Best Joshua Colon Podcasts (2025)

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Hell Obsession in American Christianity - Caleb S. Davis 49:51

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18h ago49:51

49:51

Fear sells—but fear isn’t the gospel Jesus preached. Caleb S. Davis, founder of the Simply Love Jesus ministry, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the American Church’s fixation on hell. In this episode, Caleb shares the math he did while writing his first book that sparked a theological deep-dive: only 10% of …

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How Christians Misunderstand Sin and Miss the Gospel - Matt Van Winkle 40:34

8d ago40:34

40:34

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 resha…

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Why Christians Shouldn’t Be Politically Neutral - Trey Ferguson 39:40

15d ago39:40

39:40

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 …

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Creating A Healthy Church - Ft. David Ruybalid, Traci Rhoades, Scot Loyd, and Christy Lynne Wood 1:04:43

22d ago1:04:43

1:04:43

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 fi…

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Why Hate Won’t Stop Christian Nationalism - Caleb E. Campbell 39:09

29d ago39:09

39:09

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 s…

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Faithfulness Won’t Always Save You From Suffering - Lara Silverman 38:09

1M ago38:09

38:09

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…

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A Christian Response to Violence [BONUS]- Ft. Joash P. Thomas, Malcolm Foley, Natalie Drew, Nathan Perrin, and Joshua Schuettenhelm 1:06:58

1M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

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.…

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When Financial Security Hijacks Trust in God - Mick Wienholt 37:49

1M ago37:49

37:49

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 …

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Justice and Jesus in a Colonized Church - Joash Thomas 43:27

2M ago43:27

43:27

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 West…

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What Church Practices Are REALLY Teaching - Jake Doberenz 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

Jake Doberenz, host of Christianity Without Compromise, explains how every element of church life—from stage lighting to service structure—communicates theology, often more powerfully than sermons do. Drawing on insights from communication studies and the work of Christian philosopher James K.A. Smith, Jake challenges listeners to audit their own c…

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Left Out of the Family-Centered Church - Kate Boyd 41:40

2M ago41:40

41:40

Kate Boyd, author of An Untidy Faith, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how American churches have idolized the nuclear family. Kate notes the ways churches structure community around life stages, often excluding those who are single, childless, queer, widowed, or otherwise outside the cultural “norm.” Drawing…

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Religious Certainty and Being the Only Ones Saved - Scot Loyd 48:58

2M ago48:58

48:58

What if we’re not the only true Christians? Scot Loyd, pastor, evangelist, and college professor turned oral historian, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the idol of religious certainty. Scot recounts growing up in the United Pentecostal Church, where strict behavioral codes and exclusivity shaped his understa…

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A Christian Veteran Challenges Militarism - Joshua Schuettenhelm 42:55

3M ago42:55

42:55

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 discoveri…

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Should Christians Do Politics? - SOLO Episode 23:37

3M ago23:37

23:37

Episode Summary:Jake Doberenz is back with a solo episode of Christianity Without Compromise to challenge the idol of politics. Jake lays out a theological case for stepping back from the political system altogether. This isn’t about left or right—it’s about loyalty to a kingdom that doesn’t rely on coercion, violence, or the next election cycle. J…

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Trying to Control God Undermines Real Faith - Constance Hastings 41:05

3M ago41:05

41:05

Constance Hastings, mental health counselor and author of The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to challenge the false expectation that Jesus exists to fix our problems. Drawing from her clinical background and her personal experience with suffering, Constance expl…

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Church Attendance Doesn't Replace Christian Living - Michael J. Clemens 32:13

3M ago32:13

32:13

Michael J. Clemens, author of Why Aren’t Christians More Like Jesus?, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the idol of “churchianity”—the tendency to substitute church participation for actual spiritual growth. Michael traces how his own journey from legalistic church life to a deeper relationship with Jesus reve…

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When Spiritual Formulas Distract Us from Jesus - Christy Lynne Wood 38:24

4M ago38:24

38:24

Christy Lynne Wood, author of Religious Rebels, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how an overemphasis on spiritual formulas distorts our understanding of discipleship. Christy reflects on her experience growing up in Bill Gothard’s ATI homeschool program, a formula-heavy system now widely recognized as cultic.…

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Sin Shouldn’t Define Christian Identity - James Early 41:36

4M ago41:36

41:36

James Early, prison minister and host of The Bible Speaks to You podcast, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the idol of sin-based identity in Christian theology. James challenges the widespread belief that humans are fundamentally wretched, depraved, or worthless, arguing instead for a biblical view rooted in …

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Why "Crotch Christianity" Misses the Gospel - SOLO Episode 21:05

4M ago21:05

21:05

Jake Doberenz, host of Christianity Without Compromise, addresses the cultural idol of overemphasizing sexual ethics in Christian identity. Challenging what Skye Jethani has dubbed "Crotch Christianity," he critiques the modern evangelical focus on LGBTQ+, abortion, and sex issues as the primary litmus test of faith. Drawing from personal experienc…

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No King but Christ and Rethinking the State - Craig Harguess 44:34

4M ago44:34

44:34

Craig Harguess, host of the Bad Roman Podcast, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss why Christians must reject the idol of the state and follow Jesus alone. Craig shares his personal journey from neoconservatism to a complete rejection of political allegiance. He outlines how Christians often outsource their mora…

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How Church Culture Can Turn Leaders Into Idols - David Ruybalid 40:09

4M ago40:09

40:09

David Ruybalid, trauma-informed pastor, writer, and co-founder of the Religious Trauma Network, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how American churches elevate leaders and impact to unhealthy levels. Ruybalid unpacks the historical roots of this mindset, describing the term “institutional Messiah” to note how …

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Why Church Size Doesn’t Measure Success - Justin Belt 34:39

5M ago34:39

34:39

In this conversation on the Christianity Without Compromise podcast, host Jake Doberenz interviews church planter Justin Belt about challenging the modern obsession with church size and attendance. Justin shares his personal journey of hearing God’s call to plant a church, only to find that obedience did not lead to instant success, large crowds, o…

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The Sermon on the Mount is Serious - Jake Doberenz 20:12

5M ago20:12

20:12

In this solo episode of the Smashing Idols podcast, host Jake Doberenz unpacks the cultural and theological habit of sidestepping Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Drawing on personal childhood stories of being a know-it-all, he critiques the tendency within Christian communities to reinterpret or downplay hard teachings with similar rhe…

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Faith is More than Belief - Kevin Sweeney 44:23

5M ago44:23

44:23

Kevin Sweeney, writer and former pastor, in on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly, the Smashing Idols podcast) with host Jake Doberenz to explore about moving beyond belief-based Christianity toward a faith rooted in experience, love, and justice. Kevin challenges the Western Christian tendency to prioritize cognitive belief over embodied sp…

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Having a Voluntary Faith - Cody Cook 38:41

5M ago38:41

38:41

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 al…

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Breaking Free from Complacency - Kate Battistelli 29:14

6M ago29:14

29:14

In this conversation on the Smashing Idols podcast, host Jake Doberenz interviews Kate Battistelli about confronting the idol of complacency and rediscovering identity in the empty nest stage of life. A former Broadway actress turned homeschooling mom, Kate shares how stepping out in faith led to an unexpected journey of authorship and ministry. Sh…

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Why I'm Not a Creationist Anymore - Jake Doberenz 21:29

6M ago21:29

21:29

In this solo conversation on the Christianity Without Compromise podcast (formerly Smashing Idols), host Jake Doberenz reflects on how his early passion for scripture evolved from a foundation in six-day creationism to a deeper, more contextually grounded love for the Bible. Jake shares how his faith journey shifted when he learned to ask the Bible…

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How a Monolingual Church Shuts People Out - Jonathan Downie 41:08

6M ago41:08

41:08

A church that only speaks English may unintentionally tell a third of its neighbors: you don’t belong here. Jonathan Downie, author of Multilingual Church and host of the Church Interpreting Podcast, joins Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) to expose how language choices shape who gets included in church—and who gets left out…

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Isolation and the Search for Authentic Community - Nic Flores 45:39

6M ago45:39

45:39

Nic Flores, former ministry leader and current content creator, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to explore the pull toward isolation and the life found in authentic community. Drawing from personal experiences in ministry, shame, and eventual reconnection, Nic challenges the idol of self-suffi…

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Does God Want Me to be Happy? - Jon Adams 40:40

7M ago40:40

40:40

In this conversation on the Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) podcast, host Jake Doberenz interviews pastor Jon Adams about the cultural tendency to treat our feelings as sacred. Jon, a writer, pastor, and YouTuber who focuses on Christian mysticism, explores how emotions can become idols when we let them dictate our identit…

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The Bible Is Not Just an Information Book - Joseph Dea 43:52

7M ago43:52

43:52

Many Christians say the Bible isn’t a textbook—but still treat it like one. Joseph Dea, pastor, podcaster, and founder of Buddy Walk with Jesus, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to explore why the Bible isn’t meant to simply give answers but to form us spiritually. They unpack how shame, church…

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Can the Bible be an Idol? - Andrew Fouts 46:47

7M ago46:47

46:47

Christians love the Bible—but have we started worshiping it instead of the God it points to? Andrew Fouts, host of Ministry Misfits and longtime sports ministry leader, joins Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with Jake Doberenz to explore how Scripture has been elevated beyond its purpose. They trace how the Bible is used as…

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Youth Ministry Needs the Rest of the Church Family - Luke Dockery 42:27

7M ago42:27

42:27

Young people are leaving the Church—and it’s not just a trend, it’s a systemic failure. Luke Dockery, youth and family minister at Cloverdale Church of Christ and adjunct professor at Harding University, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how youth ministry often operates in isolation,…

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When the Church Embraced Nonviolence - Jason Porterfield 43:31

7M ago43:31

43:31

The early Church didn’t just believe nonviolence was an occasional good idea—they practiced it, all the time, even when it cost them everything. 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. …

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The Dangers of Christian Nationalism & Tribalism - Larry Lin 46:50

8M ago46:50

46:50

Larry Lin, pastor and writer, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the idol of Christian nationalism and how it distorts the church’s witness. Larry unpacks the historical and theological problems with merging national identity and Christian faith, clarifies what Christian nationalism ac…

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Greed, Racism, Violence, and Empire - Malcolm Foley 51:57

8M ago51:57

51:57

Dr. Malcolm Foley, pastor, historian, and author of The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money Is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Move Forward, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to expose greed as the spiritual force behind racism, empire, and violence. Malcolm traces the invention o…

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Why a Trans Woman Centers Her Faith in Christ - Natalie Drew 43:40

8M ago43:40

43:40

Natalie Drew joins the Christianity Without Compromise podcast (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to talk about navigating faith as a Christian trans woman, military veteran, and committed pacifist. Natalie critiques the idolization of identity—especially within LGBTQ and activist spaces—and reflects on how re-centering her life on C…

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The Illusion of Control - Brian Sturtz 35:22

8M ago35:22

35:22

Brian Sturtz, director of spiritual care and longtime minister, is on Christianity Without Compromise (then called Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to unpack the illusion of control and how it warps Christian faith. Drawing from years as a trauma and hospice chaplain, Brian explains how reactivity—our instinctive effort to manage fear—leads …

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Spiritually Distracted by Technology - Andrew Noble 39:47

9M ago39:47

39:47

We may not bow down to golden statues, but our screens often hold the same power. Andrew Noble, PhD candidate in theology and host of What Would Jesus Tech?, joins Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) to discuss the hidden ways technology becomes an idol. With host Jake Doberenz, Andrew unpacks his journey from startup tech wor…

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Discerning Your God-Given Calling - Thomas Salerno 47:50

9M ago47:50

47:50

Writer and storyteller Thomas Salerno joins host Jake Doberenz on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) to unpack the idols of achievement and purpose through his personal journey—from curating fossils at the American Museum of Natural History to discovering God-given gifts in writing and teaching. Thomas shares how divine provi…

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How Different Traditions Deepen Our Faith in One Jesus - Traci Rhoades 47:09

11M ago47:09

47:09

Most Christians say they want church unity—but what does that actually look like? Author and Bible teacher Traci Rhoades joins Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) to share her multi-denominational journey, from Southern Baptist roots to Reformed churches to pursuing the Catholic Church. With host Jake Doberenz, she refle…

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How Autistic Christians Engage with Faith - Jonathan Machnee 52:59

11M ago52:59

52:59

Jonathan Machnee, host of Christian on the Spectrum podcast, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the intersection of autism and the Christian faith. Jonathan shares his journey from growing up in church, through deconstruction and atheism, to then returning to Christianity with a …

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Christians Must Learn to Tell Better Stories - Payton Minzenmayer 46:20

11M ago46:20

46:20

Payton Minzenmayer, pastor at Vero Beach Church of Christ and founder of Christian Story Lab, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) with host Jake Doberenz to explore how Christians can reclaim storytelling as a transformative spiritual tool. From hiding Pokémon cartridges as a kid to writing his first book Story on …

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Learning Alone Won’t Transform Your Faith - Mike Clarensau 46:21

11M ago46:21

46:21

We’ve built churches that run on doing and learning—but rarely teach believers how to rely on the Spirit. Dr. Mike Clarensau, author of A Spirit Empowered Life, joins host Jake Doberenz on Christianity Without Compromise (then called Theology Meets World) to challenge the modern tendency to substitute knowledge for power. Drawing from Scripture and…

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How Faith Deconstruction Can Lead Back to Jesus - Scot McKnight 33:19

11M ago33:19

33:19

Scot McKnight, renowned New Testament scholar and author of the new book Invisible Jesus, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the rise of faith deconstruction. Scot addresses how believers who leave rigid or politicized expressions of Christianity are often not abandoning faith bu…

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Disaster Preparedness Is a Gospel Issue Too - Kiva Maxwell 41:36

12M ago41:36

41:36

Churches are known for stepping up after a disaster—but what if the real calling begins before the crisis? Kiva Maxwell, disaster preparedness planner for the CDC in the Houston area, joins host Jake Doberenz on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) to explore how faith, public health, and community resilience intersect. F…

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How the Internet is Reshaping Christian Discipleship - Mike van Goch 46:21

12M ago46:21

46:21

Churches rushed online during the pandemic—but few paused to ask what Scripture actually says about internet technology. Mike Van Goch, Canadian writer, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) with host Jake Doberenz to discuss what Christians get wrong about the internet, online church, and digital discipleship. They …

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Why Do Christians Fall for Conspiracy Theories? - Jared Stacy 52:41

1y ago52:41

52:41

Dr. Jared Stacy, a seasoned pastor and PhD researcher on conspiratorial thinking, joins host Jake Doberenz on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) to explore how conspiracy theories—past and present—have shaped American evangelicalism and Christianity at large. Jared unpacks the structure of conspiratorial narratives: hid…

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How American Politics Collided with the Church - Chris Staron 45:27

1y ago45:27

45:27

The church’s political entanglements didn’t come out of nowhere—but most Christians don’t know the history. Chris Staron, host of the award-winning Truce podcast, joins Jake Doberenz on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) to unpack how theology and social change collided with American politics, forming the complex landsc…

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How Movies Can Shape Faith More Than Sermons - Joseph Holmes 52:45

1y ago52:45

52:45

Joseph Holmes, film critic and co-host of The Overthinkers podcast, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets Word) with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how Christians should engage with movies, entertainment, and pop culture. Raised by two ordained ministers who modeled how to connect theology with storytelling, Joseph shares ho…