The Bad Roman: Christian Politics for Modern Times

Latest Episodes:

Gardening with God: Faith, Food, & Community with Corey Ellerbe Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Curious about turning your backyard into a mini-Eden? This episode's for you. We're chatting with Corey Ellerbe, the green thumb behind Old 37 Homestead on YouTube. He's gone from rookie gardener to homestead pro, and he's spilling the dirt on how you can too.

But we're not just talking tomatoes here. Corey and Craig dig into how growing your own grub can be a sneaky way to stick it to the state. Plus, they explore how getting your hands dirty can actually bring you closer to God.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or can barely keep a cactus alive, you'll walk away with practical tips to start your own little slice of paradise. And who knows? You might just find that the path to independence starts in your own backyard.

Craig and Corey take you through:

Corey's gardening journey from novice to seasoned pro
Agroforestry and organic gardening techniques
Gardening as a form of independence and subtle rebellion
The connection between faith and tending to nature
Practical advice for starting and maintaining gardens

Listeners will gain insights into sustainable living, spiritual growth through gardening, and practical tips for growing their own food. This episode is valuable for anyone interested in self-sufficiency, organic gardening, or exploring the intersection of faith and nature.

So grab those gardening gloves and tune in. Trust us, your future self (and taste buds) will thank you.

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-141

🤝Connect with Corey:

Old 37 Homestead: Corey Ellerbe's YouTube channel

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Key Moments:

(0:44) Gardening and Agrism Discussion

(1:01) Background on Corey's Gardening Experience

(3:38) Craig's Gardening Journey

(6:46) Gardening Advice from Corey

(13:39) Corey's Gardening Philosophy

(25:04) Gardening as a Way to Subvert the State

(45:35) Gardening and Relationship with Christ

(54:55) Old 37 Homestead YouTube Channel

(1:06:27) Advice for New Gardeners

(1:15:07) Gardening Zones and Regional Considerations

(1:19:39) 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

Reclaiming Jesus From Politics with Patrick Green Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Ever wondered how someone goes from being a die-hard statist to embracing a "no king but Christ" worldview? Patrick Green, creator of the 100 Fold Testimonies podcast, shares his journey from a statist Christian to embracing "no king but Christ (King Jesus)".

Patrick's journey is a rollercoaster of faith, doubt, and revelation. He opens up about his Catholic upbringing, his struggles with infertility, and the three-phase process that led to his spiritual awakening. It's a raw and honest account that'll have you questioning your own beliefs.

Patrick's journey unfolds in three distinct phases:

The Devil’s Barriers to God
Conditioned for Jesus via Personal Tragedy
Receiving the Word: Return to God

But this isn't just a feel-good testimony. Craig and Patrick dive deep into the thorny issue of state worship. They tackle questions like:

Can you be a Christian and still pledge allegiance to a flag?
What does the Bible really say about government?
How do we break free from the cult of political idolatry?

Drawing from biblical passages like 1st Samuel 8, they challenge listeners to reconsider their relationship with political institutions. It's a conversation that'll make you squirm, think, and maybe even change your mind.

Craig and Patrick don't shy away from their own past mistakes either. They share cringe-worthy stories of their former media consumption habits and political biases. Remember when you couldn't wait to get home and turn on your favorite news pundit? Yeah, they've been there too.

But it's not all heavy stuff. Patrick introduces his new podcast, 100 Fold Testimonies, and invites listeners to share their own Jesus stories. It's a reminder that amidst all the political noise, personal transformation is still at the heart of faith.

So, whether you're a political junkie, a skeptic, or just someone trying to figure out this whole Christianity thing, this episode's got something for you. It's a journey from statism to Christ-centeredness that'll challenge your assumptions and maybe even change your life.

Ready to have your worldview shaken up a bit? Tune in and prepare to see politics, faith, and yourself in a whole new light

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-140

🤝Connect with Patrick:

Podcast: Spotify, Apple, more!
Email: 100foldtestimonies@gmail.com

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Starting Points and Key Moments:

(0:22) Guest Introduction: Patrick Green

(0:58) Patrick's Background and Testimony

(7:26) Political Idolatry and Awakening

(8:28) Overcoming Evolution as a Barrier to Faith

(10:31) Personal Tragedy and Faith Journey

(18:55) Turning to Scripture

(26:37) Lessons from Biblical Parables

(38:55) Transformation and New Perspective

(41:16) Secular Awakening

(52:48) Comfort and Government Dependence

(56:13) Both Sides of Politics

(59:04) Conclusion and Podcast Information

🔗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

King Jesus Unmasked: Christ Translated with Duncan Palmer and Matt Mouzakis Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Explore a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of Jesus' identity: his kingship. Duncan Palmer and Matt Mouzakis dive into the literal meaning of "Christ" (from the Greek Christos) as "King," revealing how modern translations have obscured this powerful concept.

Key points:

"Christ" literally means "King" in its original context
Modern translations often fail to convey this crucial meaning
Understanding Jesus as King reshapes our view of his role and authority
This perspective challenges our relationship with earthly governments
Practical implications for living under Jesus' reign in daily life

The discussion highlights how referring to Jesus as "King" more frequently, rather than "Christ," could transform believers' understanding of his role and their allegiance to him. This shift in language and perspective has far-reaching implications for Christian faith and practice.

Gain fresh insights into familiar Bible passages and be challenged to reconsider their relationship with Jesus as their true sovereign. This episode promises to be an eye-opening exploration of a foundational, yet frequently misunderstood, aspect of Christian faith.

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-139

🤝Connect with Guests:

Matt Mouzakis'

- New Book: Principalities, Powers and Allegiances - available on Amazon
- Previous Episodes wth Matt:

Expedition 44 podcast:

- Website: expedition44.com

- Co-hosted by Matt Mouzakis and Dr. Will Ryan

Duncan Palmer

Duncan’s Writings

- https://peakd.com/a/@creatr/b

- https://ecency.com/a/@creatr/b

The Curmudgeon's Bible series
Duncan’s Christian Library series
Email: duncan@sharefreely.com
Previous Episodes with Duncan Palmer:
- Tyrants be Gone with Duncan Palmer
- Translating the Bible – Is the Greek Right?

Other Resources Mentioned:

Bibel Translation: 2001translation.org
No King But Christ network
Bible Project videos on the Sermon on the Mount
Book recommendations: "The Global Politics of Jesus" by Neel Isaiah & N.T. Wright's "Kingdom New Testament" translation

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Starting Points and Key Moments:

(0:22) Discussing Jesus as King vs. Christ

(1:04) Duncan Palmer's return and personal anecdotes

(3:05) Matt Mouzakis's return and book announcement

Matt's new book "Principalities, Powers and Allegiances" is introduced
Brian Zahn Postcards From Babylon

(7:45) Greek translation issues and Bible interpretation

(13:22) Duncan's epiphany about the word "Christ"

(19:41) Antichrist as replacement for Christ

(22:58) Personal experiences with "King Jesus" terminology

(50:20) Exploring the concept of Jesus as King

(1:04:43) The church as God's method of ruling

(1:14:26) Call to recognize Jesus as the true King

(1:19:40) Closing thoughts and resource recommendations

🔗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

The Anatomy of a Statist: Why Good People Vote for Bad Things with Patrick Carroll Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Ready for a deep dive into government, violence, and Christian ethics? Patrick Carroll, a seasoned libertarian thinker, is back to dissect the core beliefs of statists, revealing how even well-intentioned government supporters inadvertently endorse violence. This eye-opening conversation challenges listeners to reconsider their views on political power and its compatibility with Christian teachings.

Key topics include:

The Anatomy of the Statist: Carroll dissects various statist mindsets, from well-intentioned humanitarians to power-hungry megalomaniacs. He argues that despite good intentions, statist thinking ultimately relies on coercion.
Taxation as Theft: The conversation dives deep into the libertarian view that taxation isn't just metaphorically similar to theft—it is theft. Carroll explains why this perspective isn't hyperbole but a fundamental ethical stance.
The Violence Inherent in Government: The discussion exposes how all government action, at its root, relies on the threat of force.
Christian Ethics vs. State Power: Carroll argues that Jesus' teachings on loving neighbors and enemies are fundamentally at odds with governmental coercion.

This episode promises to challenge deeply held beliefs about the role of government in society and offers a compelling case for embracing non-violent approaches to social organization.

Tune in for an intellectually stimulating conversation that might just change how you view government, freedom, and your role in shaping a more just society.

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-138

🤝Connect with Patrick:

Blog
Facebook Page
Twitter (X),
The Prudent Navigator (website/blog)
Read Patrick’s Mises Institute Articles
Read or Listen to The Anatomy of a Statist article

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Starting Points and Key Moments:

(0:22) Patrick Carroll returns to discuss "The Anatomy of the Statist"

Previous appearances on episodes 16 and 55
- Episode 16: If You Vote You Can’t Complain
- Episode 55: Is Taxation Slavery?

(0:58) Patrick's recent work and philosophical journey

Managing editor at Foundation for Economic Education

(4:17) Discussion on Patrick's writing style and approach

Larken Rose on the Bad Roman
- Episode 83: The Cult of Statism
- Episode 91: Breaking Down the Jones Plantation
- Episode 134: Immigration and Christian Values: Challenging the Border Fetish Brigade

(5:47) The appeal of libertarian philosophy

(7:45) Breaking the framing of political conversations

(10:37) The Anatomy of the Statist: 10 characteristics

(17:47) The utilitarian perspective on government

(23:17) The theocrat and Christian involvement in politics

(31:41) The risk mitigator and government regulation

(53:57) The megalomaniac and power dynamics of government

(56:24) The heart of the statist: intolerance

(59:52) Taxation as theft: beyond metaphor

(1:03:43) Free market principles and conservative inconsistencies

(1:05:31) Conclusion and 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

Render Unto God or Government? Challenging Entanglement with Zachary Gomez Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

Are Christians becoming useless in today's world? Craig teams up with Zachary Gomez, a theology whiz who also fixes houses, to shake up what you thought you knew about Jesus and taxes.

They rip apart the famous "render unto Caesar" line. Spoiler alert: It's not about paying your taxes! Instead, it's a sneaky jab at people who love the government too much.

Here's what you'll get in this episode:

Jesus's real take on being a good citizen (it's not what you think!)
How modern churches are getting cozy with the state (and why that's bad news)
Cool ways Christians can team up and make the government irrelevant

Zachary's got wild stories about trusting God and helping neighbors that'll make you rethink everything. He's pushing for a Christian revolution - small groups taking care of each other so well that food stamps and welfare become old news.

This isn't your grandma's Bible study. It's a call to arms for Christians to flip the script on how they deal with the government and each other. You'll leave this episode fired up to change the world, one neighbor at a time.

Don't miss out on this game-changing conversation. Tune in and learn how to make the state obsolete through the power of love, service, and good old-fashioned community spirit. It's time to give God what's His - everything we've got!

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-137

🤝Connect with Zachary:

Abolish Human Archism: Website recommended for further exploration of Christian anarchist ideas.
Leaving Egypt Ministries: An anarchist Christian page promoting anti-statist gospel messages.
- X: @LeavingEgyptMin
- Website: leavingegyptministries.com
Zachary Gomez on social media:
- Facebook: Zachary Gomez
- Instagram: @goodnews_zach

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Starting Points and Key Moments:

(1:29) Zachary Gomez's Background

(3:41) The Church's Entanglement with the State

(5:24) The False Dichotomy of Right and Left Politics

(7:50) Misinterpretation of Jesus' Teachings

(9:19) Analyzing the "Render unto Caesar" Passage

(15:03) The Meaning Behind Jesus' Response

(19:01) Modern Parallels to Caesar Worship

(22:42) The True Gospel and Its Political Nature

(28:34) The Solution: Seeking God's Kingdom

(38:03) The False Church System and Idolatry

(46:55) Practical Steps for Living Out the Kingdom

(1:07:28) Conclusion and 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

Government Control and Critical Thinking with Jeffrey Hann Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Is the government really looking out for your best interests? Jeffrey Hann, author and anarchist thinker, returns to The Bad Roman to challenge everything you thought you knew about government, critical thinking, and personal freedom.

He argues that our education system is deliberately designed to create "literacy slaves" - individuals smart enough to work but not to question authority. But is this just another conspiracy theory, or is there truth to his claims? Here's what's on the menu:

Critical Thinking 101: Hann breaks down why our education system might be deliberately dumbing us down.
Government's Life Cycle: From democracy to tyranny - is it inevitable? Hann walks us through Plato's five regimes and why he thinks we're headed for a fall.
Psyops Exposed: Prepare to have your mind blown as Hann reveals the psychological warfare tactics governments use to keep us in line. Spoiler alert: fear and repetition are their weapons of choice.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Hann presents anarchism as a potential solution, defining it as "a system or practice of no rulers, voluntary action and absence of government over the innocent, based on natural rights, life, freedom and property." Could this be the key to true personal freedom?

Whether you agree with Hann's perspectives or not, this episode will challenge your beliefs and spark critical thinking. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in politics, philosophy, and the future of society. You'll hear personal anecdotes, shocking quotes, and the Christian perspective on anarchism. By the end, you'll be questioning everything - including your own beliefs.

So, ready to wake up and smell the evolution? Tune in to the Bad Roman Podcast and prepare to have your worldview shaken. This isn't just an episode - it's a call to action. Are you ready to answer?

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-136

To Connect with Jeffrey Hann:

Get His Books:

Connect with Jeffrey Hann on social:

Listen to the Music:

"Fallacious Belief in Government" album on YouTube
"Militant Anarchist" album on YouTube
Also available on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora

Explore his Website:

Journalistic Revolution: journalisticrevolution.com
Instagram: @journalisticrevolution
Facebook: Journalistic Revolution

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Timestamps and Starting Points:

(0:22) Jeffrey Hann's new book: The Fallacious Belief in Government

(1:04) Jeffrey Hann's return to the show

COVID-19: A Short Path to You'll Own Nothing and You'll Be Happy

(2:01) Jeffrey's recent projects

(3:01) Critical thinking and government belief

(4:30) Personal journey of changing beliefs

(6:06) Psychological operations and fear

(8:34) Life cycle of government

(20:36) Democracy and its flaws

(25:23) Anarchism and its principles

(37:35) Roads argument and government justification

(42:05) Hope and the need for societal evolution

(47:55) Jeffrey's resources and future projects

(49:20) Conclusion and call to action

🔗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

Navigating Legal Loopholes: Tax-Free Living Explained with Brandon Joe Williams May 22, 2025

Show notes

Think you understand taxes, citizenship, and your legal identity? Think again.

In this mind-bending episode, Craig sits down with legal researcher and educator Brandon Joe Williams to explore the provocative world of legal loopholes, sovereignty, and tax-free living. From squaring off with the Employment Development Department to establishing foreign trusts, Brandon’s personal journey is as unconventional as the legal theories he unpacks.

Together, they dive deep into topics like:

Why Brandon believes taxation is optional
How credit cards might actually be tools for generating currency
Whether you're truly a U.S. citizen—or just think you are

But don’t worry—this isn’t all dense legalese. Brandon blends complex ideas with humor, analogies, and pop culture references that make the fringe feel surprisingly accessible. You’ll hear wild terms like “fleshy currency manufacturing devices” and come away questioning things you’ve always taken for granted.

Whether you’re a legal theory junkie, a freedom-seeker, or simply curious about how deep the legal rabbit hole goes, this episode will challenge your assumptions and expand your perspective on sovereignty, money, and personal power.

Disclaimer: This isn't legal advice. It's a radical exploration of alternative viewpoints that sit at the edge of mainstream understanding. Proceed with curiosity—and maybe a healthy dose of skepticism.

Ready to rethink the system? Press play and prepare to see the legal world like never before.

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-135

To connect with Brandon Joe Williams (trademark used with permission):

Main Website: One Stupid Fuck
Facebook
Instagram
X
YouTube
The Nation of Amnesty Coalition
Brandon’s Law Firm: Williams and WILLIAMS Law Group
Course: 2.0 Free Contract Killer Course
Books: Don’t Be a Slave & Love is a Battery
Brandon’s Step-by-Step Guide

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Starting Points and Key Moments:

(00:42) Guest Introduction and Background

(02:01) Brandon's Journey into Legal Research

(04:05) Brandon's Platform and Research Focus

Driving vs. traveling debate

(10:59) Taxation and U.S. Citizenship

Slaughterhouse Cases and their significance

(25:58) Legal Strategies for Tax Exemption

(32:45) The Role of Attorneys in Legal Matters

(37:28) Currency and Negotiable Instruments

(45:48) In-Person Events and Future Plans

(49:12) Practical Applications of Legal Knowledge

(54:55) The Abundance Mindset and Currency Creation

(1:02:12) Closing Thoughts and 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

Larken Rose on Christianity at the Border: Navigating Faith, Immigration, & Government Control May 08, 2025

Show notes

What happens when immigration policies clash with Christian values? Craig sits down with Larken Rose to dissect the complexities of immigration, focusing on the criticisms of past and current policies across administrations, what is novel about Trump’s border approach, and the inconsistencies in how some Christians approach these issues. The conversation challenges listeners to scrutinize their beliefs and the language surrounding immigration.

Key Topics:

Demonization of Immigrants Under Trump: Larken Rose highlights how Trump's administration has intensified the demonization of immigrants, creating a category of "undesirables." He draws parallels to historical tyrants who gained power by instilling fear of a common enemy.
Libertarian Inconsistencies: The discussion shifts to Dave Smith, a libertarian figure who supports Trump's immigration policies. Larken criticizes libertarians who abandon their principles on immigration, pointing out the hypocrisy in supporting authoritarian measures while claiming to champion individual liberty.
Christian Perspectives on Immigration Laws: Christians’ support for harsh immigration policies and "Jesus would follow the law" are examined. Do such stances contradict Jesus' teachings?
Self-Reflection and Consistency: Larken concludes with a positive note on the power of self-reflection. He suggests that significant positive change could occur if well-intentioned people critically examined their beliefs for inconsistencies, rather than trying to change the minds of those with opposing views.

Notable Quotes:

"Obama and going back forever the immigration thuggery…it's not at all new. Trump didn't invent that. But what we're seeing a lot more of right now is the demonization of a whole category of people, those ‘illegals’." - Larken Rose

"One of the first things where it really dawned on me that maybe I was thinking about this differently is the fact that we're calling a person “illegal” because they crossed a border that was created by corrupt elitist." - Craig Harguess

Join Craig and Larken as they navigate these topics, and reflect on liberty, ownership, and the state control and power that can be seized amid public outrage. In the full episode, you’ll find a thought-provoking discussion that questions the status quo at the intersection of faith and immigration.

🤝Connect with Larken Rose

The Jones Plantation Film
- Platforms: Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Tubi, Xmou Play, The Roku Channel, PLEX
The Rose Channel
Book: The Most Dangerous Superstition
YouTube
Candles in the Dark
Facebook

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-134

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🏁Starting Points and Key Moments:

(0:22) Immigration and Morality

Larken Rose returns as a guest to tackle this contentious issue.
Past episodes with Larken Rose:
- Breaking Down the Jones Plantation Film with Episode #91
- The Cult of Statism Episode #83

(0:51) The Current Immigration Crisis

(2:52) The "Undesirables" Narrative

(5:57) Christian Perspectives on Immigration

(10:14) Trump and Authoritarian Rhetoric

(14:42) Humor as Resistance

(18:21) Biblical Insights on Authority

(21:07) Libertarian Views on Immigration

(24:29) Fear as a Political Tool

(29:23) Language and Labels

(38:46) Jesus and Legal Compliance

(54:45) The "Do You Lock Your Doors?" Argument

(59:59) The Mirror Project

(1:02:57) Closing Thoughts and 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

When the Church Looks Away: Chronic Illness, Faith, and the Call to Love with Claire Staples and Sarah Perry Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

Craig welcomes Claire Staples (The Clarity Podcast) and Sarah Perry (Voluntarism in Action) for a deeply honest conversation about chronic illness, church hurt, and what it really means to follow Jesus. Drawing from their personal experiences in the LDS Church, Claire and Sarah unpack how institutional religion—particularly within Mormonism—can create a culture that sidelines the suffering instead of stepping toward them.

The episode doesn’t shy away from hard truths: how church systems can often mirror state structures, how chronic illness is misunderstood and neglected, and how church members are sometimes conditioned to fear rather than embrace the suffering. But at its core, this is a conversation about Jesus—how He touched the untouchable, sat with the rejected, and showed us a better way.

From the Good Samaritan to the story of Job, this episode is a call back to the Gospel’s heart: love God, love your neighbor, and never forget the people Jesus was most drawn to—the overlooked, the hurting, and the left behind. God set us up to learn how to love. So let’s do it.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now for wisdom, scripture, and encouragement—and reflect on how your own church community can better walk with the hurting.

Together, let’s close the gap between suffering and faith—and build churches that look more like Jesus.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

Chronic illness is often invisible—and ignored. Churches tend to show up for acute or visible illnesses, but those with long-term conditions are often forgotten or dismissed.
Religious institutions may mirror the state more than scripture. When churches follow government health narratives without question, they can become complicit in systems of neglect or harm.
Scriptural models of care (Good Samaritan, Jesus healing lepers, Job) offer clear directives to love persistently, touch the untouchable, and sit with those who suffer.
Suffering isn’t punishment. The idea that illness is a sign of spiritual failure is harmful and unbiblical. Jesus’ response to the blind man (John 9) and the story of Job contradict this view.

📌 Topics Covered:

The cultural impact of statism on faith communities
Chronic illness and ableism within religious institutions
How churches often fail to embody the Good Samaritan model
Theological reflections on Job, leprosy, and the purpose of suffering
Faith-based mutual aid vs state-controlled charity
The need for compassionate, consistent presence in others’ pain

🎧 Who is this episode for:

Christians deconstructing faith & church culture
Chronically ill or disabled individuals seeking spiritual support
Listeners interested in Christian anarchism or voluntarism
Pastors and church leaders looking to better serve marginalized members

Claire Staples – The Clarity Podcast

Claire shares faith-centered conversations on recovering from high-demand religion, chronic illness, and returning to Christ-centered living.

Podcast: The Clarity Podcast on Spotify
Instagram: @theclarity.podcast
YouTube Channel: The Clarity Podcast on YouTube
Website + Nonprofit: ChronicallyBeautifulLife.com
- Learn more about the Chronically Care Project and donate or contribute to care packages for the chronically ill.

🤝 Sarah Perry – Voluntarism in Action

Sarah volunteers with VIA, a liberty-rooted nonprofit providing direct aid and resources to communities in need—without state involvement.

Organization Website: viaction.org
Instagram: @voluntarism_in_action
- Support ongoing humanitarian campaigns (e.g. Gaza relief, Congo gardens, US seed kits)
- Sign up to receive free spring gardening kits (US-only) to promote food sovereignty
Blog: VIA’s website also features resources on mutual aid, self-sufficiency, and disaster relief.

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-133

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Starting Points and Key Moments:

(00:22) Exploring Christian Responsibility in Healthcare

Episode 113 with Claire: From Mormon LDS to Freedom in Christ: Unveiling Lies in Medicine, Government, and Religion
Episode 100 with Sarah: Christian Ethics and Stateless Societies: The Anarchist Approach of the Perry Family

(00:45) Claire and Sarah's Background with Chronic Illness

(02:11) Claire's Nonprofit Work

(04:30) Sarah's Experience with Chronic Illness and Church

(07:41) Church Leadership Response to Illness

(12:07) Comparing Church Experiences to Cult Documentaries

(17:21) Cultural Influences on Church Attitudes Towards Illness

(25:48) The Role of Medical System in Church Attitudes

(30:28) LDS Church's Relationship with Government and Healthcare

(36:06) Scriptural Solutions for Caring for the Sick

(49:33) The Book of Job and Suffering

(1:03:38) Why Bad Things Happen to Good People

(1:12:26) God's Love and Community Support

(1:15:11) Closing Thoughts and Plugs

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God or Government with Jason Porterfield Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

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:

Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God.
The Gospels speak of giving one's pistis (allegiance) to Jesus.
The New Testament writers declared Jesus, not Caesar, to be Lord.
The early church refused to display any national flag.

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: