

The Bad Roman
Craig Harguess
Are you a Christian who feels disillusioned by politics?
Do you see political systems—whether democratic, authoritarian, or otherwise—promising change but often leaving you unfulfilled? As followers of Christ, our calling isn’t tied to any earthly power; it’s to live like Jesus, no matter the political landscape.
On this podcast, we explore what it means to set aside man-made allegiances—be they national, partisan, or ideological—and instead take up the Cross. Host Craig Harguess, a former neoconservative Southern Baptist Republican turned pacifist and Christian Voluntaryist, delves into the complex relationship between faith and political power. Through conversations with everyday Christians, church leaders, and even non-Christians, we challenge the ways politics can distract us from God’s work. True change starts where we are—because when we live like Christ, the world around us shifts, regardless of who holds power.
New episodes release bi-weekly.
Learn more at www.thebadroman.com.
Do you see political systems—whether democratic, authoritarian, or otherwise—promising change but often leaving you unfulfilled? As followers of Christ, our calling isn’t tied to any earthly power; it’s to live like Jesus, no matter the political landscape.
On this podcast, we explore what it means to set aside man-made allegiances—be they national, partisan, or ideological—and instead take up the Cross. Host Craig Harguess, a former neoconservative Southern Baptist Republican turned pacifist and Christian Voluntaryist, delves into the complex relationship between faith and political power. Through conversations with everyday Christians, church leaders, and even non-Christians, we challenge the ways politics can distract us from God’s work. True change starts where we are—because when we live like Christ, the world around us shifts, regardless of who holds power.
New episodes release bi-weekly.
Learn more at www.thebadroman.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2025 • 53min
Christianity without Compromise: Jesus Centered Life, Not Left or Right with Jake Doberenz
When Christians step into politics, how much compromise comes with the territory? Can we preach about loving enemies on Sunday while voting to bomb them on Tuesday? Jake Doberenz, host of Christianity Without Compromise and author of the Smashing Idols newsletter, joins us to explore what happens when believers trade the cross for a ballot, and call it discipleship.
From a high school election that may have been rigged to the very adult reality of war-making, political idolatry, the allure of power, we ask: what happens to our witness when we outsource sin to Caesar?
Jake shares his journey from Republican Club president to his tug of war between faith and politics, highlighting the compromises often required in politics and presenting a firsthand look at how politics pulls Christians away from the teachings of Jesus.
Craig and Jake dive deep into the inconsistencies that arise when Christians prioritize political allegiances over Jesus' teachings, particularly in hot-button issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Together they revisit 1 Samuel 8, Psalm 146, the Sermon on the Mount, and why Romans 12 must shape any reading of Romans 13. The heartbeat: No King but Christ is a reminder that Scripture consistently warns us against putting our trust in rulers and systems that thrive on coercion.
Through it all, Craig and Jake call the church back to consistency, repentance, and allegiance to a Kingdom that doesn’t run on violence or votes. Jake explains the mission behind his podcast, emphasizing the importance of addressing modern idols (including politics and Christian nationalism) that often distract from true faith.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Christians can follow Jesus without compromise in a world obsessed with power, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you live out your loyalties. Because at the end of the day, there’s only one political statement that matters:
No King but Christ.
Highlights & Takeaways
Why “small” political compromises become soul-sized contradictions for disciples of Jesus.
The high-school election story that exposed politics’ deep messiness.
How participation can cause real harm (especially when the rulers we empower unleash violence)
1 Samuel 8: Israel demanded a king. God forecast the taxes, conscription, and sorrow that followed.
Psalm 146 as a Christian political manifesto: “Do not put your trust in princes.”
Read Romans 13 through Romans 12 (enemy-love before empire-law)
Why consistency (“love your neighbor/enemy”) draws seekers, while hypocrisy drives them away.
📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-146
🤝Connect with Jake Doberenz:
Article Discussed in this episode: I Think I Rigged an Election
Christianity Without Compromise Podcast: Apple, Spotify
Jake’s Website
Substack
Instagram
Twitter (X)
LinkedIn
Facebook
Company Website: Theophany Media
Key Moments:
(0:22) Introducing guest Jake Doberins
(1:00) From “Smashing Idols” to “Christianity Without Compromise”
(2:26) Standing firm on the words of Jesus
(4:07) Jake’s background and calling
(8:00) Early political experience
(15:22) Wrestling with faith and politics
(19:52) The cost of Christian political involvement
(24:12) Consistency as Christian witness
(28:51) 1 Samuel 8 and Israel’s demand for a king
(32:00) Reading Romans 13 through Romans 12
(35:35) The corrupting nature of power
(40:17) Psalm 146 — trusting God, not princes
(45:39) The mission behind Christianity Without Compromise
(50:28) Encouragement for Christian creators
💕Support the Project💕
If this episode helped you refocus on Jesus, consider supporting the work of The Bad Roman at thebadroman.com/donate. Thank you for helping us keep the message going.
🌶️SALSA THE LOVE🌶️
Donations are cool, but salsa is spicy (or mild if you like)? Every jar eaten helps keep us in your ears. Join the craze and get a jar at badromansalsa.com
FREE ACTION: Share the Episode, Share the Mission
Know a friend tangled up in red-vs-blue anxiety? Send this their way and start a better conversation: Flag or Cross: who gets your first allegiance?
🔗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

Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 21min
Charlie Kirk and the Cross: Little Charlies or Little Jesuses?
Is political loyalty pulling our hearts away from Jesus?
Craig speaks with Brian Drinkwine, a pastor and church planter who’s seen both the beauty and the brokenness of the American church. After one of Brian’s posts about Charlie Kirk’s death went viral, he found himself in the middle of a national conversation about faith, politics, and misplaced allegiance.
Brian shares his story, from growing up in a strict Baptist home to planting churches across the country, and how he learned that following Jesus means laying down every other flag. Together, he and Craig talk about what happens when believers confuse the Kingdom of God with the kingdoms of this world.
They dig into:
Why early Christians were persecuted for refusing to worship Caesar
How politics can sneak in and take the place of Christ
What real repentance looks like when we’ve mixed faith with empire
The freedom that comes when our only loyalty is to Jesus first
Brian also shares how he’s helping others recognize political idolatry and live out the words, “No King but Christ.”
Take a listen and ask yourself: where does your allegiance really lie…the flag or the cross?
📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-145
🤝Connect with Brian Drinkwine:
Email: brian@briandrinkwine.com
Website: https://briandrinkwine.com/
Linkedin
X
Facebook
Instagram
Ministry at Breakthrough Church
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Key Moments:
(0:22) Discussing reactions to Charlie Kirk's death
(0:48) Brian Drinkwine's background
(4:09) The viral post about Charlie Kirk
(10:45) Addressing the church's response
(23:52) Reflections on the memorial service
(29:19) The danger of political allegiance
(35:32) Early church perspective on empire
(41:34) The malaise in modern Christianity
(54:46) Christian nationalism and its impact
(1:06:56) Tools for self-reflection
(1:17:34) Conclusion and future discussions
🔗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

Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 14min
Women, Scripture & the Church: Half the Image of God with Matt Mouzakis of Expendition 44
Matt Mouzakis returns to the podcast to wrestle with one of the most debated questions in the church: What does Scripture really say about women in ministry? From Genesis to Paul’s letters, we unpack how mistranslations, cultural assumptions, and bad theology have sidelined half the Body of Christ for centuries.
Was Eve really just Adam’s “rib”? Did Paul command women to stay silent in church forever…or was he correcting a local crisis in Ephesus? And what does “headship” actually mean when Paul calls Christ the head of the church?
Many of us were taught to see “male headship” as God’s design. But what if that’s really just the fallout of the Fall? And what if Jesus’ Kingdom has already undone that curse?
Spoiler: the resurrection was first preached by women, and that wasn’t an accident.
📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-144
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🤝Connect with Matt Mouzakis:
Email: matt@expedition44.com
Book: Principalities, Powers and Allegiances
Previous Episodes with Matt:
"What about Romans 13?"
From Eden to Empire: Deuteronomy 32 & Christ’s Nature with Matt Mouzakis (Part 1)
From Eden to Empire: First Peter's Insights (Part 2)
From Eden to Empire: Romans 13 Line by Line (Part 3)
The Beasts and the Lamb of Revelation: From Eden to Empire (Part 4)
Expedition 44 podcast:
Website: expedition44.com
Co-hosted by Matt Mouzakis and Dr. Will Ryan
Key Moments:
(1:35) Complementarian vs. Egalitarian
(6:00) Craig’s Journey
(14:00) Genesis Re-Read: Not a Rib, but a Side
(19:00) “Helper Suitable”: God as Ally
(24:00) Genesis 3 and the Fall
(26:24) 1 Timothy 2 in Context
(31:00) Students, Not Silenced
(38:00) 1 Corinthians 14 and the “Silence” Verses
(41:00) Headship: What Does “Head” Mean?
(47:00) Husbands & Wives in Ephesians 5
(57:00) Women Leaders in Scripture
Junia, “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7)
Priscilla, teaching Apollos (Acts 18:26)
Phoebe, deacon and patron, carrier of Romans
Deborah (Judges 4–5), prophet and judge of Israel
Huldah (2 Kings 22), prophet consulted by King Josiah
(1:09:00) Why This Matters to Matt
🔗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

Sep 11, 2025 • 49min
Christians, Libertarians, and Voting: The Golden Rule Test
What if stepping into a voting booth is less about freedom and more about forcing your will on your neighbor?
Craig sits down with writer Jeb Smith to wrestle with a question many Christians and libertarians rarely stop to ask: Is voting consistent with the values we claim to hold?
Jeb, author of Is Libertarianism Consistent with Voting?, argues that casting a ballot contradicts the very heart of libertarian “live and let live” principles. And for Christians, the stakes are even higher. Jesus never told us to hand power over our neighbors to Caesar. He called us to serve, not to rule.
The conversation digs into how politics twists even kind and gentle people into something unrecognizable, why voting legitimizes a corrupt system built on coercion, and how stepping away from political participation might actually free us to love our neighbors better.
As Jeb puts it, “Since I stopped voting, I get along with people much better, even those with completely different political opinions.”
This isn’t just another debate about left vs. right. It’s a challenge to reimagine what it means to follow Christ in a world obsessed with power.
Tune in, and ask yourself honestly: are you serving Christ when you pull that lever, or are you just baptizing Caesar’s game with Christian language?
📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-143
🤝Connect with Jeb Smith:
Jeb's Books:
Defending the Middle Ages: Little Known Truths About the Crusades, Inquisitions, Medieval Women, and More
Missing Monarchy: Correcting Misconceptions About The Middle Ages, Medieval Kingship, Democracy, And Liberty
The Road Goes Ever On and On : A New Perspective on J. R. R. Tolkien and Middle-earth
Fanmail and Hate mail via email: jackson18611096@gmail.com
Jeb's Article: Is Libertarianism Consistent with Voting?
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Key Moments:
(0:41) Libertarianism and Voting Consistency
(1:51) Guest Update: Jeb Smith’s Recent Work
(2:50) Libertarian Voting Paradox
(4:04) Historical Voting Patterns and Motivations
(5:43) Libertarian Electoral Success and Philosophical Consistency
(7:34) Voting as Legitimizing Corrupt Systems
(9:40) The Nature of Political Power and Authority
(12:07) Fear and Coercion in State Power
(14:37) Christian and Libertarian Approaches to Governance
(19:06) Democracy and Bullying
(22:23) Political Involvement and Dehumanization
(27:01) Disengagement from Politics
(30:28) Voting as Participation in War
(34:10) Secularization of Christianity through Politics
(36:16) The Corrupting Nature of Political Power
(40:08) Psychopathy in Politics and Business
(42:29) The Golden Rule and Political Non-Participation
(47:54) Additional Resources and Contact 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

Aug 28, 2025 • 53min
Stateless Psalms: Songs for Liberty with Ancap Tim
What happens when a Christian stops voting and starts questioning everything?
Craig sits down with musician Ancap Tim to trace his journey from a Republican poster child (yes, he really had George W. Bush on his birthday cake) to a Christian challenging empire through music, faith, and bold conversation.
Tim shares how his journey through politics, theology, and touring Christian musician led him to a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ alone: no party, no empire, no king but The King.
They talk about:
How faith and political ideology collide and sometimes collapse
The moment Tim stopped playing the political game
Why voluntarism and Christianity go hand in hand
What inspired his latest album The State’s Just a Mafia
Using music as a tool for truth, protest, and worship
The role of small churches, AI, and hopeful universalism in shaping his worldview
This conversation moves from heavy to hopeful, with honest reflections on war, government, discipleship, and how modern politics often feels more like pro wrestling than public service.
Whether you're deep into Christian anarchism or just starting to question what you've always believed, this episode offers a refreshing mix of conviction, creativity, and clarity.
🎧 Listen now to hear how Tim’s latest album—and his life—makes the case for putting Christ above every other power.
📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-142
🤝Connect with Ancap Tim:
Website: https://ancaptim.crd.co/
Apple Music
Spotify
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
X
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Key Moments:
(0:22) Guest Introduction: Musician Ancap Tim
(2:06) Tim's Background and Journey
(5:02) Evolution of Political Views
(7:50) Reconciling Christianity and Anarchism
(10:27) Conversation with a Baptist Pastor
(12:52) Tim's Musical Journey
(15:15) Critique of Modern Christianity
(20:37) Universal Restoration and Doctrinal Differences
(23:56) Tim's New Album: "The State's Just a Mafia"
(36:35) Album Cover Design
(47:55) Tim's Music Style and Future Plans
(49:34) Where to Find Tim's Music
(52:38) Conclusion and Support
🔗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

Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 20min
Gardening with God: Faith, Food, & Community with Corey Ellerbe
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
💕 3 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA, ADD TO THE BAG thebadroman.com/donate, and share with a friend (it's free!)🌶️
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

Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 3min
Reclaiming Jesus From Politics with Patrick Green
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

Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 25min
King Jesus Unmasked: Christ Translated with Duncan Palmer and Matt Mouzakis
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:
"What about Romans 13?"
From Eden to Empire: Deuteronomy 32 & Christ’s Nature with Matt Mouzakis (Part 1)
From Eden to Empire: First Peter's Insights (Part 2)
From Eden to Empire: Romans 13 Line by Line (Part 3)
The Beasts and the Lamb of Revelation: From Eden to Empire (Part 4)
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

Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Anatomy of a Statist: Why Good People Vote for Bad Things with Patrick Carroll
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
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No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
Render Unto God or Government? Challenging Entanglement with Zachary Gomez
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
💕 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!)🌶️
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


