The Bad Roman
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.
Episodes
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, ...
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 u...
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 ...
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 episo...
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 thei...
What happens when a military veteran begins to question the very foundation of his service? In this episode of the Bad Roman Podcast, Craig sits down with Steve O'Connor, a former Marine, to explore his transformative journey from military life to a critical examination of patriotism and faith.
Steve shares his family's deep-rooted military history and his own experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. He reflects on the internal conflic...
Elaina Wang, a health coach and former addict, shares her radical journey of transformation. Once trapped in childhood obesity and a 15-year methamphetamine addiction, Elaina has emerged as a living testament to resilience, intentionality, and self-governance. Her story is one of reclaiming bodily autonomy—a core principle for those who reject the systems that seek to control our lives, whether through addiction, consumerism, or co...
What if the roots of your faith and government were intertwined with ancient pagan practices? Brandon Kroll, host of the Manna Daily Podcast, joins Craig for a mind-bending exploration of faith, government, and hidden truths.
This episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas that might ruffle some feathers, but isn't that what we're here for? To challenge the status quo and rediscover what it truly means to follow Christ in a wo...
Is your faith shaped more by culture and politics than by Christ? Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to follow Jesus that’s truly countercultural—one that resists the pull of both left and right?
In this episode of The Bad Roman Podcast, host Craig Hargues sits down with author and researcher Cody Cook to unpack the radical history and modern relevance of Anabaptism. Cody shares insights from his new book, The Anarchist Anabap...
Ever wonder how faith should shape your politics? Craig sits down with Bob from Liberty Minds for a no-holds-barred chat about the messy, fascinating collision of Christianity and government. Bob’s lived everywhere from Central America to California, and his spicy takes will challenge what you learned in your childhood church pew.
Hear Bob’s eye-opening journey from Hannity fan to libertarian thinker—driven by a quest to let his...
What if the teachings of Christ were at odds with the political movements some Christians support? In this thought-provoking episode of The Bad Roman Podcast, host Craig Harguess welcomes Stephen Sizer, a retired minister and expert on Christian Zionism, to explore this very question. Together, they unpack the complex history and theological misconceptions surrounding Christian Zionism, a movement that often uncritically backs poli...
Social media addiction is real, and it's affecting our lives more than we realize. But what if we could harness its power for good (or even for God)?
This episode dives deep into the world of social media with Blaklee Ramsey, host of the Elevated Edit Podcast.
Here are 3 key takeaways from the conversation:
- The Double-Edged Sword: Social media can be both a blessing and a curse. We explore how to s...
Ever wonder how a self-proclaimed "terrible person" can bring joy to others? Craig is joined by Jeff Macolino, a fellow podcaster and actor, for a candid conversation that unexpectedly turns into a heartwarming exploration of self-perception, humor, and the power of vulnerability.
Jeff, a multifaceted creative known for his work as a podcaster, actor, and filmmaker, opens up about his latest projects, including the quirky "Haunted ...
What if everything you thought about democracy was wrong? In our latest episode, Jeb Smith challenges the conventional wisdom on governance, exploring the surprising benefits of medieval kingship over modern democracy. Are we truly freer today, or have we misunderstood the past? Join us as Jeb unpacks these provocative ideas and shares insights from his book, "Missing: What Americans Get Wrong about Monarchy, Democracy, Feudalism, ...
What if the key to a harmonious society lies in the ancient practices of early Christians? In this captivating episode, Joseph Macolino returns to unravel his vision of voluntary Christian communities, inspired by the communal living described in the Book of Acts. Picture a world where cooperation replaces coercion, and rulers are a thing of the past. Joseph paints a vivid picture: "Imagine a society where bartering goods and servi...
Is the world turning a blind eye to the plight of Palestinians? Grace Batchoun, a Christian and Co-founder of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, joins Craig for a deeply personal conversation about the ongoing Occupation of the Palestinian people and genocide in Gaza. Grace shares her journey as a Palestinian Christian and highlights the dire situation in Gaza, challenging the narrative of Israel's self-defense.
...
Are we truly grasping the essence of Revelation, or have we merely relegated its message to the past? In Part 4 of our series "From Eden to Empire," we invite you to see Revelation as a lens for understanding all empires, not just Rome. Discover how its profound teachings can guide Christians in navigating their relationship with worldly powers.
We’ll reexamine the imagery of beasts and Babylon, often interpreted as symbols of Rome...
In Part 3 of our series "From Eden to Empire," we unravel the complexities of Romans 13 and its implications for Christians living under governmental authority. Was Paul truly advocating for unwavering obedience to the state, or was his message more nuanced? We explore the context of Paul's letter to the Roman church in the 1st century, revealing that his words were tailored to address specific circumstances rather than offering a ...
In the second installment of our series "From Eden to Empire," we delve into Matt's dissertation with a focus on the teachings of First Peter. Building on the foundation laid in our first episode, which explored the "Deuteronomy 32 Worldview," we now turn our attention to how these themes are expanded in Peter's writings.
Peter's teachings challenge us to reconsider the nature of submission—not as mere obedience to human authoritie...
Explore the profound intersection of faith, spiritual governance, and political power with our guest Matt Mouzakis. Matt provides insights from his research, guiding us through a deep examination of Romans 13 using the "Deuteronomy 32 worldview." Together, we reflect on the early Christian perspective of state authority, highlighting the importance of prioritizing Christ over earthly powers.
We also delve into the role of spiritua...
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