114. Who Would Jesus Bomb? Questioning War Through Song with Jordan Smart

About this Episode

Musician Jordan Smart shares his journey from growing up in a religious household in Ohio to becoming a touring musician. He discusses his early disillusionment with the church, his deep connection to music, and how punk rock influenced his worldview. The conversation centers around Jordan's song "Who Would Jesus Bomb?", which caught Craig's attention and led to this discussion. Jordan explains that while he isn't vocally anti-war, his frustrations with how religious traditions can be manipulated for propaganda inspired him to write the song.

Jordan reflects, "I was raised to believe Jesus loves everyone, but seeing how that message gets twisted to justify violence really pushed me to write this song." The episode delves into the troubling support for war among Christians, the manipulation by governments, and the importance of compassion and humanity. Jordan also highlights his project, Songs Not Bombs, which raises funds for Palestinian children.

Craig and Jordan discuss poignant lines from the song, such as, "Would Jesus bomb the atheist, the Muslim, or the Jew?" and "Would you still believe in Jesus if you found out he was brown?" These lines challenge listeners to reconsider their views on war, politics, and faith. This episode is a thought-provoking listen for anyone interested in these critical issues.

Connect with Jordan Smart:

• Jordan Smart Music on Instagram

• Songs Not Bombs on Bandcamp - All Proceeds Go to Palestine

• Songs Not Bombs on Instagram

Episode Timestamps:

Timestamps:

(00:45) Jordan's Background

• Jordan shares his upbringing in Ohio and his religious family background

• His journey with music, starting from a young age

• Background with Christianity and anarchy

(02:00) Music as a Form of Protest

• Discussion on Jordan's project "Songs Not Bombs"

• Efforts to raise funds for the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund (PCRF)

• The impact of music in processing and responding to world events

• Anti-War Sentiments

• Jordan's long-standing anti-war beliefs were influenced by punk rock

• Reflections on the current state of global conflicts

(7:27) The Power of Music

• Craig and Jordan discuss the emotional impact of music

• Music as a medium to express complex feelings and ideas

• The ability of music to resonate with diverse audiences

(9:40) Christianity and War

• The troubling support for the war among some Christians

• The disconnect between Jesus' teachings and modern Christian behavior

• Reflections on the pro-war stance of certain Christian groups

(11:59) Generational Perspectives

• The younger generation's growing disillusionment with the current system

• The potential for the younger generation to drive change

• The impact of social media and 24-hour news cycles on youth

• Political Disillusionment

• Failures of both major political parties in the U.S.

• The need for a new approach to governance and societal issues

• Personal experiences with political disillusionment

(16:45) Personal and Political Pushback to Jordan’s Song “Who Would Jesus Bomb?”

• Jordan shares experiences with pushback from friends and family

• The challenges of speaking out on controversial issues

• The importance of staying true to one's beliefs.

(20:51) Echo Chambers and Authenticity

• The importance of breaking out of echo chambers

• Staying authentic and true to one's message

• The impact of authenticity on audience engagement

(24:26) The Role of the Military

• Discussion on military recruitment and its implications

• The true threats to freedom and liberty

• Reflections on the U.S. military's global impact

(30:43) Compassion and Humanity

• Emphasizing the need for compassion towards all people

• The interconnected nature of various social justice issues

• The role of compassion in creating a better world.

34:59 Challenging Beliefs

• Jordan's song as a tool to challenge deeply held beliefs

• The importance of questioning and re-evaluating one's views

• The impact of music in provoking thought and discussion

(39:40) Personal Journeys

• Craig shares his journey from neoconservatism to Christian anarchism

• The influence of early church writings on his views

• The role of personal experiences in shaping beliefs

(43:17) The Influence of Social Media

• The role of social media in shaping public opinion

• The dangers of misinformation and propaganda

• The impact of social media on political and social views

(47:27) Interconnected Issues

• The interconnected nature of various social justice issues

• The importance of addressing these issues collectively

• The role of music and activism in highlighting these connections.

(52:19) Political Theater

• The manipulation of public opinion by the ultra-wealthy ruling class

• The need for unity among the oppressed.

• The impact of political theater on societal divisions

(57:52) Blonde Hair and Blue Eyes: Jesus and Race

• The significance of recognizing Jesus' true background

• The implications of Jesus' ethnicity for modern Christianity

• The importance of challenging racial stereotypes in religious contexts.

(1:00:13) Encouragement and Support

• Jordan shares the overwhelming support he has received for his music

• The importance of continuing to speak out on important issues

• Reflections on the impact of his song "Who Would Jesus Bomb?"

(1:03:21) Final Thoughts

• Craig encourages Jordan to keep leaning into his message

• The importance of making a difference through music and activism

• Reflections on the need for boldness and authenticity in advocacy.

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113. From Mormon LDS to Freedom in Christ: Unveiling Lies in Medicine, Government, and Religion

About this Episode

In this episode of the Bad Roman podcast, host Craig Harguess speaks with Claire Dalton, the host of the Clarity podcast. Claire shares her journey of leaving the LDS Church, her battle with chronic Lyme disease, and her views on the influence of government and institutional corruption. This episode explores faith, freedom, and the pursuit of truth, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of these issues.

Claire begins by discussing her background, including her upbringing in Utah within the mainstream LDS Church. She delves into the cultural and religious environment she grew up in and the factors that led her to question and eventually leave the LDS Church. Claire also shares her professional experiences as a farmer, nonprofit president, and sales representative, explaining how these roles have shaped her perspectives and contributed to her current projects.

A significant portion of the conversation addresses common misconceptions about Mormonism, particularly the belief that polygamy is a central tenet of the faith. Claire provides historical context and evidence to challenge these mainstream LDS teachings, arguing that the original teachings of Joseph Smith did not endorse polygamy. She also highlights the experiences of those who leave the LDS Church to follow Christ, differentiating them from those who leave religion entirely, and discusses the importance of creating platforms to share their stories.

Claire's personal and family struggles with chronic Lyme disease are another focal point of the episode. She details the symptoms, misdiagnoses, and the long journey to finding the correct diagnosis for both herself and her mother. The conversation delves into the controversial origins of Lyme disease, including theories about government involvement and bioweapon experiments. Claire discusses the historical context, such as Operation Paperclip and the release of weaponized ticks, and criticizes the medical system for its inability to properly diagnose and treat chronic illnesses like Lyme disease. She shares her journey of seeking alternative treatments and emphasizes the importance of partnering with God for healing.

The episode also explores the influence of government and institutional corruption. Claire argues that government control has infiltrated numerous sectors, including the food industry, education, the medical system, and even religious institutions. She provides examples of how this corruption manifests and its effects on society. Claire argues that statism is inherently satanic, highlighting how government control contradicts Christian teachings and discussing the importance of recognizing and resisting this influence to live a life aligned with Christ's teachings.

Faith and freedom are central themes throughout the episode. Claire and Craig emphasize the significance of the message "No King but Christ" in contemporary Christianity, discussing how this principle guides their lives and the importance of prioritizing Christ over state and institutional allegiances. Claire shares her vision for creating authentic Christian communities that are not bound by traditional church structures, advocating for home churches and genuine fellowship centered around Christ's teachings.

Listeners will gain insights into the personal and spiritual challenges faced by those who leave the LDS Church and seek to follow Christ. They will learn about the controversial origins of Lyme disease, the failures of the medical system, and the importance of seeking alternative treatments. The episode also provides an understanding of the influence of government in various aspects of life and its implications for personal freedom and societal well-being. Finally, listeners will discover the importance of prioritizing Christ over state and institutional allegiances and the value of building authentic Christian communities.

This episode explores the intersections of faith, health, and societal structures, providing listeners with insights and encouraging them to question and explore their own beliefs and experiences. Claire's storytelling, combined with Craig's questions, makes this a valuable listen for anyone interested in the complexities of faith, freedom, and truth.

Connect with Claire Dalton:

• The Clarity Podcast on YouTube

• Claire Dalton's website

• Follow Claire on social media: Facebook @forgedinhisfire and Instagram @forgedinhisfire

Episode Timestamps:

Timestamps:

1:04 Guest Introduction

• Claire Dalton shares her background: raised in Utah, former LDS member, farmer, nonprofit president, and sales representative.

• Claire's journey from mainstream LDS to her current faith and projects.

2:22 Entanglement of Churches with the State

• Discussion on how the events of 2020 revealed the deep entanglement of many churches with the state.

• Claire's observations on the disillusionment of many Christians with their churches during this period.

1:41 Claire's Personal Journey

• Claire's story of leaving the LDS church and starting her podcast.

• The importance of sharing stories of those who leave the LDS church to follow Christ.

5:28 Misconceptions about Mormonism 

• Claire addresses common misconceptions about Mormonism, including the belief that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy.

• Historical evidence and personal beliefs that challenge mainstream LDS teachings on polygamy.

26:35 The Impact of Chronic Illness

• Claire's personal and family experiences with chronic Lyme disease.

• The political and controversial history of Lyme disease, including its origins and the government's role.

30:18 Critique of the Medical System

• Discussion on the failures of the medical system to address chronic illnesses effectively.

• The role of vaccines and other medical interventions in exacerbating health issues.

53:04 Statism and Its Influence

• Claire and Craig discuss the pervasive influence of statism in various aspects of life, including food, education, and healthcare.

• The idea that statism is inherently satanic and contrary to Christian teachings.

59:20 Closing Remarks

• Seek the truth and question the systems they are part of

• The importance of community and supporting those who are chronically ill or marginalized.

• Craig and Claire reflect on the importance of living out Christian values authentically

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104. Beats of Belief & Gospel for the Streets

About this Episode

Join us in an enlightening and soulstirring episode of our podcast as we delve into the remarkable journey of Brother Devan, the visionary CEO of Gospel for the Streets. His transformative faith and relentless pursuit to bring unity and hope through his unique blend of Gospel and hiphop music is helping to reshape the spiritual landscape of Memphis, Tennessee. In this conversation, we not only uncover the depths of his tenacity but also explore how his innovative approach to ministry is breaking barriers and challenging conventional norms.

Episode Highlights:

• A deep dive into the inspirational journey of Brother Devan, CEO of Gospel for the Streets, and his unique blend of Gospel and hip-hop that is reshaping the spiritual scene in Memphis, Tennessee.

• An exploration of Brother Devan's personal journey, his role at Innovation Church, and his unique music that challenges norms and unites communities.

• A thoughtful discussion on tough topics such as religious dogma, church hypocrisy, and faith's entanglement with government, with insightful perspectives provided by Brother Devan.

• A look at the vibrant city of Memphis, highlighting the significant role Brother Devan's ministry plays in societal transformation through grassroots activism, dialogue, and music.

• The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion on viral moments and how they can ignite a deeper calling.

• The dialogue with Brother Devan offers a fresh look at living out the gospel, powered by the rhythm of hip-hop, and reaffirms the power of faith in action.

In the episode, Brother Devan opens up about his personal odyssey and the serendipitous encounter that led to this interview. His powerful narrative is one that defies societal skepticism, much like Jesus faced in Nazareth, and stands as a beacon for believers enduring modernday scrutiny. From his pivotal role at Innovation Church of Memphis to producing soullifting Gospel volumes infused with hiphop beats, Brother Devan's story is a testament to a faith that refuses to bow to adversity. 

We traverse sensitive subjects, examining the pitfalls of religious dogma, the impact of church hypocrisy, and the concerning entanglement of faith with government influence. Brother Devan’s candid insights offer a refreshing perspective on the true essence of spiritual maturity and the courage to maintain convictions in the face of peer pressure and societal expectations. 

As we share personal connections to the vibrant city of Memphis, a place often misrepresented, yet teeming with and resilience, we acknowledge the critical role that strategic collaborations like Brother Devan's ministry play in driving societal transformation. Through grassroots activism, genuine dialogue, and his distinctive Gospel hiphop music, he exemplifies the impact of living out the gospel in everyday life and the streets of Memphis. 

Topping off the episode, we indulge in lighter fare, reminiscing over banana pudding and discussing how viral moments can serve as catalysts for a deeper calling. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a journey through the heart of urban ministry, underscoring the enduring belief in the power of Christ's message to resonate, regardless of life's paths. 

Tune in for an episode that will inspire you, challenge your preconceptions, and reaffirm the power of faith in action. Whether you’re a believer seeking encouragement or simply curious about the intersection of faith and community work, this dialogue with Brother Devan is sure to ignite your spirit and offer a fresh perspective on what it means to live out the gospel for the streets, powered by the rhythm of hiphop.

Connect with Brother Devan:

• Gospel For the Streets Instagram, Facebook & YouTube

• Listen and Follow Brother Devan’s Music on Spotify, Apple Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, or Youtube

• Devan’s Personal Facebook

Episode Timestamps:

Timestamps:

01:02 Exploring Christian Faith and Ministry 

• Introduction to Brother Devan and his work with Gospel for the Streets.

• Discussion on prioritizing Christ over the state and personal experiences.

• Insights into Devan's journey and his role at Innovation Church of Memphis.

• Emphasis on ministry through music and the impact on the community.

• Devan's personal likes and dislikes, including banana pudding.

• Reflection on his personal transformation from a gangster to a gentleman.

11:44Modern Day Pharisees and Spiritual Warfare 

• Challenges of personal growth and staying true to convictions.

• Addressing modernday Pharisees and divisiveness within Christianity.

• Importance of returning to the simple teachings of Christ.

• The negative impact of pride and infighting on the search for truth.

18:47 Church Hypocrisy and Government Influence 

• Comparison of Jesus' skepticism in Nazareth to modernday scrutiny of believers.

• Critique of postConstantine Christianity and the shift in church teachings.

• Importance of authenticity in Christianity and spiritual discernment.

• Discussion on being doubted in faith and the challenges of being heard within the church.

31:19 The Narrative of Memphis 

• Reflection on faith versus fear in the context of government and authority.

• Emphasis on community, fellowship, and the broader definition of church.

• Personal connections to Memphis and its potential for growth and transformation.

• Acknowledgment of Memphis' challenges and the media's portrayal of the city.

40:48 Gospel for the Streets 

• Discussion on spiritual leadership and societal change in Memphis.

• The phenomenon of false prophets and marginalization of true spiritual individuals.

• The need for grassroots activism and celebrating the efforts of changemakers.

• Personal connection to Brother Devan's music and its diverse appeal.

45:51 Banana Pudding and Gospel Ministry 

• Nostalgic exchange about banana pudding and personal family recipes.

• The story of Brother Devan's expulsion from church leading to street ministry.

• The role of viral moments in igniting a calling to minister beyond the church walls.

• Emphasis on respectful dialogue about faith and preaching in everyday life.

57:37 Strategic Collaboration for Gospel Outreach 

• Intersection of faith and community action and the call for the church to disengage from corrupt systems.

• Importance of spiritual strategy and belief in divine guidance.

• Plans for a collaborative project with the Bad Roman Project to engage the Memphis community.

• Invitation to a "man cave" event for open discourse among men in the church.

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