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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97. Christianity Unpacked in "Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen" with Domenic Scarcella

About this Episode

Are we forgetting the rebellious, defiant nature of Jesus? Have we overlooked his active resistance to the political and religious hierarchies of his time, and his challenging calls for us to be good neighbors rather than good citizens? That's what we'll be unpacking in our fascinating conversation with our guest, Domenic , author of the book "Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen". 

 Domenic provides an intriguing reading of Jesus' teachings, bringing to light the elements that often get overlooked in contemporary Christianity. We dissect the Stations of the Cross, Jesus's nonviolent resistance, and how to use his book as a tool for contemplation. 

As we journey through these narratives, we confront the controversial topic of police violence and its relationship to the Christian faith. This episode holds some challenging viewpoints that question the traditional support of law enforcement and military by modern Christians. The non-violent teachings of Jesus and his brutal treatment by the 'good cops' of his day serve as the crux of this discussion. We highlight that violence, be it personal or outsourced, remains a contradiction to the teachings of Jesus, and is thus a sin.

We also carve out time to talk about the unfathomable nature of God, and the significance of the Holy Spirit, offering some new food for thought on the intersection of faith and politics.  Domenic gives us a glimpse into his new sub-stack, extending an invitation to join the ongoing conversation about Christian ethics. As we round off, we reflect on the essence of community, shared faith, and why being both a good neighbor and a bad citizen, as Jesus was, might just be the unconventional perspective we need today. This is one episode that is sure to challenge your perspectives and spark spirited discussions. Tune in, and let's question together!

Connect with Domenic:

• Get the book!

• Follow his Substack - Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen

• Twitter (X) @GoodNeighBadCit

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Jesus' Way of the Cross

Domenic Scarcella shares insights from his book on being a good neighbor and citizen, using Jesus' teachings and the principle of no King but Christ.

(12:07) Stations of the Cross in Christianity

Early Christians made pilgrimages to Jerusalem, walking the way of the cross, and Jesus chose to be a good neighbor despite brutal treatment by civil authorities.

(26:02) Contemporary Christianity and the Nature of Christ

Contemporary Christianity, faith and presence, the temptation of Christ, Gospels as a guide, Jesus' resilience, God's gifts, the role of the cross in redemption.

(34:28) Cross and Nonviolence

Jesus teaches nonviolence, defiance of hierarchy, and humbling of authorities for redemption.

(45:05) Reflections on the Cross Stations

Veronica's role in Jesus' crucifixion and the importance of women in his ministry, along with the good neighbor model of crime and justice.

(53:35) Correcting Bad Theology, Bible Importance

Jesus corrects bad theology and prioritizes himself over the Bible, as shown in his death by good cops.

(56:59) Good Cops and Violence in Christianity

Police violence and Christianity, good cops led to Jesus' death, the entire system protects the state, Jesus practiced non-violence, early church's stance on non-violence.

(01:07:22) Holy Spirit and Book Promotion

Seeking the Holy Spirit, exploring the intersection of faith and politics, and discussing the harmony between anarchism and Christianity.

(01:11:28) Faith and Community Conversation

Domenic discusses community, shared faith, and how Jesus was a good neighbor and bad citizen in this passionate conversation.

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