Having a Voluntary Faith - Cody Cook

In this conversation on the Christianity Without Compromise podcast (formerly Smashing Idols), host Jake Doberenz interviews theologian and author Cody Cook about the historical entanglement of Christianity and state power, and how the Anabaptist tradition challenges this fusion. Cook critiques the idol of coercive faith and argues for voluntary allegiance to Christ rooted in nonviolence and community. He outlines the radical commitments of the early Anabaptists—particularly their rejection of infant baptism, state-enforced religion, and Christian participation in violence—and connects their legacy to contemporary issues like political tribalism, Christian nationalism, and individualism. Cook makes a case for a faith that is both personal and communal, grounded in persuasion rather than force.Key takeaways from this episode:The Anabaptist tradition emphasizes voluntary faith, distinguishing the church from the coercive power structures of the state.The fusion of church and state throughout history often led to persecution and violence, which the Anabaptists sought to resist through consistent biblical application.Modern Christians are still tempted by political power, often outsourcing spiritual responsibilities to government systems under the guise of efficiency or moral urgency.Important Links:Cody Cook’s books and writing: anarchistanabaptist.comCody’s site: https://www.cantus-firmus.comCody Cook is a theologian with a BA and MA in biblical and theological studies from God’s Bible School and College. His work explores the intersection of Christian theology, political theory, and church history, especially through an Anabaptist and voluntaryist lens. He is the author of several books including Fight the Powers: What the Bible Says About the Relationship Between Spiritual Forces and Human Governments, The Anarchist Anabaptist: Essays on Radical Christianity and Freedom, and The Pocket Anabaptist: A Concise Systematic Theology of the Radical Reformation.SEE ALSO:Greed, Racism, Violence, and Empire - Malcolm FoleyFollow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.Smashing Idols is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network.Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe