into where the money’s coming from in libertarian movements. Are libertarian groups losing their way by taking cash from billionaires and big corporations? Our guest thinks this kind of funding could be selling out the very principles these groups are supposed to stand for.

Let’s question everything together—hit play and join us!

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-116

TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA or HELP GROW THE BAG thebadroman.com/donate

Connect with Jeremy:

Website: https://jeremiahharding.com/

YouTube: Jeremiah Talks

@insanityisfree: Twitter (X), Instagram, Facebook, 

Anarchunity.com

Timestamps & Starting Points:

0:22 Election Day and Statism

1:00 Guest Introduction, Libertarian Figures, and Criticisms

5:34 Freedom of Speech and Censorship

9:01 Anarchists' Views on Political Figures

10:29 Libertarian Party Process

16:24 Liberty Twitter Experience

18:24 Unconventional Opinions

19:56 Evolution of Liberty Hangout

22:55 Eric July and Ripiverse Comics

27:01 Javier Millay's Political Shift

29:54 Criticism of Javier Milei

46:24 Libertarian Funding Sources

50:59 Ideals of Libertarianism

58:24 Radical Ideals and Anarchunity.com

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 would security look like in a society without government? In this episode of the Bad Roman podcast, host Craig Harguess sits down with Jeff Perry from Voluntarism in Action to explore this intriguing question. They delve into the concept of voluntary society security, discussing how private security firms, insurance-based models, and community-based solutions could replace traditional policing.

The conversation critiques the current government-run police system, highlighting issues like qualified immunity, police militarization, and lack of accountability. Jeff and Craig explain how free market principles could offer better incentives and outcomes for security services, challenging the "foundational myth" that government exists to protect us.

From a Christian perspective, they explore how voluntary solutions align more closely with Christian principles than coercive government systems. This episode is sure to provoke thought and encourage listeners to reconsider their views on security and governance. Tune in for a compelling discussion that questions the status quo and envisions a freer, more ethical society.

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-115

TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA or HELP GROW THE BAG thebadroman.com/donate

Starting Points and Key Moments:

00:02 Jeff and Sarah's Episode

00:22 Recurring Question on Security in a Voluntary Society

01:53 Jeff Perry's Article on Voluntary Society Security

3:07 Personal Experiences and Reflections

4:20 Police and State Power

7:14 Qualified Immunity and Police Accountability

11:07 Voluntary Society and Security Models

16:32 Economic Incentives and Market Solutions

20:22 Addressing Concerns about the Poor

24:56 Misconceptions about Lawlessness

30:34 Private Prisons vs. Private Policing

36:49 Military and National Defense

40:39 Closing Thoughts

43:06 Contribution to The Show

47:28 Final Remarks

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

Musician Jordan Smart shares his journey from a religious household in Ohio to becoming a touring artist. He discusses his disillusionment with the church, his connection to music, and how punk rock influenced his worldview. The conversation centers on his song "Who Would Jesus Bomb?", inspired by frustrations with religious propaganda. Jordan reflects on how twisted religious messages inspired the song and talks about his project, Songs Not Bombs, raising funds for Palestinian children. This episode dives into war, politics, faith, and humanity, making it a must-listen for those interested in these critical issues.

Connect with Jordan Smart:

• Jordan Smart Music on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jordansmartmusic]

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-114

TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA or HELP GROW THE BAG thebadroman.com/donate

Starting Points and Key Moments:

00:45 Jordan's Background

02:00 Music as a Form of Protest

07:27 The Power of Music

09:40 Christianity and War

11:59 Generational Perspectives

16:45 Personal and Political Pushback to Jordan’s Song “Who Would Jesus Bomb?”

20:51 Echo Chambers and Authenticity

24:26 The Role of the Military

30:43 Compassion and Humanity

34:59 Challenging Beliefs

39:40 Personal Journeys

43:17 The Influence of Social Media

47:27 Interconnected Issues

52:19 Political Theater

57:52 Blonde Hair and Blue Eyes: Jesus and Race

1:03:21 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

Craig speaks with Claire Dalton, host of the Clarity podcast where she interviews members of The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who have left the Mormon church in their pursuit to follow Christ at a greater capacity. In the conversation, Claire shares her journey of leaving the LDS Church, her battle with chronic Lyme disease, and her views on government and institutional corruption.

Craig and Claire also discuss misconceptions about Mormonism, particularly polygamy, and the experiences of those who leave the LDS Church to follow Christ. The conversation also explores the influence of government in various sectors and the concept of statism as inherently satanic.

Emphasizing the message "No King but Christ," they discuss prioritizing Christ over state and institutional allegiances and building authentic Christian communities. This episode offers insights into faith, health, and societal structures, encouraging listeners to question and explore their beliefs.

TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA or HELP GROW THE BAG thebadroman.com/donate

Connect with Claire Dalton:

• The Clarity Podcast on YouTube

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-113

Starting Points and Key Moments:

(1:04) Guest Introduction

(0:22) Entanglement of Churches with the State

(1:41) Claire's Personal Journey

(5:28) Misconceptions about Mormonism 

(26:35) The Impact of Chronic Illness

(30:18) Critique of the Medical System

(53:04) Statism and Its Influence

(59:20) Closing Remarks

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