In a world where faith and politics are often tangled together, it’s rare to find conversations that cut through the noise and ask hard questions. That’s exactly what happened in this episode of The Bad Roman Podcast, where Craig sat down with musician and self-proclaimed Christian anarchist, Ancap Tim.
This episode wasn’t just about politics or protest music. It was about peeling back layers of cultural conditioning and asking one bold question: Are we following Christ, or are we just obeying the empire?
From Republican Loyalty to Radical Discipleship
Tim’s story might sound familiar at first. He grew up in a typical evangelical Christian home, voted Republican without question, and even had George W. Bush’s face on his 18th birthday cake. (Yes, really.)
But over time, cracks started to form. As he wrestled with what he believed and why, especially after encountering voices like Ron Paul and Tom Woods, Tim began to question not just politics, but the systems behind them. Eventually, those questions led him to a surprising place: Christian anarchism.
The Power Behind the Flag
One of the most powerful moments in the episode came when Tim broke down how the state claims moral authority:
“When a government is formed and authority is given to this magical force with their magic flag and magic song, they can go and kill people with immunity.”
If you’ve grown up pledging allegiance and voting every election cycle, this might feel uncomfortable. But discomfort isn’t always bad. Tim’s point is clear: the state claims powers that directly contradict Christ’s teachings. And far too often, Christians go along with it.
Challenging the God-and-Country Narrative
In many American churches, patriotism and faith are treated like one and the same. But as Tim pointed out, that pairing can quickly become idolatry:
“Let’s cheer on the war machine every time there’s a war. If you don’t support the military, then you’re not a real Christian almost. They won’t say that, but some would.”
It's worth asking: when churches wave the flag higher than the cross, what message are we sending?
A Return to Early Church Simplicity
At the heart of this conversation is a return to something older and simpler. Tim puts it this way:
“We don’t play with politics. We don’t vote. We don’t do any of that stuff. We just follow Jesus. We already have a king, the best king in the world.”
This isn't about disengaging from the world. It’s about living differently inside of it. Just like the early church, Christian anarchists seek to embody Christ’s kingdom, not prop up Caesar’s.
What Does Christian Anarchism Look Like in Practice?
If this sounds radical, it’s meant to. But it’s also deeply practical. Here are a few takeaways from the episode for anyone curious about living out this perspective:
Question authority (even when it wears a cross or waves a flag).
Reject violence in all forms, even when it’s sanctioned by the state.
Invest in real community through direct action and mutual care.
Keep your eyes on the Kingdom by placing Christ above any political allegiance.
Tim’s music, including his album The State’s Just a Mafia, puts these values into sound. From critique to hope, each track carries the same message: there’s a better way, and it starts with Christ alone.
Rethinking Citizenship, One Conversation at a Time
This episode reminded us that Christian anarchism isn’t about chaos or rebellion for rebellion’s sake. It’s about realignment. It's about refusing to confuse empire with righteousness, and choosing to live in a way that reflects Jesus—not just in belief, but in practice.
So here’s the challenge: take a moment and ask yourself what you’ve always believed about faith, politics, and power. Where did those beliefs come from? Who benefits when you hold onto them?
If you're willing to wrestle with those questions, you're in the right place.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear the full story, and check out Tim’s music under Ancap Tim on all major streaming platforms.
And remember: sometimes being a good Christian means being a bad Roman.
🤝Connect with Ancap Tim:
Episode Timestamps:
(0:22) Guest Introduction: Musician Ancap Tim
Tim's journey to Christian anarchism
Using music to express political and religious views
(2:06) Tim's Background and Journey
Raised in a typical evangelical Christian home
Initially, a die-hard Republican supporter
Shift in perspective after exposure to Ron Paul's ideas
(5:02) Evolution of Political Views
Transition from Republican to libertarian thinking
Disillusionment with the political system and voting
(7:50) Reconciling Christianity and Anarchism
Influence of Bad Roman Podcast and alternative interpretations of scripture
Challenging traditional evangelical views on government
(10:27) Conversation with a Baptist Pastor
Craig's encounter at a farmer's market
Introducing the concept of "no king but Christ" to traditional church leaders
(12:52) Tim's Musical Journey
Experience touring with Christian band Avery Road
Observations on church dynamics and financial struggles in music ministry
(15:15) Critique of Modern Christianity
Discussion on the corporate nature of some churches
Importance of genuine Christian community and love
(20:37) Universal Restoration and Doctrinal Differences
Tim's perspective as a "hopeful universalist"
Critique of doctrinal arguments within Christianity
(23:56) Tim's New Album: "The State's Just a Mafia"
Album structure and themes
Intentional placement of "No King But Christ" as the final track
(36:35) Album Cover Design
Description of the album artwork
Use of AI and human artists in the design process
(47:55) Tim's Music Style and Future Plans
Description of Tim's musical style as a mix of folk, country, and alt-rock
Potential plans for future albums
(49:34) Where to Find Tim's Music
Available on major streaming platforms
Physical copies (CDs and vinyl) available through Elastic Stage
(52:38) Conclusion and Support
Encouragement to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast
Information on donations to local charities in Memphis, Tennessee
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