Christianity Without Compromise: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars

Jake Doberenz
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Christianity Without Compromise is a podcast for Christians weary of shallow faith and culture war religion. Hosted by Jake Doberenz, the show calls believers back to a Jesus-centered Christianity rooted in Scripture, the Spirit, and the witness of the early Church. Each episode takes on a modern idol—whether Christian nationalism, the prosperity gospel, purity culture, toxic church leadership, or the obsession with sin and Hell—and points listeners toward a truer way of following Jesus. Along the way, we wrestle with questions about politics, deconstruction, violence, greed, and the real demands of discipleship. This is a space for Christians asking hard questions, disentangling from cultural idols, and seeking a faith that is uncompromised in truth, love, and holiness. Subscribe for authentic conversations that move beyond the culture wars and toward Christ alone. jakedoberenz.substack.com

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Faithfulness Won’t Always Save You From Suffering - Lara Silverman

    Sometimes we play by the rules, follow God, and still lose everything we hold dear. Lara Silverman, lawyer-turned-comedian, joins host Jake Doberenz on Christianity Without Compromise to wrestle with the uncomfortable reality that doing all the “right” Christian things doesn’t guarantee a pain-free life. After developing a rare neurological illness just weeks into her dream job, Lara spent years bedridden, eventually losing her husband to cancer and facing deep spiritual despair. In this vulnerable conversation, Lara and Jake challenge the quiet prosperity gospel shaping our expectations, share their own journeys through grief, and reflect on why the way of Jesus includes a cross. Lara offers raw wisdom for anyone asking whether suffering has meaning—and how to cling to faith when it feels like God is silent. Key Takeaways: American church culture often teaches that faithfulness guarantees comfort, which sets Christians up for disillusionment when life falls apart. Suffering doesn’t make for a great evangelism pitch—but it’s the honest path Jesus promised and the only road to resurrection. God doesn't waste pain—suffering can be a refining fire that exposes idols and reorients us toward what actually matters: Christ. Important Links: Singing Through the Fire: A Memoir of Finding Surprising Joy in Life's Darkest Trials by Lara Silverman Lara’s Instagram Lara’s website Lara Silverman is an Armenian-American lawyer, author, jazz singer, and comedic actress. A graduate of Stanford Law School and former high-stakes litigator, Lara's life changed dramatically when a rare illness left her bedridden and she lost her husband. Her debut memoir Singing Through Fire explores that story. You Might Also Like: How to Walk with Others Through Grief and Loss - Stacy Knapp Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com. Subscribe now Share Christianity Without Compromise is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network. Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe

    38 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    A Christian Response to Violence [BONUS]- Ft. Joash P. Thomas, Malcolm Foley, Natalie Drew, Nathan Perrin, and Joshua Schuettenhelm

    In this BONUS episode, recorded live, five past guests of Christianity Without Compromise join host Jake Doberenz to talk about the Christian response to violent current events, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, school shootings, ICE deportations, and attacks against marginalized communities. This raw, honest reflection includes Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley (author, The Anti-Greed Gospel), Rev. Joash Thomas (author, The Justice of Jesus), Joshua Schuettenhelm (military veteran turned pacifist), Natalie Drew (former soldier and current RAWTools board member), and Rev. Nathan Perrin (Mennonite pastor and activist). Drawing on personal experience, theology, and global justice work, we discuss the American church’s complicity in violence, the loss of empathy in our nation, and the urgent need for creative anti-violence rooted in the Cross. Important Links: The Justice of Jesus by Joash P. Thomas (pre-order) The Anti-Greed Gospel by Malcolm Foley Dogmatic Uncertainty by Joshua Schuttenhelm RAWTools Community Peacemaker Teams Guest Bios: Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley is co-pastor of Mosaic Waco and Director of Black Church Studies at Truett Seminary. He is the author of The Anti-Greed Gospel. He was on the episode “Greed, Racism, Violence, and Empire.” Rev. Joash Thomas is an international speaker, justice advocate, and author of The Justice of Jesus. Born in Mumbai and now based in Canada, he works in global human rights and decolonial theology. He was on the episode “Justice and Jesus and the Colonized Church.” Joshua Schuettenhelm is a former soldier turned pacifist who is also the author of Dogmatic Uncertainty. He was on the episode “A Christian Veteran Challenges Militarism.” Natalie Drew served as an infantry sergeant in Iraq and now serves on the board of the nonviolence organization RAWTools. She was on the episode “Why a Trans Woman Centers Her Faith in Christ.” Rev. Nathan Perrin is a Mennonite pastor at Lombard Mennonite Church and co-chair of Community Peacemaker Teams. He is active in Christian anti-violence organizing and diaspora research in Chicago. He was on the episode “How American Theology Broke the Middle East.” Jake Doberenz is the host of Christianity Without Compromise and founder of the podcast production company Theophany Media. He’s on, well, all the episodes! But here’s a fun one to listen to: “Why I’m Not a Creationist Anymore.” Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com. Christianity Without Compromise is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network. Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 7m

  3. 9 SEPT

    When Financial Security Hijacks Trust in God - Mick Wienholt

    Financial peace, debt-free living, and mortgage freedom are common Christian goals—but they can quietly mask an idolatry of control. In this episode, When You Look podcast host Mick Weinholt joins Christianity Without Compromise to examine how our cultural obsession with “financial freedom” can become a substitute for trusting God. From tithing to praying for mortgage miracles, we explore how even “good stewardship” can reveal deeper issues of self-reliance, fear, and misplaced devotion. Key takeaways from this episode: Church language around “financial freedom” often baptizes a desire for control; mortgage payoff and nest eggs can function as counterfeit saviors that promise relief from anxiety but demand devotion. Source matters. When God initiates a call to stewardship, obedience bears life; when self initiates from fear or ego, the same behaviors drift into mammon and idolatry. Tithing is less about hitting 10% and more about reordering loves; starting, increasing, and budgeting in prayer exposes whether money is a tool for worship or the object of worship. Important Links: When You Look podcast When You Look on Instagram Mick Weinholt is the host of When You Look, a podcast where ordinary people share extraordinary stories of how God shows up in everyday life. You Might Also Like: Trying to Control God Undermines Real Faith - Constance Hastings Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com. Christianity Without Compromise is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network. Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe

    38 min

  4. 2 SEPT

    Justice and Jesus in a Colonized Church - Joash Thomas

    Joash Thomas, public theologian and international speaker, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how colonization has shaped the theology and practice of the Western church. Drawing from his new book The Justice of Jesus, Joash identifies the idol of a spiritualized, disembodied gospel and critiques the way colonized theology resists concern for earthly liberation. He contrasts the justice-centered faith of the Global South with Western discomfort around oppression and marginalization, then defines what justice means in Christian tradition and what it costs to pursue it. Joash also shares examples of churches—particularly in Canada—that are reimagining discipleship through justice and generosity. This episode is especially helpful for pastors, church leaders, and anyone wrestling with how faith intersects with politics, colonization, and advocacy. Key takeaways from this episode: Colonized theology resists justice. Colonialism shaped the Western church to prioritize power and spiritualized salvation over the wellbeing of bodies and communities—contrary to the gospel Jesus preached in Luke 4. Justice is part of the gospel, not a distraction from it. Christian justice means giving people what God intended for them—both spiritual wholeness and physical flourishing. Churches can reclaim justice through generosity, advocacy, and humility. Real change comes when churches listen to marginalized voices, steward resources sacrificially, and stay engaged in their communities—not for their own gain, but on behalf of those with less power. Important Links: The Justice of Jesus by Joash Thomas Jesus, Justice, and Joash Substack Joash’s X account - https://x.com/JoashPThomas Joash’s Threads account - https://www.threads.com/@joashpthomas Joash P. Thomas is a public theologian, humanitarian activist, and ordained deacon in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. Born and raised in India, he brings a global and historical lens to faith. Formerly a Republican political consultant, Joash now leads international human rights advocacy and teaches on justice, colonization, and gospel renewal. His debut book is The Justice of Jesus: Reimagining Your Church’s Life Together to Pursue Liberation and Wholeness. You Might Also Like: Greed, Racism, Violence, and Empire - Malcolm Foley Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com. Christianity Without Compromise is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network. Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe

    43 min

  5. 26 AUG

    What Church Practices Are REALLY Teaching - Jake Doberenz

    Jake Doberenz, host of Christianity Without Compromise, explains how every element of church life—from stage lighting to service structure—communicates theology, often more powerfully than sermons do. Drawing on insights from communication studies and the work of Christian philosopher James K.A. Smith, Jake challenges listeners to audit their own church environments for the messages they unintentionally send. Key takeaways from this episode: Everything is liturgy: Every repeated action or structure in a church service—from seating arrangement to event schedules—communicates a theological message. Unintentional formation is still formation: Many churches unknowingly promote values like individualism, hierarchy, or exclusion through design and routine. Audit your church with fresh eyes: To align your church with Christlike values, ask what your space and practices teach about God, people, and the mission of the church. Important Links: Episode with David Ruybalid on toxic church leadership Scott McKnight and Lara Barringer's book “A Church Called Tov” Episode with Kate Boyd on the family-centered church Episode with Spencer Shaw on cultivating church culture About the Host:Jake Doberenz is the founder of the podcast production company Theophany Media and host of Christianity Without Compromise. He holds degrees in Bible and communication studies and is passionate about challenging cultural idols with faithful Christian thinking. Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe

    33 min

  6. 19 AUG

    Left Out of the Family-Centered Church - Kate Boyd

    Kate Boyd, author of An Untidy Faith, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how American churches have idolized the nuclear family. Kate notes the ways churches structure community around life stages, often excluding those who are single, childless, queer, widowed, or otherwise outside the cultural “norm.” Drawing from her own experience as a married, childless-by-choice woman, Kate identifies the unspoken assumptions that shape small groups, volunteer roles, and social expectations in church settings. She criticizes how church marketing models built around suburban, middle-class ideals have sidelined Jesus’ vision of the family of God—and how rethinking this can create more inclusive, connected communities. This episode is essential listening for pastors, church leaders, and anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit into the traditional church mold. Key takeaways from this episode: Church structures often default to life-stage segregation, which marginalizes people who don’t fit the traditional nuclear family timeline. The nuclear family as an ideal is more cultural than biblical, shaped by marketing strategies and postwar American values, not Jesus or the early church. Intergenerational and cross-stage friendships reflect the true family of God, and churches must actively reshape how they build community to reflect that. Important Links: Kate’s website - https://kateboyd.co Kate’s Substack - https://kateboyd.substack.com/ Kate on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kateboyd.co/ Christianity Without Compromise episode featuring Dr. Malcolm Foley Kate Boyd is a writer, Bible teacher, and digital creator helping Christians navigate faith with integrity in complex spaces. She holds a Master of Theological Studies with an emphasis in biblical studies from the Perkins School of Theology and is the author of An Untidy Faith: Journey Back to the Joy of Following Jesus. She runs the Untidy Faith Substack and regularly creates resources for Christians seeking depth, nuance, and community beyond conventional church structures. You Might Also Like: Why Church Size Doesn’t Measure Success - Justin Belt Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com. Christianity Without Compromise is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network. Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe

    42 min

  7. 12 AUG

    Religious Certainty and Being the Only Ones Saved - Scot Loyd

    What if we’re not the only true Christians? Scot Loyd, pastor, evangelist, and college professor turned oral historian, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the idol of religious certainty. Scot recounts growing up in the United Pentecostal Church, where strict behavioral codes and exclusivity shaped his understanding of God and community. He explains how certainty, especially the conviction of being the sole “true” group, fosters pride, insecurity, and transactional relationships—both with people and with God. Drawing from his journey away from high-control religion, Scot unpacks the historical and cultural forces that make certainty appealing, the dangers of reducing God to a formula, and how shifting the center of the story back to God changes everything. This episode is especially helpful for Christians wrestling with exclusivist upbringings or seeking a broader, more historic vision of the faith. Key takeaways from this episode: Certainty can create both pride in being “right” and deep insecurity about never doing enough. Exclusive truth claims often lead to transactional relationships and viewing outsiders as projects rather than people. Reading Scripture and forming beliefs in community, rather than isolation, helps keep God at the center instead of personal preference. Important Links: The Holiness of God by RC Sproul www.ScotLoyd.com Holy Ghost Preacher Boy podcast Christy Lynne Wood guest spot on Christianity Without Compromise Traci Rhoades guest spot on Christianity Without Compromise Scot Loyd is a former pastor, evangelist, and college professor who now works as an oral historian. He is the author of The God I Was Given: Looking for Faith After Losing My Religion and host of the Holy Ghost Preacher Boy podcast. Drawing on his upbringing in the United Pentecostal Church, Scot writes and speaks about faith, doubt, and finding freedom in Jesus beyond high-control religion. You Might Also Like: How Church Culture Can Turn Leaders Into Idols - David Ruybalid Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com. Christianity Without Compromise is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network. Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe

    49 min

  8. 5 AUG

    A Christian Veteran Challenges Militarism - Joshua Schuettenhelm

    Why is the American church so obsessed with the military? Joshua Schuettenhelm, Iraq War veteran and author of Dogmatic Uncertainty, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to expose the idol of militarism in American Christianity. Joshua traces his journey from embracing Christian nationalism and military service to discovering the radical, nonviolent way of Jesus. He explains how greed and fear fuel the military-industrial complex, how the church has been co-opted into empire thinking, and why collective repentance is necessary for Christians complicit in systems of violence. There’s also a really sobering conversation about how wrestling with militarism will require creative thinking in changing out economy. Key takeaways from this episode: American militarism is rooted in greed and fear, two forces Christians are called to resist. The early church’s unanimous opposition to violence offers a blueprint for reclaiming a Jesus-centered, nonviolent witness. Smashing the idol of militarism requires creativity, sacrifice, and a willingness to repent of cultural complicity in violence. Important Links: Dogmatic Uncertainty: Finding the Way of Jesus amid cults, militarism and evangelicalism by Joshua Seth (Schuettenhelm) Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond The Bomber Mafia: A Dream, a Temptation, and the Longest Night of the Second World War by Malcolm Gladwell Veterans for Peace organization Civil Resistance: What Everyone Needs to Know by Erica Chenoweth Don't Thank Me For My Service: My Viet Nam Awakening to the Long History of Us Lies by Brian Wilson The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Earley Joshua Schuettenhelm is a veteran of the Iraq War and former Air Force Crew Chief. His forthcoming book, Dogmatic Uncertainty, explores his journey from rigid belief to a liberated, Jesus-focused faith. You Might Also Like: The Dangers of Christian Nationalism & Tribalism - Larry Lin Greed, Racism, Violence, and Empire - Malcolm Foley Why a Trans Woman Centers Her Faith on Christ - Natalie Drew Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com. Christianity Without Compromise is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network. Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe

    43 min
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About

Christianity Without Compromise is a podcast for Christians weary of shallow faith and culture war religion. Hosted by Jake Doberenz, the show calls believers back to a Jesus-centered Christianity rooted in Scripture, the Spirit, and the witness of the early Church. Each episode takes on a modern idol—whether Christian nationalism, the prosperity gospel, purity culture, toxic church leadership, or the obsession with sin and Hell—and points listeners toward a truer way of following Jesus. Along the way, we wrestle with questions about politics, deconstruction, violence, greed, and the real demands of discipleship. This is a space for Christians asking hard questions, disentangling from cultural idols, and seeking a faith that is uncompromised in truth, love, and holiness. Subscribe for authentic conversations that move beyond the culture wars and toward Christ alone. jakedoberenz.substack.com

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