Australia

90. Ideologies, Freedom & Critical Thinking with Mat and Phil from the Way of Life Podcast

About this Episode

Get ready for an enlightening journey with Mat and Phil from the Way of Life Podcast, as we delve into pressing topics that shape our everyday lives. Mat shares his background of growing up in Australia, being heavily involved in church, and pursuing pastoral ministry, while Phil gives an insight into his life as an underground coal miner and his interest in video production. The conversation also dive into the importance of meeting people where they are and encouraging them to think critically about what they hear. 

In our current global climate, how can we ignore the ideological shifts happening all around us? Mat and Phil take us on a fascinating journey, exploring the transformation of the understanding of harm in the progressive movement and its impact on politics in the U.S. and Australia. We probe into the concept of democracy, examining its potential pitfalls, and discuss whether sources of information like TikTok are skewing our perception of harm. 

But we don’t stop there. Our conversation meanders into the realm of military alliances, political apathy, and the intertwining of governmental and religious institutions. We scrutinize the US-Australia military alliance, ponder the implications of an increasingly intrusive government, and discuss the possibility of a U.S. government collapse. Are our understandings of freedom without boundaries leading us astray? 

In the final part of our discussion, we explore how the concept of freedom without boundaries can lead to a herd mentality and discuss the necessity of teaching people to think independently. We also assess the intertwining of church and state in the United States and how this contrasts with the Australian church scene. Wrapping up, we share the mission of the Way of Life podcast – equipping people to think critically and fostering a space for open dialogue. So, buckle up and prepare to see the world through a unique lens!

Connect with Mat and Phil:

Facebook Way of Life Podcast

Youtube Way of Life Podcast

Spotify Way of Life Podcast

Apple Way of Life Podcast

episode artwork the bad roman podcast episode 90

Episode Timestamps:

01:39 Mat’s Background

  • Christian 

  • drummer

  • Works with Youth at Church now

  • Meeting people where they’re at

05:33 Phil’s Background

  • Underground coal miner

  • Video producer

  • Joined ministry at 13

  • Started a podcast with Mat

09:25 Leaving Mainstream Media for Alternative Sources

  • Getting information from podcasts

  • Media Landscape in Australia

    • Liberal vs. labor parties

  • Democracy and tyranny

  • Does the government ensure peace?

15:14 Shifting Definition of Harm among generations

  • Physical harm vs. psychological harm 

  • Tik Tok, Podcasts, Youtube raising a generation

  • Role of feedback in forming ideas/beliefs

  • In such polarized times people are afraid to say something doesn’t make sense

    • The middle has been eroded

  • Idiocracy (2006)

25:19 Australian and US Government Alliance

  • American government is entertainment for Austrsilians

    • Click-bait

  • Gary Johnson

  • Democrats being anti-war in the past

    • Yemen and Saudis

  • Jesus worked towards peace and the government alway does harm

    • Church is outsourcing charity to the state

  • Australians don’t like to talk about government as openly as Americans

    • Christian identity is wrapped up in political identity in from the Australian point of view

  • Fine in australia for enrolling to vote and not submitting ballot sheet

  • Crocodile Dundee

  • Australians a generally trusting

    • Government was less invasive

    • John Anderson

  • Small government vs. what exist today

  • US involvement with Ukraine

  • Oil Protectors of America

  • Poppy fields in Afghanistan 

  • Peter Zhan

    • US’s role in global trade route “protection”

45:37 How Australian churches Interact with Government

  • Politics does not make it into the pulpit

  • Some Christian lobbyist groups

50:51 Way of Life Podcast

  • post-Christian nation

  • Freedom without boundary

    • Never give more than three options in retail

  • Crippled by information young people go with the herd

    • Being very passionate about something you have not thought very hard on

  • John 14:6

  • Doing show live because Q&A is big portion of the show

  • Learning to disagree with others in a healthy way


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