The Bad Roman

Craig is joined by Jordan Swaim of The Peaceful Way podcast, which explores the ideas, concepts, and mechanisms that produce peace and reduce violence. Jordan is well-versed in research on civil disobedience and explains some of the mechanisms that make it work. He talks about some sources he used to articulate a position on civil disobedience and how many people a movement needs to be effective. Jordan points out that an ‘intransigent minority’, a few people who refuse to go along with oppressive systems, can successfully use civil disobedience. He points out that even if you can justify a violent revolution and successfully overturn a government, the desired outcome will not be peaceful. Because it is in the nature of violence to multiply, it is dangerous to start. Jordan is in Canada and switched jobs when he saw vaccine mandates coming for his workplace because “it is always inappropriate for your employer to tell you which pharmaceuticals you must consume.” He watched the trucker protests closely, and he shares some little-known insights with Craig as they discuss how the principles of nonviolent resistance were at work and how the mandates all quietly fizzled out within weeks of the protests proving their effectiveness.   For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-84   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  

Prominent anarchist activist and author Larken Rose joins Craig for a lively discussion on deprogramming people from the cult of statism. People are mostly inherently good at heart but have been indoctrinated from a young age to believe that government is a legitimate authority. Larken Rose makes a clear case for the immorality of government. Larken and Craig discuss how to engage statists using methods designed to combat their cognitive biases and awaken their inner anarchist. Government preys on people's fears to keep them voting for corrupt politicians' forcible domination of their neighbors. To keep the rules, the ruling class (politicians) have enforcers (police) empowered to engage in acts of violence that most voters would bulk at committing against another human beings. Thus, when Christians vote, they are unwittingly breaking Jesus' golden rule and doing to others the exact opposite of what they want to have done to themselves.  Christians should be the most suspicious of the state as it is a competing religious entity with all the rituals, fancy buildings and pomp. But unfortunately, some Christians strongly believe in the state and its illegitimate rulers even more than they believe in Jesus. These Christians need to be gently shown the contradictions in their beliefs and that when they advocate for a human ruler, they advocate for the subjugation of themselves and their neighbors. True followers of Jesus should see that Christianity and the cult of statism oppose each other, but Christianity and anarchy are not mutually exclusive. Larken Rose: The Most Dangerous Superstition  YouTube Candles in the Dark Facebook Key Moments: 4:17 – About Larken Rose 16:09 – What currently ails the world? 24:33 – How to awaken someone else's inner anarchist 41:36 – Don't do unto others what you don't want them to do unto you  54:39 – Statism is a religion 1:08:28 – Government: The largest gang 1:18:07 - Religion and anarchism are not mutually exclusive   For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-83   Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog   Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links   Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com  

What happens when the Bad Roman meets a Christian Anarchist while training for jiu-jitsu? He invites him on the show, of course. Tyler Rose and Craig discuss Christianity, anarchy philosophy, self-reliance, and their experiences in the jiu-jitsu gym. They discuss why the term “good cop” is an oxymoron and contrast the need for a sovereign state with enforcers with self-reliance and the benefits of learning jiu-jitsu. There seem to be a lot of libertarian or anarchism-inclined people amongst those who are regularly at the gym training in jiu-jitsu; many hold to ideas of decentralization, individualism, and self-reliance. Tyler suggests that jiu-jitsu has everything for the intellectual and anyone who is athletically built. Craig and Tyler talk about the various types of people they’ve met and their experiences grappling in the gym. As a Christian and a pacifist, one of the neat things about jiu-jitsu is its ability to teach anyone how to control any violent situation while deciding exactly how much damage their opponent will sustain as they take control of any violent incident to protect themselves or their family. If you practice a martial-art or have ever thought about taking up jiu-jitsu, this episode is a must-listen!   Tyler Rose: Fountain Memphis – Pentecostal church in Bartlett Brotherhood jiu-jitsu in Mountainview Arkansas Memphis Judo and Jiu-jitsu   Episode Timestamps: 1:48 – Who is Tyler Rose? 7:56 – We don’t need a sovereign government or their cops 21:40 – Don’t rely on the police; learn jiu-jitsu instead 52:40 – Anarchy philosophy   For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-82   Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog   Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links   Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

In this eye-opening episode of The Bad Roman, we dive deep into the complex world of the COVID-19 pandemic with our guest, Jeffrey Hann, author of the book titled Covid-19 – Short Path to You’ll Own Nothing and You’ll be Happy. Our conversation covers a wide range of subjects that challenge the mainstream narrative, offering valuable insights and thought-provoking discussion points. We begin by exploring Jeffrey's background, which includes experiences in the military, political analysis, libertarianism, and the rave scene. He shares his unique method of critical thinking, which involves grammar, logic, and rhetoric, and how it has helped him to examine various topics, including climate change and anarchism. As we discuss the absurd behaviors during the pandemic, such as mask exceptions and social pressure, we question the validity of mask usage and whether they may be doing more harm than good. We also delve into the role of police (aka policy enforcers) in enforcing bad policies and ponder whether we truly live in a free country. The conversation turns to the controversial mRNA vaccines and the reasons to be suspicious of their rapid development and rollout. We discuss the potential link between vaccines and various health issues, as well as the lack of accountability by those in power. In exploring the fine line between conspiracy and questioning, we discuss the digital dollar push, potential new viruses, and the possible use of the vaccine as a biological weapon. We then examine who has profited from the pandemic and question whether the government cares more about profits than the long-term health of its citizens. As we cover the erosion of self-sufficiency and market unpredictability, we touch on the voluntary reporting system of adverse vaccine experiences (VAERS) and the concept of "safe and effective." Finally, Jeffrey shares his understanding of Christ as an anarchist who fought against tyranny and offers insight into his book "COVID-19 to You'll Own Nothing and You'll Be Happy." Don't miss this fascinating and thought-provoking episode that challenges the status quo and encourages critical thinking on the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.   For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-81   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

Combat-wounded veteran-turned-pacifist Nicholas Harrelson returns to the show to discuss his paper comparing the expressed pacifism of Martin Luther King Jr and Leo Tolstoy. Nicholas is a Transitional Deacon in the Anglican Church, currently pursuing a PhD in Political Theology and Christian Ethics. While studying, he learned that there is a historical connection between Tolstoy and MLK. Nicholas wanted to compare the non-violent stance of Tolstoy and Martin Luther King Jr. Through Gandhi, MLK learned about Tolstoy’s pacifism. However, MLK’s pacifist stance and thoughts became more like Tolstoy’s and less like Gandhi’s with time, arguably because of his understanding of the Sermon on the Mount and its practical applications. Perhaps this is why both men sought to break vicious cycles of violence. Nicholas elaborates on the practical application of Tolstoy and MLK’s understandings of the Sermon on the Mount, revealing how they are still applicable to Christians today. As Tolstoy said, the sermon on the mount is always relevant in every situation. Although we may not be able to see into the future, when we act in ways congruent with Jesus and the sermon on the mount, God can use it to change the world profoundly. We can see this in the saying, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” As Christians, we should always seek to be self-reflective and see where we can make changes to better aspire to live out Jesus’ teachings and the Sermon on the Mount.    For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-80   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

Natural-born anarchist Michael Storm of the Toward Anarchy radio show joins Craig to discuss anarchy, covid times, and institutional manipulations. Michael has been aware of the lies and manipulations of the political elite and Federal Reserve since he was a teenager. He was in Denver at the beginning of the Occupy Wall Street movement when it was an authentic movement before false anarchists appeared in order to give the movement a bad name. At the beginning of the covid period, Michael accurately predicted government lies, collusion with Big Pharma and how the government would behave. Throughout the conversation, Michael notes the times and places where institutions have lied and manipulated money and the public. The government has never said anything for your benefit; it always lies for the sake of acquiring more money and power. Some key takeaways on anarchy include the recognition that people interact daily, building and creating without needing authority. Anything less than pure anarchy holds a degree of tyranny. Anarchists believe that it’s okay to be you, to live as you desire, to follow whomever you wish to, and that the only thing the government does is make it harder to be the best version of yourself. Everything we have built exists despite the government getting in the way, wasting our time, and leeching off of us.   For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-79   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

Derek Kreider, host of pacifist podcast “The Fourth Way,” joins Craig for a discussion on his latest season about propaganda. What is propaganda? Who propagandizes? And what benefits do they receive from doing so? From personal relationships, church institutions and the state, propaganda plays a part in how people organise themselves and Derek and Craig discuss them all. The conversation starts with institutionalised abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention and how poorly churches deal with allegations of sexual abuse. Every year allegations of sexual misconduct are the church’s biggest problem. Even higher-ups who are not abusers are incentivized to cover up for underlings abusing their authority to keep the money flowing. We also learn that propaganda is not just what is communicated, but also includes leaving out important information, in this case to avoid “tarnishing God’s reputation” or other reasonable sounding excuses. Next they discuss state propaganda. The state is basically an abuser who feels the need to control through the usual methods: charisma, controlling the flow of information and if these things fail then resorting to violence. Finally, Craig gets vulnerable about his abusive second marriage, the isolation and altercations, ending the episode with a note of hope for those who believe they are stuck in a situation of domestic violence: it is possible to escape. For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-78   Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog   Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links   Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Craig welcomes back Chris Polk, “professional hornet’s nest kicker”, podcaster, content creator, trainer and truck owner-operator at Blue Ribbon Logistics. Chris regales Craig with stories about everything from how he found success in the trucking world, to history lessons, and about how government and citizens wreaked havoc with supply chains during covid times. Additionally, Chris tells how collusion between big corporations and government have led to over-regulation, driving shipping costs up and resulting in tough times for every-day truckers. That said Chris pulls no punches while discussing the things that truckers have done to make their own situations worse.  Chris gives his best advice on how to become rich, with principles that will work whether you are interested in joining the trucking industry or not. The great news is that you have something unique to offer the world. If you combine that something with some good maths (get yourself a BS Eliminator 9000, otherwise known as a calculator), hard work and a customer centric focus you too will become wealthy. It will not be easy, but if you build your life in such a way that you give value to others by helping them to get what they want, money will naturally flow your way.   For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-77   Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog   Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links   Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Craig is joined by Matt Mouzakis, worship pastor and co-host of Expedition 44, a popular theology podcast where the ancient languages and context of the Bible are discussed. Matt is doing his doctorate in New Testament studies, specializing in the passages often cited by Christian statists when they want to defend strict obedience to the government. Matt explains how words like submit (hypotassesthō), and concepts like paying taxes take on very different meanings when placed in their proper context. Read Romans 13 through the eyes of a first-century Jew, see it in a fresh new light, and be prepared to confound the next statist who asks you, "But what about Romans 13?". In fact, the only one to whom people owe allegiance and should be under the authority of is Jesus Himself. When we desire to put another into power over ourselves and our neighbors, it is a sin because humans are not to have authority over one another. Craig and Matt delve into those passages used against women in ministry. Again, we discover that read in the context of the time and in their original language, nothing suggests women are to be subject to men in God's kingdom. We find God's ideals at the beginning and end of the Bible, and that is God alone reigning over humanity.   For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-76   Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog   Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links   Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!)   No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com

Craig is joined by Alan Mosley, the host of “It’s Too Late with Alan Mosley”, historian and libertarian writer, for a friendly discussion about what Alan, an atheist and anarchist, has in common with Christian anarchists. They work through the anarchist catchphrase, “No rulers, no masters, no gods”, exploring its meaning and conclude that Christian and secular anarchists can, and indeed should, be allies in liberty.  Alan could school some Christians in the teachings of Jesus, especially concerning holding an anti-war stance, the application of the non-aggression principle and disdain for institutional structures. The way Alan sees it, the church has been conquered by the state. Churches fly the American flag and teach the Christian voting block to hate their neighbors and enemies, in direct contrast to the teachings of Jesus. The Bible is full of revolutionary thoughts that, if applied, should transform societies just as they have in the past.  Craig and Alan discuss everything from dropping bombs to end WWII, support for troops and how to improve their psychological well-being, judging the morality of historical characters from past eras, and things that make the church unappealing to unbelievers. Yet, they continuously come back to the need to speak the truth about all of these things courageously.    For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-75   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