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:
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
Malcolm Foley’s episode on Christianity Without Compromise
Natalie Drew’s episode on Christianity Without Compromise
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.
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Christian nationalism is not just a fringe ideology—it’s a growing movement reshaping how many Christians think about faith and politics. Larry Lin, pastor and writer, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to unpack what Christian nationalism really is, why it’s dangerous, and how it hijacks the gospel. …
Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.
Christianity Without Compromise is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network.
