Is your faith shaped more by culture and politics than by Christ? Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to follow Jesus that’s truly countercultural—one that resists the pull of both left and right?

In this episode of The Bad Roman Podcast, host Craig Hargues sits down with author and researcher Cody Cook to unpack the radical history and modern relevance of Anabaptism. Cody shares insights from his new book, The Anarchist Anabaptist, diving into what made this movement so disruptive—believers’ baptism, nonviolence, separation from the state—and why their bold commitment to Jesus still challenges mainstream Christianity today.

What’s in it for you?

🔹 Faith Without Compromise – Learn how Anabaptists resisted political entanglements and what that means for Christians today.

🔹 Jesus vs. Empire – Explore the Anabaptist commitment to nonviolence and how it contrasts with modern Christian attitudes toward self-defense and war.

🔹 Practical Takeaways – Should Christians vote? Can pacifism and self-defense coexist? How do we build faith communities outside of state influence?

🔹 Honest Conversations – Craig and Cody don’t shy away from the tough stuff, including why Reformers persecuted Anabaptists and why their theology aligns more with Christian anarchism than many realize.

This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a challenge to rethink what it means to follow Christ in a world that demands compromise. If you’re ready to wrestle with faith in a deeper way, this episode is worth your time.

👉For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-128

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Connect with Cody Cook:

Starting Points & Key Moments:

(1:07) Background on Anabaptists

(1:48) Cody's Current Projects

(3:55) Anabaptist Church Availability

(5:06) Diversity Within Modern Anabaptism

(9:05) Anabaptists and Anarchism

(12:28) Historical Context of Anabaptism

(20:40) Pacifism and Self-Defense in Christian thought

(29:28) American Revolution and Christianity

(47:49) State Ordination and Biblical Perspective

(52:55) Democracy vs monarchy debate

(54:24) Cody's book recommendations and future projects

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