Christianity Without Compromise: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars

Jake Doberenz

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. The Myth of Good Christian Parenting - Kelsey Kramer McGinnis & Marissa Franks Burt

    1D AGO

    The Myth of Good Christian Parenting - Kelsey Kramer McGinnis & Marissa Franks Burt

    The Bible isn’t exactly a Christian parenting book, despite what some popular books might suggest. Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, musicologist and journalist, and Marissa Franks Burt, novelist and theological educator, are on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to dissect the common myths behind Christian parenting advice. They explore how evangelical parenting books sold a prosperity gospel-like promise—if you parent “biblically,” your kids will follow Jesus. They trace the rise of this parenting empire, unpack key influences like James Dobson and Chuck Swindoll, and explain how poor theology has led to confusion, fear, and broken relationships across generations. Important Links: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting by Kelsey McGinnis and Marissa Burt - https://amzn.to/3JUUsH0In the Church Library Podcast (co-hosted by Kelsey and Marissa) - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2463181Marissa Franks Burt’s Substack - https://substack.com/@mburtwritesKelsey Kramer McGinnis’s Substack - https://substack.com/@kelseykramermcginnisRecommended episode: “How Faith Deconstruction Can Lead Back to Jesus” with Scot McKnight Kelsey McGinnis is a musicologist, educator, and journalist who writes about worship, Christian subculture, and church media. She holds a PhD from the University of Iowa and teaches as an adjunct professor at Grand View University. She is also a correspondent for Christianity Today. Marissa Burt is a novelist, editor, and theological educator with an MA in Theological Studies from Columbia International University. She co-hosts the At Home with the Lectionary podcast and is raising six children with her husband, a longtime pastor. Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.

    53 min
  2. Christian Media Can’t Replace the Bible - Craig Dehut

    NOV 4

    Christian Media Can’t Replace the Bible - Craig Dehut

    Short-form sermon clips, podcasts, and documentaries are more accessible than ever—but what happens when Christians consume media about the Bible instead of the Bible itself? Craig Dehut, cinematographer, editor, and co-founder of Appian Media, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how digital content should supplement—not replace—scripture. This episode confronts the growing reliance on Christian media and explores how it can unintentionally derail spiritual growth. If you care about Christian faith, discipleship, and resisting the pull of technology in the digital age, this conversation is for you. Important Links: Appian Media YouTube ChannelAppian Media Website"How Movies Can Shape Faith More Than Sermons" - Joseph Holmes"Spiritually Distracted by Technology" - Andrew Noble"The Bible is Not Just an Information Book" - Joseph DeaCraig Dehut is a filmmaker, editor, and co-founder of Appian Media, a nonprofit producing biblically accurate, high-quality video content designed to deepen engagement with scripture. With a background in film production and storytelling, Craig blends visual creativity with biblical conviction. His work includes immersive documentaries filmed in the Holy Lands, educational series, and podcasts—all freely available to help people read the Bible with fresh eyes. Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.

    38 min
  3. Should Christians Ever Kill? - Ft. Jason Porterfield and Cody Cook

    OCT 28

    Should Christians Ever Kill? - Ft. Jason Porterfield and Cody Cook

    Violence has become an assumed option for many Christians in war, politics, and even personal safety. But that wasn’t always the case. Christianity Without Compromise host Jake Doberenz chats with Jason Porterfield, Christian peacemaker and author of Fight Like Jesus, and Cody Cook, theologian and author of Anarchist Anabaptist, for a live roundtable on one provocative question: should Christians ever kill? They unpack what Jesus really taught about violence, how the early Church practiced enemy love, and why modern Christian ethics often distort that legacy.  Important Links: Jason Porterfield’s free PDF: 140 Early Christian Quotes on Not KillingFight Like Jesus: How Jesus Waged Peace Throughout Holy Week by Jason PorterfieldAnarchist Anabaptist: Essays on Radical Christianity and Freedom“Problem Passages for Libertarian Christians: Romans 13” podcast episode from the Libertarian Christian Institute“How Do You Know a Christian,” Plough Quarterly, by Cody CookThe City of Refuge - podcast miniseriesWhy Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict by Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. StephanGuest Bios: Jason Porterfield is a Christian peacemaker, author, and speaker. A former missionary among the urban poor in Canada and Southeast Asia, he now writes and teaches on how Jesus waged peace, especially during Holy Week. He is the author of Fight Like Jesus. Check out his episode “When the Church Embraced Nonviolence.”Cody Cook is a theologian, author, and host of the Cantus Firmus podcast. He writes on topics of Christian nonviolence, Anabaptism, and liberty, and is affiliated with the Libertarian Christian Institute. He had many books, including Anarchist Anabaptist. Check out his episode “Having a Voluntary Faith.”Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.

    1h 5m
  4. Hell Obsession in American Christianity - Caleb S. Davis

    OCT 21

    Hell Obsession in American Christianity - Caleb S. Davis

    Why are American Christians so obsessed with Hell? Caleb S. Davis, founder of the Simply Love Jesus ministry, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the American Church’s fixation on hell. In this episode, Caleb shares the math he did while writing his first book that sparked a theological deep-dive: only 10% of Jesus’ teachings mention the afterlife. So why do modern Christians act like it’s the whole story? Together, Caleb and Jake unpack the forces behind the hell-centered evangelistic sales pitch, explore the the recent historical roots of eternal conscious torment, and discuss how to communicate salvation to children. They offer a richer, more hope-filled understanding of the gospel. Important Links: Simply Love Jesus ministryLetter to the TikTokians by Caleb S. DavisThe King Jesus Gospel by Scot McKnightBeyond the Salvation Wars by Matthew BatesGospel Allegiance by Matthew BatesFive Views on the Gospel edited by Michael F. Bird and Jason MastonLove Wins by Rob Bell Rev. Caleb S. Davis is the author of Simply Love Jesus and Letter to the TikTokians, host of the Simply Love Jesus podcast, and the founder of the Simply Love Jesus ministry. A former student pastor and current church planter, Caleb is passionate about helping people move beyond fear-driven faith to a Jesus-centered life. He currently lives in Florida and leads Simple Church, a community focused on loving Jesus and being good news in the world. Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.

    50 min
  5. How Christians Misunderstand Sin and Miss the Gospel - Matt Van Winkle

    OCT 14

    How Christians Misunderstand Sin and Miss the Gospel - Matt Van Winkle

    Most Christians think they understand sin—but the way we preach, teach, and convert says otherwise. Matt Van Winkle, minister and scholar with a Doctor of Ministry from Northern Seminary, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to expose how flattening sin into nothing more than moral failure has distorted the gospel and reshaped the Church’s approach to conversion. Drawing from deep theological and biblical study, Matt unpacks how the Bible portrays sin as more than just bad actions—it’s a cosmic power shaping the systems we live in. The conversation explores how the Western Church often reduces sin to guilt and moral failure, and why this simplification has produced evangelism strategies rooted more in shame than in grace. Along the way, they dive into key biblical texts, how culture has shaped Christian ethics, and why a broader understanding of sin opens the door for a more compelling gospel. Key Takeaways: Sin in Scripture includes moral failure, debt, and a cosmic power—yet modern Christians tend to overemphasize guilt while ignoring systemic and spiritual dimensions. Evangelism that starts with guilt often misses the heart of the gospel and can harm people instead of inviting them into transformation. Understanding sin as a pervasive force allows Christians to engage with the world more compassionately, choosing spiritual formation over moral policing. Important Links: And Upon This Rock: Peter’s Transformative Journey from Fisherman to Follower to Foundational Leader - book co-authored by Matt Van Winkle and others from Northern Seminary Sin: A History by Gary A. Anderson The Wounded Heart of God: The Asian Concept of Han and the Christian Doctrine of Sin by Andrew S. Park King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited by Scot McKnight “Spiritually Distracted by Technology” - Episode featuring Andrew Noble on theology and technology “Sin Shouldn’t Define Christian Identity” - Episode featuring James Early on being too focused on sin Matt on Threads - https://www.threads.com/@mattvw9287 Matt Van Winkle is a minister, writer, and teacher with a Doctor of Ministry from Northern Seminary, where he studied under Scott McKnight. He has taught courses on the New Testament, Pauline letters, and the global history of Christianity. His academic and pastoral work focuses on sin, conversion, and the overlap between spiritual formation and church practice. He is a contributor to And Upon This Rock: Peter’s Transformative Journey from Fisherman to Follower to Foundational Leader and is active on Threads. You Might Also Like: Sin Shouldn’t Define Christian Identity - James Early Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com. Christianity Without Compromise is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network.

    41 min
  6. Why Christians Shouldn’t Be Politically Neutral - Trey Ferguson

    OCT 7

    Why Christians Shouldn’t Be Politically Neutral - Trey Ferguson

    Centrism sounds safe—but it may be the most dangerous position of all. On this episode of Christianity Without Compromise, Trey Ferguson, minister and writer, joins Jake Doberenz to challenge the idea that Christians can or should stay neutral in a politically polarized world. Ferguson critiques the popular instinct to “reject both sides,” arguing that a refusal to take political positions often enables injustice and reinforces the status quo. Drawing from both Anabaptist and Black liberationist perspectives, Trey explains why political disengagement is not a virtue—and why Jesus himself was political in ways that subverted empire and sided with the oppressed. This raw and honest conversation covers the failures of American partisanship, the illusion of centrism, the cost of prophetic love, and an intriguing reimagining of how to think about voting—not as allegiance, but as accountability. Key Takeaways: Centrism often disguises itself as wisdom but ultimately becomes a refusal to take a stand when it matters most. Jesus wasn’t partisan, but he was political: siding with the oppressed, confronting injustice, and rejecting empire. Following Jesus means committing to the wholeness of others, which includes confronting systems and ideologies that harm them. Important Links: Trey Ferguson’s Website - pastortrey05.com Trey Ferguson’s Substack - The Son Do Move Theologizin’ Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Holy Three Black Men podcast Making It Plain: Why We Need Anabaptism and the Black Church by Drew G.I. Hart Trey Ferguson is a minister, writer, speaker, and public theologian known for his thoughtful commentary on faith, culture, and politics. He holds an MDiv from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. Trey pastors The Intersection Church and hosts both Three Black Men and New Living Treyslation. He is the author of Theologizin’ Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Holy, and shares resources for justice-minded Christians at pastortrey05.com. You Might Also Like: Justice and Jesus in a Colonized Church - Joash Thomas 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

    40 min

  7. SEP 30

    Creating A Healthy Church - Ft. David Ruybalid, Traci Rhoades, Scot Loyd, and Christy Lynne Wood

    Big budgets, charismatic leaders, and polished worship can hide deep dysfunction. In this roundtable episode, four past guests return to Christianity Without Compromise to ask what’s gone so wrong in today’s churches—and what true spiritual health might look like. Christy Lynne Wood, author and ex-Gothardite, shares how toxic religion led her to find a real Jesus outside legalism. Oral historian and former pastor Scot Loyd breaks down how American entrepreneurialism and church growth strategies helped cultivate a narcissistic leadership class. Traci Rhoades, writer and Christian unity advocate, reflects on the noisy demands of evangelicalism and her journey toward contemplative spiritual practices. David Ruybalid, pastor and co-founder of the Religious Trauma Network, calls for churches to center care, not control. Together, they challenge seeker-sensitive worship, confront church-as-business models, and offer hard-won wisdom on how churches can stop replicating systems of abuse and start becoming spaces of restoration. Important Links: Religious Rebels by Christy Lynne Wood The God I Was Given by Scot Loyd Not All Who Wander Spiritually Are Lost by Traci Rhoades Shaky Ground: What to Do After the Bottom Drops Out by Traci Rhoades Religious Trauma Network Deep & Wide Academy: Sexual Abuse in the Church Course Guest Bios: Christy Lynne Wood is an author, speaker, and podcaster focused on dismantling religious legalism and helping people discover a real relationship with Jesus. Check out her episode “When Spiritual Formulas Distract Us from Jesus” Scot Loyd is a writer and former pastor who now works as an oral historian, focusing on high-control religion and spiritual reconstruction. Check out his episode “Religious Certainty and Being the Only Ones Saved.” Traci Rhoades is a writer and spiritual explorer whose books focus on church unity and contemplative practice. Check out her episode “How Different Traditions Deepen Our Faith in One Jesus.” David Ruybalid is a pastor and co-founder of the Religious Trauma Network, advocating for systemic change in how churches handle abuse and power. Check out his episode “How Church Culture Can Turn Leaders Into Idols.” 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! Listen to this episode “What Church Practices Are REALLY Teaching.”  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 5m

  8. SEP 23

    Why Hate Won’t Stop Christian Nationalism - Caleb E. Campbell

    Christians must love their enemies—even the ones that are political extremists. Caleb E. Campbell, pastor and author of Disarming Leviathan, joins Christianity Without Compromise hosted by Jake Doberenz to explore a more faithful way: loving those caught in Christian nationalism. Drawing on his own story of being discipled into and out of a white supremacist movement, Caleb explains why people are drawn into political ideologies that promise belonging and purpose. Instead of demonizing or debating, he calls Christians to practice hospitality, listen with empathy, and guide others gently back to Jesus. Ultimately, because through Christ people can change, we have hope. Key Takeaways: Most Christian nationalists are motivated by fear and disorientation—and they’re looking for community and meaning. Transformation happens through relationships, not arguments; listening, curiosity, and trust are essential tools. Demonizing political enemies only strengthens their tribal commitment and undermines the witness of Jesus’s way. Important Links: Disarming Leviathan website Disarming Leviathan book Disarming Leviathan podcast episode with Tim Gombis on the Book of Mark Disarming Leviathan instagram Disarming Leviathan Twitter/X Rev. Caleb E. Campbell is the lead pastor of Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona, a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary, a regional director for the Surge Network, and is a founder of the J29 Coalition. He’s the voice behind Disarming Leviathan, a podcast and book focused on confronting Christian nationalism through love, truth, and spiritual formation. You Might Also Like: The Dangers of Christian Nationalism & Tribalism - Larry Lin 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

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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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