140. From Fox News to Faith with Patrick Green

Have you ever felt like your political beliefs were holding you back from truly following Christ? Many Christians struggle to reconcile their faith with their allegiance to earthly governments. In this eye-opening episode of the Bad Roman Podcast, host Craig Harguess sits down with Patrick Green to explore his transformative journey from state worship to embracing the radical message of "No King But Christ."

A Tale of Two Kingdoms

Patrick's story is a powerful reminder that we all start somewhere on our spiritual journeys. Like many Americans, he once placed his trust in political solutions and government institutions:

"At my worst, I couldn't wait to get home from work to turn on Sean Hannity and have him tell me how we were going to save America from the evil Democrats. That's just how lost I was at that point in my life."

Does this resonate with you? Many of us have been caught up in the fervor of partisan politics, believing that if we just elect the right people or pass the right laws, everything will be better. But as Patrick discovered, this mindset often leads us away from Christ rather than towards Him.

The Turning Point

For Patrick, several key realizations shattered his faith in earthly governments:

• Reading libertarian authors like Lysander Spooner and Murray Rothbard exposed the true nature of the state.

• Studying the public school system revealed the inherent conflict of interest in state-run education.

• Examining the Pledge of Allegiance through a Biblical lens highlighted its idolatrous nature.

But the most profound shift came through reading Scripture with fresh eyes. Patrick shares:

"When I read 1st Samuel 8 for the first time, I was instantly cured of any and all remnants of worshiping the government in politics. Whatever was left of that idol was completely smashed."

This passage, where the Israelites demand a king despite God's warnings, speaks powerfully to our modern idolatry of the state. It challenges us to examine where we've placed our ultimate allegiance.

Embracing a New Identity

As Patrick's eyes were opened to the truth of "No King But Christ," he experienced a radical transformation:

• He no longer sees political opponents as enemies, but as fellow image-bearers of God.

• He's replacing symbols of state worship (like patriotic tattoos) with reminders of his allegiance to Christ.

• His hope for change is now rooted in the Gospel, not political action.

This shift didn't happen overnight. It took years of patient conversations, personal tragedy, and deep engagement with Scripture. But the result is a faith that's more vibrant, more Christ-centered, and more aligned with the Kingdom of God.

Challenges and Practical Advice

If you're feeling convicted about your own relationship to earthly governments, Patrick's story offers some valuable insights:

1. Be patient with yourself and others. Deconstructing deeply held beliefs takes time.

2. Dive deep into Scripture, especially passages that challenge our assumptions about power and authority.

3. Seek out mentors and resources that can help you navigate this journey.

4. Remember that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, not any earthly nation.

What We Learned About Following Christ in a Political World

Patrick's testimony is a powerful reminder that Jesus calls us to a radically different kind of kingdom. Here are the key takeaways:

• Our allegiance to Christ should supersede any loyalty to earthly governments or political ideologies.

• The Bible offers a profound critique of human power structures that's as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.

• True freedom and transformation come from submitting to Christ as our only King, not from political solutions.

Are you ready to examine your own beliefs about faith and politics? I encourage you to listen to the full episode for even more insights. And if you have your own story of moving from state worship to "No King But Christ," we'd love to hear it. Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to us directly.

Remember, our call is to be in the world but not of it. Let's challenge ourselves to live as citizens of God's kingdom first and foremost, trusting in His sovereignty above all earthly powers.

🤝Connect with Patrick:

• Podcast: Spotify, Apple, more!

• Email: 100foldtestimonies@gmail.com

Episode Timestamps:

(0:22) Guest Introduction: Patrick Green

• Host of One Hundred-Fold Testimonies podcast

• Focus on Patrick's journey from statism to "no king but Christ" understanding

(0:58) Patrick's Background and Testimony

• Grew up in Catholic Church, attended Catholic schools

• Lukewarm faith and lack of understanding of the gospel message

• Three phases of salvation: breaking down barriers, personal tragedy, receiving the Word

(7:26) Political Idolatry and Awakening

• Patrick's past obsession with politics and government

• Reading libertarian books by Lysander Spooner and Murray Rothbard

• Realizing the true nature of government and the state

(8:28) Overcoming Evolution as a Barrier to Faith

• Impact of Lee Strobel's "The Case for a Creator"

• Discovering scientific support for Christianity

(10:31) Personal Tragedy and Faith Journey

• Experience of multiple miscarriages

• Struggle with anger towards God and feelings of despair

(18:55) Turning to Scripture

• Reading the entire Bible for the first time in 2021

• Impact of 1 Samuel 8 on understanding government and allegiance

(26:37) Lessons from Biblical Parables

• Parable of the laborers in the vineyard

• Softening judgmental attitudes towards others

(38:55) Transformation and New Perspective

• Rejecting political "teams" and embracing fellow humanity

• Understanding deception and seeking truth in Jesus

(41:16) Secular Awakening

• Questioning public school system and government education

• Rethinking the Pledge of Allegiance and national identity

(52:48) Comfort and Government Dependence

• Discussion on people's reluctance to let go of government "care"

• Critique of 24-hour news cycles and political polarization

(56:13) Both Sides of Politics

• Realizing similarities between political parties

• Marketing different brands of politics to divided populace

(59:04) Conclusion and Podcast Information

• Introduction to Patrick's new podcast: 100 Fold Testimonies

• Call for listeners to share their Christian testimonies

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109. Divine Renegade: Creed, Power, Living in Christian Anarchy

About this Episode

Join host Craig on a revolutionary exploration of Christian Anarchy with the provocative thinker known as the Royal Priest in this daring episode of the podcast. With over two decades of ministry experience, the Royal Priest, an author and host of eight podcasts, provides a rare perspective that pierces through the fabric of traditional Christian dogma. This episode is a must-listen for anyone poised on the precipice of spiritual awakening, yearning to explore the harmony of divine law and human governance.

This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a journey into the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ in a world governed by man-made structures. Craig shares his transformation from an anarchist skeptic to a believer in a Christ-centered way of life, challenging the church's status quo and redefining what it means to truly serve a higher authority.

The Royal Priest's journey from established church leader to a nomadic truth-seeker provides a captivating backdrop to this dialogue. We examine the tension between comfortable doctrines and the radical truths of Jesus’s teachings. Are you prepared for the "great jubilation" and the reformation it heralds? 

It's an introspective look at the role Christians play in the political landscape and a contemplation of our allegiance: is it to God, state, or both?

As we round off this provocative dialogue, the spotlight turns to law enforcement and its alignment with divine justice. From unwavering support to critical reevaluation, Craig shares how his  journey mirrors a larger questioning within our society. For officers of faith, this is a call to measure your duties against the unyielding yardstick of divine righteousness.

People of faith, are you ready to confront these questions head-on? This episode is not just a passive listening experience; it's an invitation to challenge your perspectives, to stir your spirit, and to join a community seeking to align their earthly walk with the teachings of Christ. It's an invitation to weigh the constructs of governance against the immutable scale of divine righteousness. Don't miss out on this transformative dialogue that's bound to awaken, challenge, and inspire you.

Connect with the Royal Priest:

• Listen to his Podcasts

• Explore his books

• Visit his website: www.theroyalpriest.com

• Explore his graphic design work: www.bjgraphicsonline.com

• Listen to his music: www.nastyonthebeats.com

Episode Timestamps:

00:57 Exploring Christian Anarchy

• Journey through 21 years of ministry and engaging with diverse audiences

• Emphasis on kingdom values over traditional Christian narratives

• Anarchic pursuit of God's will against state governance

• Therapeutic aspect of vocalizing inner truths and guided prayer

09:06 Anarchy vs. Christ

• Tension between Christian teachings and governmental support

• Transition from anarchist principles to living for a higher king

• Biblical insights on earthly governance, referencing 1 Samuel 8

• Conflict between church doctrines and the radical message of Jesus

13:39 Government, Righteousness, and Christian Growth

• Discussion on the authority of Christ in governance post-resurrection

• Responsibility of infusing righteousness into political structures

• Dealing with uncomfortable truths for spiritual maturity

• Recognizing the cost of advocating for divine righteousness

23:49 Spreading the Message

• Concept of "great jubilation" and the manifestation of God's kingdom

• Preparedness for the transition and the risks of opposing divine direction

• The contrast between public reliance on government and advocating for God's governance

• Resistance from the church to kingdom-focused narratives

36:10 Reevaluating Views on Law Enforcement

• Personal shift from supporting to questioning the police

• Conflict of funding law enforcement through taxation

• Encounters with "road pirates" and discussions within communities

• Encouraging deeper understanding of policing issues

39:11 Questioning the Righteousness of Law Enforcement

• Moral dilemmas for officers enforcing laws against religious ethics

• Potential for power abuse within law enforcement

• Historical church views on members in violent positions

• Importance of aligning police actions with divine righteousness

46:41 Critiquing Justice and Proclaiming Righteousness

• Struggle between human judgment and spiritual guidance

• Spiritual warfare and the scriptural balance of peace and conflict

• Growth challenges of outreach projects and importance of consistent messaging

• Valuing criticism for growth and providing resources for divine empowerment

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103. Fiction as a Mirror for Anarchy and Faith Insights with Joseph Macolino

About this Episode

Join us as we embark on a captivating journey with Joseph Macolino, a masterful storyteller whose love for fantasy began in childhood. Joseph shares the evolution of his fictional universe, Evorath, and the tales that populate its thousand-year timeline. Drawing inspiration from literary giants like Tolkien and Orwell, Joseph crafts narratives that resonate deeply with themes of governmental skepticism and the pursuit of a society aligned with the teachings of Christ. His trilogy stands as a testament to the power of fiction in challenging our beliefs and illuminating the path to Christ's kingdom.

Throughout our conversation, we thread the needle between fiction and reality, exploring how the characters in Joseph’s fantasy series confront the winds of change, transitioning from a structured monarchy to a society where Christian anarchist principles reign supreme. This isn't just about creating another world; it's about challenging the status quo, questioning the reader's long-held beliefs, and presenting a tapestry of upheaval that resonates with both historical and contemporary political movements. The tales shared offer more than escapism - they invite introspection and boldly propose a life governed by faith rather than fear

Wrapping up our expedition into Evorath, we delve into the lives of characters who are as multidimensional as the world they inhabit. Villains reveal vulnerabilities and heroes grapple with the unforeseen repercussions of their deeds. Through them, we glimpse a society in flux—a monarchy giving way to a republic, and ultimately an anarchist community living out these principles. It's more than just a fantasy series; it's a reflection of libertarian turned anarchist ideology and the perennial quest for a harmonious existence. Join us for this imaginative and thought-provoking episode that's sure to provoke discussion and maybe even inspire a reevaluation of the way we view our world and the powers that govern it.

Connect with Joseph Macolino:

• Evorath.com

• Follow Joesph on Amazon

• Advanced Reader Copy (Arc Reader)

Episode Timestamps:

Timestamps:

01:08 Exploring Anarchy Through Fiction

•  Introduction to Joseph Macolino, inspired by Tolkien and Orwell.

• Creation of the fictional universe Evorath, developed from high school to college.

• Joseph's trilogy explores themes of questioning government authority and discovering Christian principles.

12:35 Spreading Christian Anarchy Through Fiction

• The intersection of fiction and Christian anarchism is highlighted.

• Influence of various texts, maintaining a critical perspective.

• Story arc in fantasy series depicts the transition from monarchy to an anarchist society, paralleling historical movements.

• Aim to challenge preconceptions and promote Christian anarchism through storytelling.

19:59 Discussing Writing, Influence, and Christianity

• Focus on Evorath's world-building, where humans are divinely created.

• Discussion on media influence and personal experiences of non-conformity.

• Importance of writers in highlighting societal propaganda and Christian resistance.

• Emphasis on living according to Jesus' teachings despite potential opposition.

28:22 God Is Strategic

• A personal anecdote about a significant encounter and the concept of divine timing.

• Reflection on the creative process and progress in writing projects.

• Introduction of the 'Bad Woman Project' and a call for support.

• Teaser for the content of upcoming books without giving away specifics.

31:46 Expanding on Book Two Characters

• Insight into Averath's characters, including the villain Yazook Stahl.

• Exploration of shapeshifter species and character development.

• Themes of power, corruption, and societal improvement are examined through character arcs.

39:46 Fantasy Series and Libertarian Ideology

• Introduction of diverse races and characters in the third book.

• Characters question tribal loyalties, leading to the formation of a new community.

• Discussion on societal ideals, comparing the fictional society to voluntarism.

• Upcoming books to delve into the complexities of a society striving for harmony post-trilogy.

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