The Bad Roman

On this episode, Craig and Abby Cleckner talk with Keith Giles and Becca from the Peace Catalyst Podcast. The Peace Catalyst International is an organization that is committed to fostering understanding, reconciliation, and peace between Christians and Muslims. Jesus was the Prince of Peace, and as Christians we should be constantly striving to live a life of peace and love towards others, especially those with differing beliefs or culture than ours. Because of the political narrative, driven by the media, American Christians have been misled and taught to hate and fear those who we don’t understand. The Peace Catalyst helps to foster conversation and relationship, which in turn, help to bring an understanding of the humanity and dignity of others we may currently see as different. For full show notes and to learn more about this week's guests please visit thebadroman.com/episodes Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Is Agorism an ideal that meshes with the teachings of Christ? Are agorism and anarchism similar or are they distinct ideals? In this episode, Craig talks with Joshua, founder of Our Foundations, a podcast focused on agorism and how it overlaps with Anarchism and true Christianity. Joshua explains how agorism looks in everyday life and how we might implement these principles within society. Joshua draws out the stark contrast in how the first Church, the Church of Jesus, functioned in comparison to how the Church, as a whole, functions today. What is a Freedom Cell and how might you utilize one in your everyday life? Not only does Joshua give us a lot to think about, here provides real-world examples of how he has overcome the challenges of living out Agorism...one of which is the Freedom Cell.    For full show notes and to learn more about this week's guests please visit thebadroman.com/episodes Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

For many people around the globe today, religion is viewed as a dead tradition of the past with no current relevance. How is it possible to bring Jesus to those who have a distaste for organized religion and Christian values? Craig talks with Luke Greenwood of Steiger International about how Steiger approaches their target mission field. Steiger focuses on sharing the good news of Jesus in a manner that crosses secular cultural boundaries and preconceived prejudices. They have teams in major cities all around the globe, engaging and building relationships as they immerse themselves with the youth of the world.  They present the gospel in a relevant, yet bold, manner that works to break through the apathetic demeanor of the culture and bring the living God to life for them.    For full show notes and to learn more about this week's guests please visit thebadroman.com/episodes Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog Connect with The Bad Roman on Social: thebadroman.com/social-links   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Many Christians in the United States are outspoken about their desires for Christian men and women to obtain political power and influence. The stance is that religious freedoms need to be protected, but is forcing morality on the people through legislation an effective way to spread the gospel?  Could Christians be doing more harm than good in their efforts? Scott Arnold is the author of the article Winning the Battle, But Losing the War: The American Church’s Political Obsession.  In this episode, Craig talks with Scott about his transition from a world of conservative, Christian, and redline Republican upbringing into one of Christain Anarchy. They explore how the gospel message can be destroyed or damaged by using politics to force a Christian agenda. Scott also explains his involvement with Steiger International, whose mission is to impact the global youth culture and make the gospel relevant. This is a thought-provoking episode for any Christian who has been of the mindset that Christians need to use politics to further their agenda or force their morality on others.  For show notes and to learn more about this week's guests please visit thebadroman.com/episodes   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Most people wouldn’t include the ideas of pacifism in the same thought as contemplating gun rights, except possibly to concur that those things are opposing ideas on the spectrum of peace. Abby Cleckner does an excellent job of explaining how the two can naturally coexist in the same paradigm. In this episode, Craig tackles this topic, as well as digging into what defines a human right. The term “right” is tossed around a lot in today’s society, but what truly is a human right? And how can someone who advocates for peace and complete pacifism also advocate for the right to own a gun? Can the same Jesus who says “blessed are the peacemakers”, and commands us to turn the other cheek and to love our neighbor, be the same God who created us with the right to own a weapon that has the ability to bring to fruition the opposite of all those things? Abby addresses this along with other related topics in this episode.  For show notes and to learn more about this week's guests please visit thebadroman.com/episodes   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

What does it mean to be a Bad Roman, why is it a good thing for Christians? Craig talks to Scott Goldman about his article “Come Be a Bad Roman”. They discuss the Christian’s entanglement with the state and address the issue of whether or not it is possible to simultaneously engage with the state and follow Christ. Nations, such as the United States, make claims of freedom for all and give mouth to ideals held by Christianity, but does a State really behave in such a manner? When we misconstrue a nation to be based on Christian values - when that State's involvement at home and abroad proves to be in stark contradiction to its claimed values we must turn away. As Christians we must decide: do we believe in the goal of peace at all cost, peace by might makes right, that the government justifies being their objective, or do we truly adhere to the teachings and challenge of Christ to love our neighbors and enemies?    Join us as Craig and Scott take on these questions head-on and address reasons why Christians seem to ready to follow a man-made government whose functioning is in direct opposition to Christ’s Kingdom.   For show notes and to learn more about this week's guests please visit thebadroman.com/episodes Don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for news, memes & updates! No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Is an elected official’s authority automatically ordained by God? What is Jesus referring to when he says “render unto Caesar what is Caesar's”? In the episode, Gregory Baus delves into Romans 13 and stateless civil governance.  Are Christians required by God to submit to the governing authorities, even when they are tyrannical or immoral? Are all elected officials ordained by God? Is “render to Caesar” referring to a Biblical requirement for Christians to pay taxes? All of the questions and more are answered in this episode. Craig and Gregory also discuss their transition into anarchism and Gregory’s nomadic lifestyle, along with touching on reformed theology and how that affects an anarchist interpretation of Romans 13.  For show notes and to learn more about this week's guests please visit thebadroman.com/episodes   Don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for news, memes & updates!     No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Mike Gaddy, a historian with over 30 years of research focused on American history, dives deep into the complex issues surrounding secession. He challenges the common associations with secession, particularly regarding slavery, revealing a plethora of historical precedents often overlooked. Gaddy discusses the fraught relationship between state and federal power, emphasizing the moral nuances of historical events. Tune in for insights on the financial disparities between the North and South leading up to the Civil War and the ongoing relevance of these discussions today.

In this episode, Craig digs deep with Scott Horton about the US government’s direct involvement with the war of genocide occurring in Yemen and the general stirring of the pot by the US in the Middle East. In addition to being the editorial director at antiwar.com, Scott, a self-proclaimed Ron Paul libertarian, is also the founder of The Libertarian Institute and author of the book, Fool’s Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan. Scott shares his insights regarding the culture war aspect in partisan politics and how every president since George H. W. Bush has been the same product with a different brand name.----more---- Is the war in Yemen designed to create famine? And if so, how did we get there, why, and what should a Christian’s response be to their government’s involvement in such heinous atrocities? ----more---- For full show notes and to learn more visit www.thebadroman.com/episodes No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

For our first podcast of the New Year we sat down with pastor, author, and Comino walker Brain Zahnd and Kathi and David Peters, the founders of Global Stories Films, to discuss their joint project, Postcards From Babylon. Postcards From Babylon is a long-form documentary featuring Brian, as he investigates possibly the most important question for the church in North America today: How does the church stay faithful to the beautiful way of Jesus while situated in one of the most divisive political climates in our nation's history? If are able to and would like to contribute to our Postcard From Babylon Premiere Fundraiser to fund seven tickets, please visit: www.thebadroman.com/fundraiser For show notes and to learn more about this week's guests please visit thebadroman.com/episodes Don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for news, memes & updates!   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com