Kingdom Values

128. The Anabaptist Way: Rediscovering Radical Christianity with Cody Cook

About this Episode

Are you tired of feeling like your faith has been watered down by political allegiances and cultural compromises? Do you long for a Christianity that truly embodies the radical teachings of Jesus? In this eye-opening episode of the Bad Roman Podcast, you'll dive deep into the world of Anabaptism with author and researcher Cody Cook. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and rediscover what it truly means to follow Christ in a world that often seems at odds with His teachings.

A Return to Radical Roots

The Anabaptist movement emerged in the 16th century as a response to what many saw as a compromised Christianity. While the Protestant Reformation challenged some aspects of the Catholic Church, the Anabaptists took things further, seeking to return to the radical roots of the early church.

Cody Cook explains:
"The Anabaptists were seen as part of what was called the radical Reformation, which means extreme in common parlance, but it also means basically to go back to the original sources. Basically, to be radical means to go back to the beginning. And I think that's really what they did, more so than Protestants were willing to do."

This commitment to returning to the source—the teachings of Jesus and the early church—set the Anabaptists apart and led to revolutionary ideas that continue to challenge mainstream Christianity today.

Key Insights: What Made the Anabaptists Different?

1. Believers' Baptism
One of the most defining characteristics of Anabaptism was their rejection of infant baptism in favor of baptizing only those who could make a conscious decision to follow Christ. This may seem commonplace now, but at the time, it was revolutionary and threatening to the established order.

As Cook points out:
"Roman Christianity had long assumed the validity of the Volkskirch, that is, that with the exception of heretics and Jews, everyone in Europe belonged to the Church, the people's church, by virtue of infant baptism."

By rejecting infant baptism, Anabaptists were essentially challenging the entire concept of Christendom and the marriage of church and state.

2. Nonviolence and Pacifism
Another core tenet of Anabaptism was a commitment to nonviolence and pacifism. This wasn't just a personal preference, but a deeply held conviction based on their understanding of Jesus' teachings.

Cook explains:
"Jesus not only modeled non-violent love toward his enemies, but he commanded it from his followers as well. And that made them stand out from the Protestants."

This commitment to nonviolence put Anabaptists at odds with both Catholic and Protestant authorities, leading to severe persecution.

3. Separation from the State
Unlike the reformers who sought to create new "Christian" states, Anabaptists believed in a clear separation between the church and worldly powers. They saw themselves as citizens of God's kingdom first and foremost.

"Christ is our king," Cook emphasizes. "So we should expect that there is going to be some conflict from time to time between the kingdom of God and the kings of men. And when that happens, we're always to side with our loyalty to the kingdom of God."

Challenging Your Assumptions: Rethinking Self-Defense and Pacifism

One of the most thought-provoking aspects of our conversation with Cody Cook was his exploration of pacifism and self-defense. Many Christians, especially in America, have a knee-jerk reaction against pacifism, seeing it as weak or impractical. But Cook challenges you to reconsider this view:

"Ultimately, at the root of it is just the Latin word pox, which means peace. And so it's a way of approaching peace, of peacemaking, essentially."

He goes on to explain that pacifism doesn't necessarily mean complete inaction in the face of threat, but rather a commitment to pursuing peaceful solutions and avoiding lethal force.

This perspective forces us to confront some uncomfortable questions:

  • Have we allowed our cultural values to overshadow the teachings of Jesus when it comes to violence?

  • Are there creative, nonviolent ways to protect yourself and others that haven’t been fully explored?

  • How might your witness as a Christian change if you truly embraced a commitment to peacemaking?

Practical Advice: Living Out Anabaptist Principles Today

While you may not be called to join an Anabaptist church, there are valuable lessons you can learn from their approach to faith:

  1. Prioritize the teachings of Jesus: Make a conscious effort to center your faith on the words and actions of Christ, even when they challenge cultural norms.

  2. Seek peaceful solutions: In conflicts, big and small, look for ways to de-escalate and promote reconciliation rather than retaliation.

  3. Question allegiances: Regularly examine whether your political or cultural loyalties are in conflict with your primary allegiance to Christ's kingdom.

  4. Live simply and in community: Consider ways to simplify your life and deepen your connections with other believers.

  5. Be willing to stand apart: Don't be afraid to take countercultural stances when your faith demands it.

What did we Learn About Radical Christianity?

Our conversation with Cody Cook reminds us that following Jesus has always been a radical act. The Anabaptists, despite their flaws and the intense persecution they faced, offer Christians a compelling vision of what it means to take Jesus' teachings seriously.

As you navigate the complex landscape of modern Christianity, perhaps it's time to revisit some of these "radical" ideas. What if you truly embraced nonviolence, even in the face of threats? What if you saw yourself primarily as a citizen of God's kingdom rather than any earthly nation? What if you committed to building voluntary communities of faith rather than relying on state power to enforce your beliefs?

These are challenging questions, but they're worth wrestling with. As Cook's upcoming book The Anarchist Anabaptist suggests, there may be more overlap between these historical believers and modern Christian anarchists than you might think.

Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into these fascinating topics. And as you do, ask yourself: How might embracing some of these Anabaptist principles transform your walk with Christ?

Connect with Cody Cook:

Episode Timestamps:

(1:07) Background on Anabaptists

(1:48) Cody's Current Projects

(3:55) Anabaptist Church Availability

  • Craig's search for Anabaptist churches in the Memphis area

  • Challenges of attending distant churches

(5:06) Diversity Within Modern Anabaptism

  • Spectrum of conservative to liberal Anabaptist groups

  • Cody's focus on traditional Anabaptist political theology

(9:05) Anabaptists and Anarchism

  • Separationist vs. activist anarchism

  • Anabaptists' view of Christ as king and the state as separate

(12:28) Historical Context of Anabaptism

  • Emergence of Anabaptists in the 16th century, challenging the union of church and state

  • Anabaptists sought to build a voluntary society, emphasizing freedom of religion and speech

  • Key Anabaptist beliefs: believers' baptism, nonviolence, separation from the state

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

  • Discussion on Christian pacifism vs. self-defense

  • Jesus teaches followers to set aside their rights rather than assert them

  • Exploration of natural rights and Christian obligations

  • Importance of thinking through responses to hypothetical situations is emphasized

  • Pacifism as working towards peace, not necessarily absolute non-resistance

(29:28) American Revolution and Christianity

  • Review of David Bercot's book "In God We Don't Trust"

  • Critique of justifications for the American Revolution

    • At the time of the American Revolution, colonists were taxed at about 1.5%

    • Americans received benefits of British citizenship without many downsides

    • This is contrasted with modern taxation rates of 30-50%

(47:49) State Ordination and Biblical Perspective

  • Complexities of God's ordination of the state

  • Satan's and human influence on state power

(52:55) Democracy vs monarchy debate

  • Reference to a previous episode discussing monarchy versus democracy

  • Suggestion that the U.S. is no longer a republic but has moved into democracy

  • Questioning whether people are better off under current system compared to past

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

  • Cody mentions his book "Fight the Powers" about political and demonic power

  • He has a short book on Christian nationalism from an Anabaptist perspective

  • Cody will be taking over some hosting duties for the Libertarian Christian podcast


Related Episodes

Related Blog Post

109. Divine Renegade: Creed, Power, Living in Christian Anarchy

About this Episode

Join host Craig on a revolutionary exploration of Christian Anarchy with the provocative thinker known as the Royal Priest in this daring episode of the podcast. With over two decades of ministry experience, the Royal Priest, an author and host of eight podcasts, provides a rare perspective that pierces through the fabric of traditional Christian dogma. This episode is a must-listen for anyone poised on the precipice of spiritual awakening, yearning to explore the harmony of divine law and human governance.

This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a journey into the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ in a world governed by man-made structures. Craig shares his transformation from an anarchist skeptic to a believer in a Christ-centered way of life, challenging the church's status quo and redefining what it means to truly serve a higher authority.

The Royal Priest's journey from established church leader to a nomadic truth-seeker provides a captivating backdrop to this dialogue. We examine the tension between comfortable doctrines and the radical truths of Jesus’s teachings. Are you prepared for the "great jubilation" and the reformation it heralds? 


It's an introspective look at the role Christians play in the political landscape and a contemplation of our allegiance: is it to God, state, or both?

As we round off this provocative dialogue, the spotlight turns to law enforcement and its alignment with divine justice. From unwavering support to critical reevaluation, Craig shares how his  journey mirrors a larger questioning within our society. For officers of faith, this is a call to measure your duties against the unyielding yardstick of divine righteousness.

People of faith, are you ready to confront these questions head-on? This episode is not just a passive listening experience; it's an invitation to challenge your perspectives, to stir your spirit, and to join a community seeking to align their earthly walk with the teachings of Christ. It's an invitation to weigh the constructs of governance against the immutable scale of divine righteousness. Don't miss out on this transformative dialogue that's bound to awaken, challenge, and inspire you.

Connect with the Royal Priest:

The graphic includes an illustration of a cross, a chess pawn with a crown reflection, and a small portrait of a person in the bottom right corner.

Episode Timestamps:

00:57 Exploring Christian Anarchy

  • Journey through 21 years of ministry and engaging with diverse audiences

  • Emphasis on kingdom values over traditional Christian narratives

  • Anarchic pursuit of God's will against state governance

  • Therapeutic aspect of vocalizing inner truths and guided prayer

09:06 Anarchy vs. Christ

  • Tension between Christian teachings and governmental support

  • Transition from anarchist principles to living for a higher king

  • Biblical insights on earthly governance, referencing 1 Samuel 8

  • Conflict between church doctrines and the radical message of Jesus

13:39 Government, Righteousness, and Christian Growth

  • Discussion on the authority of Christ in governance post-resurrection

  • Responsibility of infusing righteousness into political structures

  • Dealing with uncomfortable truths for spiritual maturity

  • Recognizing the cost of advocating for divine righteousness

23:49 Spreading the Message

  • Concept of "great jubilation" and the manifestation of God's kingdom

  • Preparedness for the transition and the risks of opposing divine direction

  • The contrast between public reliance on government and advocating for God's governance

  • Resistance from the church to kingdom-focused narratives

36:10 Reevaluating Views on Law Enforcement

  • Personal shift from supporting to questioning the police

  • Conflict of funding law enforcement through taxation

  • Encounters with "road pirates" and discussions within communities

  • Encouraging deeper understanding of policing issues

39:11 Questioning the Righteousness of Law Enforcement

  • Moral dilemmas for officers enforcing laws against religious ethics

  • Potential for power abuse within law enforcement

  • Historical church views on members in violent positions

  • Importance of aligning police actions with divine righteousness

46:41 Critiquing Justice and Proclaiming Righteousness

  • Struggle between human judgment and spiritual guidance

  • Spiritual warfare and the scriptural balance of peace and conflict

  • Growth challenges of outreach projects and importance of consistent messaging

  • Valuing criticism for growth and providing resources for divine empowerment


Related Episodes

Related Blog Post