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

    4天前

    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 分钟
  2. Why Christians Shouldn’t Be Politically Neutral - Trey Ferguson

    10月7日

    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 分钟
  3. 9月30日

    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

    1 小时 5 分钟
  4. 9月23日

    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 分钟
  5. 9月16日

    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. 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 分钟
  6. 9月15日 · 附赠内容

    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

    1 小时 7 分钟
  7. When Financial Security Hijacks Trust in God - Mick Wienholt

    9月9日

    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 分钟
  8. 9月2日

    Justice and Jesus in a Colonized Church - Joash Thomas

    Justice isn’t optional in the Christian faith—it’s central. But too often, the Western Church has treated justice as a distraction rather than a demand. 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 much fo Western theology resists concern for earthly liberation. He 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: 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 分钟

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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

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