Joseph Macolino

122. Building Communities: From Imagination to Implementation with Joseph Macolino

About this Episode

What if the key to a harmonious society lies in the ancient practices of early Christians? In this captivating episode, Joseph Macolino returns to unravel his vision of voluntary Christian communities, inspired by the communal living described in the Book of Acts. Picture a world where cooperation replaces coercion, and rulers are a thing of the past. Joseph paints a vivid picture: "Imagine a society where bartering goods and services is the norm, and conflicts are resolved through conversation, not force."

We journey into the realm of fantasy with Joseph's book series set in Everath, where Marfta Port exemplifies a voluntary community. This fictional world serves as a powerful allegory for how Christians might live peacefully today. Joseph shares, "Through Marfta Port, I wanted to show that a different way of living is possible—one where faith and community go hand in hand."

The discussion deepens as Craig and Joseph tackle the nuances of Christian pacifism. They explore the idea that pacifism doesn't equate to passivity. This thought-provoking dialogue challenges listeners to reconsider their views on self-defense and retaliation.

But what about the inevitable challenges of community living? Joseph candidly addresses potential pitfalls, such as dealing with bad actors, emphasizing, "Open communication and shared values are crucial to overcoming these hurdles."

This episode is a compelling invitation to rethink societal norms and explore the transformative power of faith-based communities. Are you ready to question the status quo and envision a new way of living? Tune in and let your curiosity lead the way.

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Episode Timestamps:

(0:22) Guest Introduction

  • Joseph Michelito returns to discuss his new book series, "Legends of Everett."

    • The series explores themes of a voluntary society, drawing parallels to the Christian community ideals depicted in the Book of Acts.

  • Joseph's work uses fiction to convey messages about living in a society without rulers, emphasizing "no king but Christ."

(1:09) Salsa and Conversations

  • Craig shares how his salsa business has become a conversation starter about the Bad Roman Project.

  • The salsa venture provides opportunities to engage with Christians and non-Christians alike, discussing the project's message and the concept of living without state interference.

(2:58) Personal Updates

  • Joseph provides updates on his family life, particularly focusing on raising his toddler.

  • He shares insights into his son's development, including his growing interest in music, with bands like System of a Down and Pink Floyd being favorites.

(5:11) Community Building Vision

  • Joseph outlines his vision for a community based on voluntary cooperation and shared resources, inspired by early Christian communities.

  • importance of like-minded individuals working together without coercion, fostering a supportive and self-sufficient environment.

(6:23) Community Structure

  • Description of a community where individuals contribute based on their skills and interests, creating a diverse and functional society.

  • The model includes private property and voluntary collaboration, allowing for personal freedom and collective benefit.

(8:25) Overcoming Misconceptions

  • Addressing common misconceptions about community living, Joseph clarifies that it's not about communism or cult-like behavior.

  • He highlights the early church's communal living as a historical model for voluntary cooperation and mutual support.

(10:25) Bartering and Self-Sufficiency

  • benefits of bartering at farmers' markets and the potential for a self-sufficient community.

  • reducing reliance on money by meeting needs within the community through trade and shared resources.

(12:09) Financial Considerations

  • Joseph explains how maintaining a job can support community living, providing financial stability while contributing to the community.

  • Critique of consumer culture, advocating for frugality and self-sufficiency to achieve a more fulfilling life.

(14:12) Community Impact and Outreach

  • Vision for a community that teaches self-sufficiency and shares resources with those in need, promoting a culture of generosity and support.

  • Potential for agro-tourism and educational outreach, inviting others to learn about sustainable living practices.

(16:35) Balancing Work and Community Life

  • balancing traditional employment with community contributions, highlighting the flexibility of voluntary living

  • Possibility of transitioning away from traditional employment as the community becomes more self-sufficient.

(20:32) Location Challenges

  • Challenges of choosing a central location for the community, considering factors like climate and proximity to family.

  • Joseph shares personal considerations, including family ties in Florida, and the importance of a long growing season for self-sufficiency.

(23:59) Core Christian Role

  • Exploration of the Christian responsibility to spread the gospel, emphasizing living the gospel through actions.

  • Joseph stresses the importance of embodying Christian principles in daily life as a foundation for community building.

(25:25) Inclusivity in Community

  • Discussion on the inclusion of non-Christians in the community, focusing on shared values and principles rather than religious labels.

  • living according to Christian principles of love, peace, and cooperation

(30:39) Living the Gospel

  • Importance of living one's faith through actions, critiquing the disconnect between professed beliefs and actions among some Christians.

  • Encouragement for Christians to align their lives with the teachings of Christ, particularly in the context of community living.

(44:46) Marfteport: A Fictional Community

  • Introduction of Marfteport, a fictional voluntarist community in Joseph's book series, serving as a model for voluntary cooperation and mutual respect.

  • The community is depicted as a diverse society where different species coexist peacefully, highlighting the potential for harmony in diversity.

(51:27) Handling Community Conflicts


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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:

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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