Jason Porterfield, author and peacemaking advocate, joins host Jake Doberenz on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) to discuss how violence is challenged by Christ’s model for peace. Jason shares his personal journey from experiencing the acceptance of war after 9/11 to living in some of the poorest areas of the world. They discuss the early church’s stance on violence, contrasting it with contemporary views, and delve into Jesus’ approach during Holy Week, particularly the significance of the Triumphal Entry. This episode explores questions like What does it look like to follow Jesus through conflict and injustice? and Can Christians champion justice without resorting to violence?
Key takeaways from this episode:
Early church’s unanimous rejection of violence stemmed from the conviction that “Christians do not hurt even their enemy,” viewing war in every form as incompatible with discipleship.
Jesus’ triumphal entry on a donkey was nonviolent street theater, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy of a humble Messiah and reframing expectations away from armed revolt toward sacrificial peace.
Peacemaking starts locally and relationally: joining existing justice efforts in your community, listening to diverse Christian voices, and practicing mutual understanding—even across political or ideological divides.
Important Links
Fight Like Jesus: How Jesus Waged Peace Throughout Holy Week by Jason Porterfield
Fire and Faith: The Untold Story of Sebastian Castellio’s Epic Battle with John Calvin by Kristin Jack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jg_porterfield
Jason Porterfield has made his home in places abandoned by society. He was a founding member of the Servants team in Vancouver, started a new team in Indonesia, and directed operations in North America through 2015. Jason holds a master in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is the author of Fight Like Jesus, an award-winning book that equips readers with practical peacemaking skills as it examines how Jesus waged peace on each day of Holy Week.
Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.
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