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 too ready to follow a man-made government whose functioning is in direct opposition to Christ’s Kingdom.
Timestamps and starting points:
2:37 Intro to Scott’s article: Come Be a Bad Roman
We(Christians) are not called to be involved with the state.
Is it possible to engage with the state and follow Christ?
Pax Romana or the way of Christ?
Jesus did not come as a war hero
7:20 How can we expect the rest of the world to perceive the United States as a “Christian” nation when we are actively killing them?
9:30 A new kingdom emerging
13:07 The desire of control by both the left and the right side of the political spectrum.
21:52 Why are Christians so ready to follow a man made government?
Fear
Laziness and scapegoating
26:10 American Christianity’s shirking of their responsibility
Christians support for Trump
Is there a difference between the Democrats and Republicans?
How would we behave if the bombs were being dropped in the USA?
30:24 Christ’s story through a different lens
Pacifism explained
Christ was a pacifist, but also a man of action
36:36 Our kingdom is not of this world
fall of the Roman Empire
Christ’s command to not worry
The Mind of Christ
Uprooting From the Poverty Mindset
46:00 No King But Christ