When Christians step into politics, how much compromise comes with the territory? Can we preach about loving enemies on Sunday while voting to bomb them on Tuesday? Jake Doberenz, host of Christianity Without Compromise and author of the Smashing Idols newsletter, joins us to explore what happens when believers trade the cross for a ballot, and call it discipleship.

From a high school election that may have been rigged to the very adult reality of war-making, political idolatry, the allure of power, we ask: what happens to our witness when we outsource sin to Caesar?

Jake shares his journey from Republican Club president to his tug of war between faith and politics, highlighting the compromises often required in politics and presenting a firsthand look at how politics pulls Christians away from the teachings of Jesus.

Craig and Jake dive deep into the inconsistencies that arise when Christians prioritize political allegiances over Jesus' teachings, particularly in hot-button issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Together they revisit 1 Samuel 8, Psalm 146, the Sermon on the Mount, and why Romans 12 must shape any reading of Romans 13. The heartbeat: No King but Christ is a reminder that Scripture consistently warns us against putting our trust in rulers and systems that thrive on coercion.

Through it all, Craig and Jake call the church back to consistency, repentance, and allegiance to a Kingdom that doesn’t run on violence or votes. Jake explains the mission behind his podcast, emphasizing the importance of addressing modern idols (including politics and Christian nationalism) that often distract from true faith.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Christians can follow Jesus without compromise in a world obsessed with power, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you live out your loyalties. Because at the end of the day, there’s only one political statement that matters:

No King but Christ.

Highlights & Takeaways

Why “small” political compromises become soul-sized contradictions for disciples of Jesus.
The high-school election story that exposed politics’ deep messiness.
How participation can cause real harm (especially when the rulers we empower unleash violence)
1 Samuel 8: Israel demanded a king. God forecast the taxes, conscription, and sorrow that followed.
Psalm 146 as a Christian political manifesto: “Do not put your trust in princes.”
Read Romans 13 through Romans 12 (enemy-love before empire-law)
Why consistency (“love your neighbor/enemy”) draws seekers, while hypocrisy drives them away.

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-146

🤝Connect with Jake Doberenz:

Article Discussed in this episode: I Think I Rigged an Election
Christianity Without Compromise Podcast: Apple, Spotify
Jake’s Website
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LinkedIn
Facebook
Company Website: Theophany Media

Key Moments:

(0:22) Introducing guest Jake Doberins

(1:00) From “Smashing Idols” to “Christianity Without Compromise”

(2:26) Standing firm on the words of Jesus

(4:07) Jake’s background and calling

(8:00) Early political experience

(15:22) Wrestling with faith and politics

(19:52) The cost of Christian political involvement

(24:12) Consistency as Christian witness

(28:51) 1 Samuel 8 and Israel’s demand for a king

(32:00) Reading Romans 13 through Romans 12

(35:35) The corrupting nature of power

(40:17) Psalm 146 — trusting God, not princes

(45:39) The mission behind Christianity Without Compromise

(50:28) Encouragement for Christian creators

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Jesus Centered Life, Not Left or Right: Christianity without Compromise with Jake Doberenz