The Bad Roman: Christian Politics for Modern Times

In this special episode of The Bad Roman, we take an atypical yet gripping detour into the sinister world of true crime, religious beliefs, and their troubling convergence. Cristy Ramos, the voice behind the budding podcast Cristy's Chronicles, where she discusses the finer details of real-life crime stories. Having worked in law and health insurance, she has deep knowledge of how the system functions. Cristy offers a fresh perspective on understanding the motivations of criminals and how the government deals with them.

In this conversation, we explore both infamous and lesser-known cases like those of Casey Anthony and Israel Keyes. With a past rooted in Christianity, Cristy offers an enlightening perspective on how religious upbringings and interpretations of scripture can intersect with and potentially influence criminal behavior.

Even though we're talking about True Crime, this topic helps us, as Bad Romans, understand how the government catches and punishes criminals, and if our justice system is doing a good job. It challenges us to think about what ‘No King But Christ’ means when faced with horrendous acts, how do we punish people in a voluntary society? 

Conversation Highlights:

• The role religion can have infamous crimes.

Whether we're studying about criminals or pondering over statism, The Bad Roman is always here to help you learn and think differently. Join us for this episode and others as we continue to explore what it means to live as a follower of Jesus in the 21st century, Christians’ entanglement with political forces around the world, and the mystery of being alive that intrigues us all.

Connect with Cristy:

Cristy’s Chronicles Podcast – website, Apple Podcasts

Facebook Page

Discord 

Instagram @cristys_chroniclez

Email: [email protected]

Starting Points:

00:00:02 Exploring True Crime and Religion

00:03:45 Understanding the Causes of Disturbing Behavior

00:09:59 Mother's Emotion in Crime Case Perceptions

00:09:59 The Casey Anthony Murder Trial

00:15:12 Casey Anthony

00:22:20 Israel Keyes and Serial Killers

00:23:33 Israel Keyes' Different Christian Church

00:29:45 Serial Killer's Moral Code and Restrictions

00:35:08 Serial Killers and Gang Violence

00:36:27 Questioning Cobain's Death and Investigative Biases

00:38:37 Cults and the Death Penalty

00:44:15 Serial Killer's Revelations and Suicide

00:48:29 Crime Impact, Role of Government

00:53:50 True Crime and Victim's Families

00:56:17 Conspiracies, Crime, and Paranormal Exploration

00:59:62 True Crime Podcast Halloween Plans

01:06:25 Impressive Crime Podcast With Learning Opportunities.

For more on this episode and The Bad Roman Project:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-101

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

SUPPORT THE SHOW: thebadroman.com/donate

When Casey Perez walked away from the Mormon Church, he didn't just leave behind a congregation; he discovered a tapestry of anarchy and voluntaryism hidden within its teachings. In this profound discussion, we find unexpected solidarity with anarchist thought, as Casey unveils how the Book of Mormon's scriptures and doctrines mirror the principles of societal autonomy and individual freedom. Our exchange traverses religious and ideological frontiers, inviting both Mormons and non-Mormons to embrace the underlying values that bind us together as a global family. 

The conversation shifts as we contemplate the personal changes spurred by political disillusionment and debates over the constitution, intensified by the pandemic. As we consider the emotional impact of mandates on both individuals and communities, we delve into the debris of societal pressures. In doing so, we discover a widespread desire for a support network and a community that values individual choice, and we explore the role of authority and governance from a perspective of spiritual enlightenment, not political will.

Wrapping up, we look beyond the horizon of today's interpretations of LDS texts, questioning traditional views on government, war, and America's place in divine providence. We explore the notion of modern slavery within our own societal structures and discuss the frustrations of many modern Christians with the current state of affairs. 

We question divine providence in the American founding and probe the implications of the government's hand in modern slavery. Our quest for understanding takes us from the battlefield of American history to the heart of Christian anarchy, culminating in a call to action for the Mormon community to consider the anarchy threaded within their beliefs. Whether your interest lies in faith, freedom, or the crossroads where they meet, join us for a stimulating conversation that promises to challenge and enlighten.

Connect with Casey:

Substack: mackenziesspleen.substack.com

Bandcamp: Potbelly MacKraken

Episode Starting Points:

(00:02) - Anarchy and the Book of Mormon

(08:04) - Churches and Conversion to Anarchy

(18:27) - COVID Horror Stories and Vaccine Mandates

(25:12) - Understanding the LDS Scriptural Canon

(32:13) - Anarchy in the Book of Mormon

(39:28) - Government and Anarchy in LDS Scriptures

(49:43) - Beliefs on God, Constitution, and Slavery

(59:30) - Frustration of Modern Christians and Anarchism

(01:09:07) - Promoting Anarchy in the Mormon Community

For more on this episode and The Bad Roman Project:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-101

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

SUPPORT THE SHOW: thebadroman.com/donate

Delve into the concept of Christian Anarchism and Voluntarism, examining the journey that leads individuals away from traditional politics towards a voluntary stateless life rooted in faith. In the 100th episode, host Craig Harguess is joined by Sarah and Jeff Perry from Voluntaryism in Action to discuss the intersection of Christian values and anarchy. The Perrys discuss the challenges in finding a like-minded community, communicating complex ideas, and their transformative ideological journey. The episode also explores homesteading, self-reliance, and the contentious interpretation of Romans 13 from an anarchist perspective.

The work of Voluntaryism in Action is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of human connection in voluntary charity. This episode offers a unique blend of humor, social commentary, and personal stories, encapsulating the fusion of Christian values and voluntaryism principles.

Connect with the Perrys:

Website

Podcast: Voluntary View Spotify, iTunes

Youtube

Key Moments:

00:02 Exploring Christian Anarchism and Voluntaryism

01:11 The Reach of the Bad Roman

09:08  Duck Eggs and Freshly Laid Eggs

15:22 Military Transition to Anarchism & Non-Judgmental Dialogue

23:13  Christian Anarchism and the Bad Project

26:41 Facebook Thread Drama and Miscommunication

30:05 Understanding Anarchy and Romans 13 (11 Minutes)

33:57 Not Voting and Complaining About Government

38:41 Voluntarism and Anarchy

41:22 - Religion, Government, and Accountability

49:57 Christian Anarchism and Voluntaryism Action

55:42  Voluntaryism (14 Minutes)

57:07 Obtaining & Maintaining 501(c)3 Status

01:04:18  Voluntaryism in Action

01:09:36  Discussion on Voluntaryism in Action (08 Minutes)

01:11:39  Twitter Campaigns and Content Restrictions

For more on this episode and The Bad Roman Project:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-100

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

SUPPORT THE SHOW: thebadroman.com/donate

Could the intertwining of faith and state authority be warping the very soul of Christianity? Unlock the complexities of Christian nationalism as we sit down for a round table to dissect the idolatrous juxtaposition of faith and governance. This episode dissects the potential hazards of conflating faith with state authority and how this can distort genuine religious practice and the core tenets of Christianity itself.

Join your host, Craig Harguess, along with friends of the show Chris Polk, Cody Cook, Paul Parayil, and Darren Freidinger, who help us peel back the layers of entanglement to reveal the true call of Faith. Witness a bold examination of Christian nationalism's historical claims and current implications in the realm of politics and social justice. 

As echoes of January 6th reverberate through the national consciousness, we scrutinize its portrayal as a Christian nationalist insurrection and the subsequent impact on political landscapes. The breach, the media's narrative, and the political fallout are dissected with a critical lens, contrasting the motives behind these actions with the broader implications for American society. We confront the seductive pull of cultural identity and the struggle to prioritize important global issues over trivial cultural squabbles. 

Through this dialogue, we strive to foster a deeper understanding of how a desire for a 'Christian nation' impacts both the spiritual body of Christ and our broader societal fabric. With a laid-back yet critical approach, we discuss the importance of curiosity and questioning in religious communities, advocating for meaningful action against social injustices rather than getting lost in cultural distractions. The panel lays out a thought-provoking journey through the contradictions of Christian nationalism, inviting you to reflect, question, and expand your understanding of faith in the public square.

The digital age has transformed the battleground of ideas, and we explore the challenges of engaging in meaningful discourse on social media amid generational technology. As we draw to a close, we advocate for deeper awareness and action, urging listeners not to be sidetracked by fleeting controversies but to remain steadfast in the pursuit of no king but Christ. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey through the contradictions and complexities of Christian nationalism.

00:02 Christian Nationalism and Its Contradictions

For more on this episode and The Bad Roman Project:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-99

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

SUPPORT THE SHOW: thebadroman.com/donate

Prepare to transcend the common clichés, examining the plant's societal, legal, and religious implications. In this insightful episode of the Bad Roman Podcast, host CraigHarguess, alongside guests Scott, Aaron, Jim, and William, delves into the multifaceted world of marijuana.

The team critically assesses the war on drugs, the impact of government propaganda, and the potential medical uses of marijuana, contrasting it with widely accepted substances like pharmaceuticals and alcohol. From a Christian viewpoint, they explore marijuana's role within God's creation, interpreting scriptures and theological perspectives to challenge traditional beliefs.

This episode aims to dismantle prevailing stigmas, encouraging listeners to reconsider the complexities of state power, legality, and morality in relation to cannabis use. Join this explorative journey for an enlightening conversation that promises to shift perceptions and deepen understanding of marijuana's place in society and religion.

For more on this episode and The Bad Roman Project:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-98

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

SUPPORT THE SHOW: thebadroman.com/donate

Are we forgetting the rebellious, defiant nature of Jesus? Have we overlooked his active resistance to the political and religious hierarchies of his time, and his challenging calls for us to be good neighbors rather than good citizens? That's what we'll be unpacking in our fascinating conversation with our guest, Domenic Scarcella, author of the book "Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen". 

 Domenic provides an intriguing reading of Jesus' teachings, bringing to light the elements that often get overlooked in contemporary Christianity. We dissect the Stations of the Cross, Jesus's nonviolent resistance, and how to use his book as a tool for contemplation. 

As we journey through these narratives, we confront the controversial topic of police violence and its relationship to the Christian faith. This episode holds some challenging viewpoints that question the traditional support of law enforcement and military by modern Christians. The non-violent teachings of Jesus and his brutal treatment by the 'good cops' of his day serve as the crux of this discussion. We highlight that violence, be it personal or outsourced, remains a contradiction to the teachings of Jesus, and is thus a sin.

We also carve out time to talk about the unfathomable nature of God, and the significance of the Holy Spirit, offering some new food for thought on the intersection of faith and politics.  Domenic gives us a glimpse into his new sub-stack, extending an invitation to join the ongoing conversation about Christian ethics. As we round off, we reflect on the essence of community, shared faith, and why being both a good neighbor and a bad citizen, as Jesus was, might just be the unconventional perspective we need today. This is one episode that is sure to challenge your perspectives and spark spirited discussions. Tune in, and let's question together!

Connect with Domenic:

Get the book!

Follow his Substack - Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen

Twitter (X) @GoodNeighBadCit

Starting Points:

(00:00) Jesus' Way of the Cross

For more on this episode and The Bad Roman Project:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-97

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

SUPPORT THE SHOW: thebadroman.com/donate

Get ready for an insightful and heart-wrenching journey as we chat with Daniel Benora, a Christian Palestinian, who gives us an inside look into the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine. With a direct line to the ground reality, Daniel candidly shares the pain and terror experienced by his friends and family in Gaza due to Israeli attacks. Hear the unfiltered narrative of Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, who have been overshadowed in the Western world, as we delve into the complexities of this ongoing strife.

Daniel courageously unravels the obscured narrative of Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, demonstrating the importance of understanding the dynamics of this ongoing strife. How do we stay informed when the Western media narrative leans heavily in favor of one side? The conversation deepens as we probe into the biased portrayal of the Middle East in the media, exposing its racist undertones. Together with Daniel, we dissect the colonial mentality and its aftermath, scrutinizing how it frames the Middle East as backward and violent. We also delve into the implications of Zionism, the British Empire's role in Jewish migration to Palestine, opening up the discussion to the way it's used to justify violence against Palestinians. 

As we draw toward the end of our conversation, we venture into the stormy waters of violence, faith, and pacifism within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Daniel reveals the inspiring ways Palestinian Christians channel faith into nonviolent resistance against injustice. We wrap up by challenging the misconceptions surrounding God and his people, urging Christians to seek truth, justice, and love over violence and ignorance. 

 Join us as we reveal how the media, the US government, and the Church perpetuate this idea, all the while emphasizing the importance of nuance in understanding this conflict. Here's a chance to challenge your perspectives and possibly transform your understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian plight.

Resources Shared:

• Across the Divide Podcast

Starting Points:

(00:02) The Israel-Palestine Conflict

(10:29) Understanding Gaza and Palestinian Identity

(14:26) Christian Palestinian Identity and Ignorance

(18:39) Western Media's Middle East Bias

(27:34) Influence on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict by Politics, Media, Religion

(39:59) Violence and Pacifism in Israeli-Palestinian

(53:13) The Palestinian Christian Perspective

(58:41) Misrepresentation of God and His People

(01:03:08) Jesus and the Old Testament

For more on this episode and The Bad Roman Project:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-96

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

Tune in for an insightful conversation with Jeffrey Stevens, an independent journalist and director of the Azarius Project, as we take a hard look at the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and the impact it's having on the Christian and other communities within these borders. Hear firsthand about the misinformation circulating among Christian Americans and learn about Jeffrey's own transformation from being pro-Israel to acknowledging the impossibility of supporting both Israel and the sanctity of life simultaneously. 

If you’re one of us, or you’re new here, you should know that there has always been a personal journey at the heart of The Bad Roman Project. It’s been one that's demanded a complete overhaul of previous beliefs. A path paved with discomfort while challenging long-held perceptions and demanding an honest reassessment of Christian values. As always, there's so much more to the story than what's on the surface and what’s important is that we talk about it. 

While mainstream media often skews the reality on the ground, our conversation challenges those narratives and scrutinizes the role of the US and Israeli governments in perpetuating the inhumane policies of the occupation. In this uncompromising discourse, we're asking the hard questions, discussing who gets to define terrorism, examining the treatment of Palestinians (both Muslim and Christian), and unlocking the transformative power of relationships to remedy bias in our perspectives.

But our journey doesn't stop there. In this episode, we're bringing the focus back home, because change starts on your doorstep. We discuss the importance of evangelizing in our own neighborhoods and fostering a personal relationship with Jesus. Be prepared for a lively debate on what Jesus' stance would be of his birthland today and the recognition that the world is indeed larger than just the United States. So, buckle up and come along for an enlightening, perhaps life-altering ride with us. 

Connect with Jeffery:

Catholic Workers Project

Azarias Project

Arab American News

Catholic Wordsmith

Starting Points:

1:05 Correct framing as the illegal Occupation vs. the Israel-Palestine Conflict

4:52 Who is Jeffery Stevens?

8:08 Conviction of USA and Israel as the “good guys” against terrorism

15:16 Where the End of the Earth Begins article on The Catholic Wordsmith

28:10 Who is funding Israel?

33:44 Jenin [on] the Fourth from Arab American News

48:51 The World is Bigger than the USA

For more on this episode and The Bad Roman Project:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-95

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

Imagine having a personal trainer, functional nutritionist, author, and pastor all rolled into one guest. Well, we certainly did! Join us as we get up close and personal with Adam Braud, a man who has dedicated over three decades to Christian ministry and uniquely combines it with his passion for health and fitness. 

Using Adam’s book Faith and Fitness: Integrating Physical Health and Spiritual Growth As we navigate through the discussion, we dissect the pivotal role of lifestyle choices in shaping our holistic health. We unwrap how taking care of our bodies can lead to a more fulfilling life and deeper self-perception and what that has to do with Jesus. Adam broadens our understanding of stewardship, shedding light on its significance beyond mere physicality. Adam provides insight into the significance of disciplined health goals, good sleep, and self-care that goes beyond surface-level or guru-style health advice. 

We wrap up this enlightening episode by debunking health myths and discussing diets and weight loss strategies. Are you curious about the cold plunges or intermittent fasting? Adam's insightful advice on tailoring health strategies and tools to individual needs will clear your doubts. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast or a health journey newbie, this conversation is an excellent guide to caring for your physical body as part of your spiritual growth. So tune in and be inspired to better steward your health!

Connect with Adam Braud:

E-Book

Adam's Website

Instagram

Facebook

Starting Points and Key Moments:

1:41 Who is Adam?

3:15 Health Awakening of Covid

7:10 Faith and Fitness

24:40 Diseases of Lifestyle and Affluence

30:50 Three Major Reasons Christians Nelgect Caring for Their Physical Body

39:29 Living like an unsupervised kid with diet and sleep

53:48 One-size-fits-all plan for diet? Practical Advice to guide your life

1:00:27 Intermittent Fasting & Cold Plunging

1:11:05 Where to connect with Adam

For more on this episode and The Bad Roman Project:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-94

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 thought about life without a social security number? Keturah Lamb is a fourth-generation member of a family choosing to exist outside of the traditional system, Keturah's stories reveal how she and her siblings have cultivated creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience to build the lives they want. She sheds light on how to live a good American dream life without being part of the system, and how it has shaped their worldview and relationships. 

We explore Keturah's unique life journey, from her grandpa's stories to her own travels, to her work as a seamstress, writer, public speaker, and more. Listen as she opens up about her projects that bring people together, her stint teaching hand-sewing and embroidery at an off-grid nature preserve, Turtle Island, and how she uses her experiences to connect with people on a deeper level. 

Keturah's faith and philosophy form the foundation of her lifestyle, and she talks about her Living Room Academy, which aims to empower women with essential life skills, guiding them towards empowerment. 

She shares her nuanced and wise-beyond-her-years thoughts on anarchism, mob mentality, the monopoly on violence, and an active pacifism she sees at the root of true anarchy. From real-life issues to facilitating meaningful shifts in perspectives over meals in her home, Keturah’s experiences are a testament to the vigor of an unconventional way of living. So, if you've been longing for a refreshing view on life, prepare to see the world through a different lens with Keturah Lamb.

Keturah Lamb:

@KeturahAbigal Twitterr (X)

@KeturahAbigal Instgram

Social Porcupine Blog

The Girl Who Doesn’t Exist

Livingroom Academy

Instagram Living Romm Academy

Episode Starting Points:

01:35 Who is Keturah?

03:30 Working in America without a Social Security Number

08:43 The Social Porcupine

18:14 The Girl Who Doesn’t Exist

30:23 Reality of Humans vs. Hate-filled Social Media

33:10 Living Room Academy

38:42 We should free mobs instead of cults

46:04 Does anyone in Keturah’s family think they are crazy?

51:22 Has she always been No King but Christ?

1:01:24 Twitter (x) rules of engagement in debates for sanity

1:11:30 Connect with Keturah Lamb

For more on this episode and The Bad Roman Project:

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-93

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