Does Following Jesus Make You An Anarchist? Faith, Liberty, and Punk Music with Ben Weir

Does Following Jesus Make You An Anarchist? Faith, Liberty, and Punk Music with Ben Weir

What does following Jesus really mean in a world obsessed with control, conformity, and power? In this episode of the Biblical Anarchy Podcast, Jacob Winograd sits down with Ben Weir, founder of Punks for Liberty, to explore what it looks like to live radically free in both faith and culture. Ben’s journey from the punk scene to Christian libertarian activism raises an important question: if the Kingdom of God is not of this world, does following Jesus make us rebels against every empire—ancient and modern alike?

At the heart of this conversation is the conviction that following Jesus is not about retreating from the world, but about refusing to be owned by it. From the Roman Empire to today’s political machines, the temptation to bow to false saviors—whether Caesar, party, or state—remains. Jacob and Ben discuss how the early Christians lived under empire without worshiping it, and how that same spirit of holy defiance is mirrored in the punk ethos of rejecting empty authority. Part of following Jesus is rejecting the idols of power and prestige, and instead align oneself with truth, mercy, and liberty.

Ben shares how punk music’s raw energy and refusal to conform actually led him closer to the message of Christ. For him, following Jesus means recognizing that no earthly ruler has the right to claim your soul or your conscience. It means declaring, like the shirt seen on countless Punks for Liberty stages, “No King but Christ.” This isn’t nihilistic rebellion—it’s a form of worship that refuses to let coercion replace conviction. In the face of both state power and cultural pressure, following Jesus is the most radical act of freedom there is.

Jacob and Ben also dig into the tensions within the liberty movement: Is libertarianism “right-wing,” or is it something far more revolutionary? Can Christians be both radically compassionate and radically free? And what happens when people who are following Jesus take those teachings seriously enough to live counter to the systems of the world—economically, politically, and spiritually? These questions challenge believers to rethink what obedience to Christ looks like when civil power demands their loyalty.

Ultimately, this episode reminds us that following Jesus has never been about safety, comfort, or conformity. It’s about radical love, voluntary community, and courage to stand apart from empire—just as Jesus did. Whether through a sermon, a protest, or a punk rock song, the call remains the same: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him—not as a subject of the state, but as a citizen of the Kingdom of God.

Main Points of Discussion

Timestamp	Topics & Key Discussion Points
00:00	Jesus Wept — The Heart of Faith and Freedom: Jacob opens with the shortest verse in Scripture and unpacks what Jesus’ tears reveal about compassion, strength, and defiance against empire.
00:45	Meet Ben Weir: Jacob introduces Ben Weir, founder of Punks for Liberty, to discuss what living under Christ’s rule looks like in a world obsessed with power.
02:00	From Soldier to Punk Evangelist: Ben shares his journey from infantryman to touring musician and how that shaped his understanding of living out his faith authentically.
03:20	What Anarchy Really Means: Redefining anarchy as freedom from coercion and control—reflecting the same spiritual liberty that comes from truly following Jesus.
05:30	“You Don’t Speak for Me”: How anarchy parallels the Christian conscience—no rulers but God, no coercion in the kingdom of heaven.
09:00	The Trap of Tribalism: How political factions—even among libertarians—can distract believers from humility, grace, and unity in purpose.
11:20	Christian Nationalism vs. Christ’s Kingdom: Why earthly “Christian nations” miss the point, and how the Gospel calls believers beyond utopian politics.
15:30	Leaving Politics to Find Purpose: Ben shares how stepping away from party activism helped him rediscover peace, community, and a clearer focus on Christ.
20:30	Punks for Liberty: Using music and art to reach people who’d never set foot in a church—an alternative kind of ministry born out of punk culture.
23:15	Evangelism Through Music: Turning shows and festivals into spaces for real conversations about freedom, purpose, and redemption.
27:45	Punk Rock Christianity: Why the message of Jesus has always been countercultural, and why rebellion rooted in love is central to the Gospel.
30:20	Conviction Without Condemnation: Living boldly in faith while avoiding arrogance or legalism—balancing truth and grace.
33:10	Romans 12 and Conscience: Understanding how personal conviction, humility, and discernment are essential to living faithfully.
36:30	Rejecting Power and Coercion: Why political idolatry is one of the biggest threats to spiritual integrity in today’s church.
39:00	Jesus Wept and Flipped Tables: Jacob reflects on the tension between compassion and righteous anger—what modern disciples can learn from both.
44:00	Modern Tables to Flip: Identifying today’s idols—political power, celebrity culture, and comfort—that distract believers from true discipleship.
46:00	Who Jesus Weeps For Today: Reflecting on the pain and suffering around us and how empathy is central to imitating Christ.
47:45	The Spiritual Power of Music: How creativity and worship can draw hearts closer to the Creator.
48:30	Final Reflections: Ben shares what’s next for Punks for Liberty and encourages listeners to live out their freedom in faith and love.

Timestamp

Topics & Key Discussion Points

00:00

Jesus Wept — The Heart of Faith and Freedom: Jacob opens with the shortest verse in Scripture and unpacks what Jesus’ tears reveal about compassion, strength, and defiance against empire.

00:45

Meet Ben Weir: Jacob introduces Ben Weir, founder of Punks for Liberty, to discuss what living under Christ’s rule looks like in a world obsessed with power.

02:00

From Soldier to Punk Evangelist: Ben shares his journey from infantryman to touring musician and how that shaped his understanding of living out his faith authentically.

03:20

What Anarchy Really Means: Redefining anarchy as freedom from coercion and control—reflecting the same spiritual liberty that comes from truly following Jesus.

05:30

“You Don’t Speak for Me”: How anarchy parallels the Christian conscience—no rulers but God, no coercion in the kingdom of heaven.

09:00

The Trap of Tribalism: How political factions—even among libertarians—can distract believers from humility, grace, and unity in purpose.

11:20

Christian Nationalism vs. Christ’s Kingdom: Why earthly “Christian nations” miss the point, and how the Gospel calls believers beyond utopian politics.

15:30

Leaving Politics to Find Purpose: Ben shares how stepping away from party activism helped him rediscover peace, community, and a clearer focus on Christ.

20:30

Punks for Liberty: Using music and art to reach people who’d never set foot in a church—an alternative kind of ministry born out of punk culture.

23:15

Evangelism Through Music: Turning shows and festivals into spaces for real conversations about freedom, purpose, and redemption.

27:45

Punk Rock Christianity: Why the message of Jesus has always been countercultural, and why rebellion rooted in love is central to the Gospel.

30:20

Conviction Without Condemnation: Living boldly in faith while avoiding arrogance or legalism—balancing truth and grace.

33:10

Romans 12 and Conscience: Understanding how personal conviction, humility, and discernment are essential to living faithfully.

36:30

Rejecting Power and Coercion: Why political idolatry is one of the biggest threats to spiritual integrity in today’s church.

39:00

Jesus Wept and Flipped Tables: Jacob reflects on the tension between compassion and righteous anger—what modern disciples can learn from both.

44:00

Modern Tables to Flip: Identifying today’s idols—political power, celebrity culture, and comfort—that distract believers from true discipleship.

46:00

Who Jesus Weeps For Today: Reflecting on the pain and suffering around us and how empathy is central to imitating Christ.

47:45

The Spiritual Power of Music: How creativity and worship can draw hearts closer to the Creator.

48:30

Final Reflections: Ben shares what’s next for Punks for Liberty and encourages listeners to live out their freedom in faith and love.

Additional Resources

Ep. 89 — What Is Biblical Anarchy? Christian Politics & the Justified Use of Force
A clear on-ramp to understanding biblical anarchy and how Scripture guides our view of authority and justice.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-89-what-is-biblical-anarchy-christian-politics-and-the-justified-use-of-force/

You Are The Power and Christ is King (with Spike Cohen) — LCI Greenroom
A hopeful discussion about activism, liberty, and what it means to live purposefully when following Jesus in a broken political culture.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/you-are-the-power-and-christ-is-king-with-spike-cohen/

Ep. 94 — The True Meaning of Romans 13: Why We Must Stop Saying “We Are the Government”
A careful biblical look at one of the most misunderstood passages in Christian political thought, and how it challenges both left and right.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-94-the-true-meaning-of-romans-13-why-we-must-stop-saying-we-are-the-government/

The Spectrum of Anarchy (with Jeremiah Harding) — LCI Greenroom
Examines the many expressions of anarchism and where Christians fit when following Jesus leads them to reject coercive power.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/the-spectrum-of-anarchy-with-jeremiah-harding/

Ep. 100 — Christian Anarchy Is Going Mainstream — and That’s a Good Thing
A broad conversation about how Christian anarchist ideas are gaining traction and what that means for the future of the church and liberty.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-100-christian-anarchy-is-going-mainstream-and-thats-a-good-thing/

What Does It Mean for Christ to Be Our King? (with Preston Sprinkle) — LCI Greenroom
A thoughtful discussion on allegiance, kingdom ethics, and how following Jesus shapes every part of life under His lordship.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/what-does-it-mean-for-christ-to-be-our-king-with-preston-sprinkle/

No Kings? Actually, No King But Christ! (with Ancap Tim) — Biblical Anarchy
A look at worship, power, and the call to reject idols—both political and personal—in the name of true Christian liberty.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/no-kings/

Growing the Kingdom of God (with Alex Bernardo) — LCI Greenroom
Explores practical ways of following Jesus in everyday life by building communities grounded in peace, freedom, and love.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/growing-the-kingdom-of-god-with-alex-bernardo/

Punks for Liberty — Official Website
Explore Ben Weir’s project bringing punk culture and liberty activism together under a message of peace, autonomy, and faith. Learn more about upcoming events, the mission, and ways to get involved.
https://punksforliberty.org

Michael Malice on “An Anarchist’s Perspective” — So to Speak Podcast (FIRE)
In this interview, Michael Malice breaks down what anarchy really means—rejecting coercive power and reclaiming responsibility for yourself and your community. His definition echoes much of what we discussed here about following Jesus in freedom and conscience.
https://www.thefire.org/research-learn/so-speak-podcast-transcript-anarchists-perspective-michael-malice