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From Soldier to Peacemaker: A Veteran's Journey Towards Faith and Justice with Joe Chadburn

About this Episode

Welcome to another episode of the Bad Roman podcast, where we examine the line between faith and statecraft. Join your host Craig Harguess to welcome well-decorated and honorably discharged US Marine Corps veteran Joe Chadburn, who has traversed the path from violence to peace, and uses the power of Christ as his compass. Together, we unpack the transformation of a bullied kid into a soldier, and how the teachings of Jesus Christ are brought about a sea-change in his perceptions.

In a society often marred by violence, Joe exemplifies the peaceful path, highlighting the power of 'no' as a guide. Together, we'll dissect the peaceful principles inherent in Jesus Christ's teachings and how the early church embraced these values. As we dive into Christianity, our discussion aims to refresh your perspective on its doctrines.

We investigate the propaganda that surrounds the US military, the churches’ direct role in perpetuating the cycle, and the misuse of tax dollars funneled into militarization. We reflect upon the legacy of General Smithly D Butler and the impact of grassroots efforts to protest against racial injustice. The military-industrial complex, the biggest polluter on Earth, is scrutinized - unveiling the significance of comprehending Jesus' teachings to prevent more human suffering.

We're not afraid to point out the privilege of the United States and its part in global injustice. The atrocities in Yemen and the complicity of the US government come under our lens, revealing a lack of media coverage and accountability. Hear from our guest as he expresses his frustrations with the multi-tiered justice system and the influence of corporate media in manipulating narratives.

We wrap up on an optimistic note, exploring the power of storytelling, human connection, and technology in addressing global injustice and promoting peace. Join us on this enlightening journey, and let's reimagine our world together.

Joe Chadburn

Website: International Peace Network

Email: peacedaddyjoe@gmail.com

Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube

Joe’s Article: War is a Racket


Episode Timestamps:

01:20 Christians in the State (12 Minutes)

03:11 Who is Joe Chadburn

  • Early childhood tragedies and bullying

  • Relationship to violence as a youth

  • Journey to becoming a decorated US Marine Corps Veteran

  • Journey to Jesus 

  • Political propganda of venterans 

11:04 Joe’s Military Service

  • Anti-war efforts from those who have served

15:03 Joe’s Article - War is a Racket from International Peace Network

  • Contentious objectors

    • Connection to walking with Jesus

  • Stereotypes and real-world relationships

  •  Double standards of USA military imperialism throughout the world

    • Bullying

    • “How dare these people put their countries by our military bases”

  • Business of war - supply and demand

22:31 Critiquing the US Military and Propaganda

  • Politicians exploitation of young people 

  • Military demonstrations at sporting events

    • Military flyovers in football games

    • Colin Kaepernick

  • Grassroots peace movement

  • Major General Smedley Butler

    • From hero to disgruntled capitalist pawn

  • The fallacy of “nation-building”

  • US Military recruiting trends

29:55 Collusion of American Churches and the Military

  • how the church in the United States has perpetuated and normalized war propaganda in direct contradiction to Jesus' teachings 

  • importance of a proper hermeneutic to understanding Jesus' teachings and the significance of understanding the wars and rumors of wars that Jesus was prophesying about 

  • Challenging the idea that war is inevitable, and highlighting the power of cruciform love in Jesus' example.

  • how the military-industrial complex is the biggest polluter on Earth and how we must take Jesus' teachings seriously to prevent more people from suffering

  • Meaning of peace – not the absence of conflict

  • Do we believe God failed?

  • If you wouldn’t do it yourself, why do you want your tax dollars going toward it?

  • War is the language of idiots

42:18 American Privilege and Global Injustice 

  • how debates about American politics can obscure deeper concerns about global injustice

  • The greatest generation should be the one with the most peace

  • US government's use of Nazi war criminals and the bank's funding of Hitler

  • need to recognize the privilege of the United States and to advocate for those who are suffering due to US policy

44:14 - Media Distraction, Global Atrocities, and American Privilege

  • Yemen

  • Frustration with the multi-tiered justice system and the ease with which people are distracted by insignificant topics 

  • Need to pay attention to the deeper stories behind wars and the influence of corporate media in controlling the narrative

  • Importance of seeking news from a wide range of sources to gain a broader perspective on current events 

  • Don’t forget joy in the face of negativity

    • The grace of God

54:16 - Promoting Peace and Friendship Overseas

  • Power of technology to tell stories of oppression and the importance of making meaningful connections with people who don't look or think like you 

  • consequences of the US ticking people off around the world and how peace can be achieved by being a peacemaker and a lover of humanity

  • Power in the grace of god 

56:56 How saying 'No' to military propaganda, recruiters, and politicians can bring about world peace

  • Share with others what is going on

59:50 Continue the conversation


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28. The American Church’s Political Obsession with Scott Arnold

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Many Christians in the United States are outspoken about their desires for Christian men and women to obtain political power and influence. The stance is that religious freedoms need to be protected, but is forcing morality on the people through legislation an effective way to spread the gospel?  Could Christians be doing more harm than good in their efforts?

Scott Arnold is the author of the article Winning the Battle, But Losing the War: The American Church’s Political Obsession.  In this episode, Craig talks with Scott about his transition from a world of conservative, Christian, and redline Republican upbringing into one of Christain Anarchy. They explore how the gospel message can be destroyed or damaged by using politics to force a Christian agenda. Scott also explains his involvement with Steiger International, whose mission is to impact the global youth culture and make the gospel relevant. This is a thought-provoking episode for any Christian who has been of the mindset that Christians need to use politics to further their agenda or force their morality on others. 


Timestamps and starting points:

1:27 Scott’s Background

  • Grew up in the conservative Christian republican culture 

  • majored in pastoral ministries 

  • currently lives in northeast Georgia 

4:04 How Scott found The Bad Roman

8:04 Learning about anarchy 

11:35 Discussing Scott’s article: Winning the Battle, but Losing the War: The American Church’s Political Obsession

  • Christians equate increased political power with increased influence

  • When bringing the gospel into the political realm pieces are lost 

  • Abortion and the messy art of law making

  • using politics to force Christian values on others

  • using the government to control morals 

  • outsource morality to the state

  • the state is not, and cannot be, Christian

  • Myth of Christain Nation

26:25 What is the endgame in winning this war?

  • Best case: Christian religious freedom and comfortability 

  • worst case: suppression of all other philosophies 

  • is it really religious freedom Christians are fighting for?

  • prayer in school 

43:05 Polish Woodstock

Scott’s Plugs: