The Nonviolent Jesus
Religion & Spirituality
About
Was Jesus nonviolent? šļø This Monday weekly podcast features thought-provoking, inspiring conversations with some of the greatest visionary leaders in peace and nonviolence in modern history like Martin Sheen ( Apocalypse Now, Gandhi ), Bryan Stevenson (Just Mercy) , Cornel West (Race Matters) , Sister Helen Prejean (Dead Man Walking) , Sr. Joan Chittister, John Fugelsang (Separation of Church and Hate), Rev. Richard Rohr (The Universal Christ), Shane Claiborne (Red Letter Christians), and many, many more! Join Fr. John Dearāpriest, author, activist, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee āon The Nonviolent Jesus , a weekly 30-minute podcast that dares to reclaim the radical, active nonviolence of Jesus. Rooted in the wisdom of Gandhi and Dr. King , Fr. John Dear has been arrested and jailed over 80 times in acts of nonviolent civil disobedience against war and nuclear weapons in the tradition of Gandhi and Dr. King. This journey isnāt just about changing the worldāitās about being creative, nonviolent activists and transforming ourselves. Weāll explore how we can: š Embody nonviolence ātoward ourselves, others, and our communities š Heal from the culture of violence āfrom war and racism, authoritarianism and genocide, to poverty and environmental destruction š Live with courage, compassion, and universal love Together, weāll uncover how Jesus' Way of Nonviolence can reshape our lives and awaken a more just, peaceful world. šSubscribe now to The Nonviolent Jesus - change yourself, change the world. www.beatitudescenter.org
Episodes
- #71 John Dear with professor and theologian Kate Common on the two of the Great Heresies, the nonviolent origins of the Hebrew community and her book "Undoing Conquest".
In this episode, John Dear and Kate Common discuss the nonviolent origins of the Hebrew community, challenging the conquest narrative found in the book of Joshua. They explore how archaeological evidence suggests a peaceful formation of eaā¦
- #70 With Bishop Mariann Budde of the National Cathedral on returning to Minneapolis this January: āThere was a sense of resolve, horror, exhaustion, fear and defiance. I've never been part of anything like it.ā
Bishop Mariann Budde of the National Cathedral shares her experience preaching a message of mercy to President Trump and her subsequent return to Minneapolis to speak out against ICE raids. She reflects on the complex emotions of fear, defā¦
- #69: On the 10th anniversary of the death of my friend and mentor Daniel Berrigan: May 9, 1921-April 30, 2016: "War has become the ultimate antiChrist."
This episode honors Daniel Berrigan, a Jesuit priest, poet, and antiwar activist, on the 10th anniversary of his death. It includes reflections on his life, teachings on nonviolence and resistance, recordings of his poems, and the song "Iā¦
- #68 With Prof. Melanie Harris of Black Feminist and Womanist Theologies on Ecowomanism and Earth Honoring Faiths: "What does the Divine intend for all of humanity?"
Professor Melanie Harris explores Ecowomanism, linking Black feminist and Womanist theologies with environmental justice. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the earth, advocating for compassion and peacebuilding.
- #67 With David Cortright, leading scholar on war, peace, and nonviolent resistance: "we have brought about historic change".
Professor David Cortright, a scholar on war and nonviolent resistance, discusses his work in disarmament movements and his perspective on faith and peacemaking. He also addresses current issues, including U.S. foreign policy toward Iran anā¦
- #66 With Kerry Kennedy, author, lawyer, and human rights activist on her family, her faith, and her work with the Kennedy Human Rights Center: "We all have ways of making our country better."
Kerry Kennedy, President of the Kennedy Human Rights Center, shares insights on her family, faith, and extensive human rights work. She details her organization's global efforts in justice, anti-mass incarceration, and combating violence aā¦
- #65 John Dear with Jim Finley, author, clinical psychologist, former Trappist monk, and host on Richard Rohr's CAC podcast "Turning to the Mystics": "Jesus is God's complete surrender to us."
Jim Finley, author and psychologist, shares insights on contemplation, mysticism, and his experiences with Thomas Merton. He emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing God's presence within ourselves and others for achievā¦
- #64 With writer and scholar Daniel Hunter, founder of Choose Democracy and widely read on wagingnonviolence.org: "The goal is for us to be intimidated and walk away".
In this episode of The Nonviolent Jesus Podcast, Daniel Hunter, a scholar of nonviolent resistance, explains how to counter authoritarianism by withdrawing cooperation and non-compliance. He highlights upcoming collective actions such as tā¦
- #63 With Jonathan Kuttab of Palestine, co-founder of Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq and co-founder of Nonviolence International: āMost Christian Palestinians are nonviolent peacemakers, and have been since the 1st century,ā
Jonathan Kuttab, co-founder of Al-Haq and Nonviolence International, shares insights on Palestinian Christian nonviolent peacemaking, drawing parallels to the 1st century. He critiques the war on Gaza, highlighting the refusal of aid and mā¦
- #62 Amy Brooks Paradise, minister and Greenfaith organizer: " We are made for times like this, this is exactly what people in faith are for!"
Rev. Amy Brooks Paradise of Greenfaith discusses the urgency of climate action, criticizing the fossil fuel industry's disinformation campaigns and the global economy's dependence on these fuels. She emphasizes the significant role peopleā¦
- #61 Part 2 of 2: John Dear on "Universal Love, Surrendering to the God of Peace": "You want me to get rid of my guns?"
This episode, part 2 of a reflection on "Universal Love: Surrendering to the God of Peace," discusses the link between nonviolence and surrendering to God's will, examining the political implications of universal love and peace in a worldā¦
- #60 Part 1 of 2: John Dear on his newest book "Universal Love, Surrendering to the God of Peace": "We have more power as ordinary people than we realize".
John Dear shares the story behind his book "Universal Love, Surrendering to the God of Peace," focusing on themes of meditation, nonviolence, and surrendering to God's will, inspired by his spiritual direction with a young man and conversaā¦
- #59 With retired US Army Colonel and peace activist Ann Wright: "Make sure you write your Congress before breakfast every day!"
Ann Wright, a retired US Army Colonel and peace activist, shares her experiences, including her resignation over the Iraq War and her extensive work with various organizations to end conflict globally. She emphasizes the importance of indiā¦
- #58 With activist, theologian and scripture scholar Ched Myers on "Sabbath Economics" and "Resisting Plutocracy": "Concentrated wealth underlies every form of violence."
This episode features Ched Myers discussing his book "Healing Affluenza and Resisting Plutocracy: Lukeās Jesus and Sabbath Economics." He explores Luke's Gospel through the lens of "Sabbath economics," biblical practices that resist economā¦
- #57 With Emily Yellin on her new posthumous memoir of Civil Rights leader Jim Lawson: "Nonviolent: My Life of Resistance, Agitation and Love"
Writer Emily Yellin joins the podcast to discuss "Nonviolent: My Life of Resistance, Agitation and Love," the posthumous memoir of Civil Rights leader Rev. James Lawson. Yellin shares insights into Lawson's consistent practice of nonviolenā¦
- #56 With Mike Farrell from M*A*S*H, actor, producer, writer, and political and social activist: "I don't understand how anybody who believes in Christ could support the death penalty".
This episode features an interview with actor and activist Mike Farrell. Farrell, known for his role in M*A*S*H, discusses his extensive work opposing the death penalty with Death Penalty Focus, his involvement in human rights organizationā¦
- #55 MLK DAY With Rev. Andrew Young, activist, author, politician, diplomat, and Dr Martin Luther King's right-hand man: "I was asked to come to Alabama in case MLK didn't show up, but we both showed up".
Rev. Andrew Young, a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., shares personal anecdotes and insights on nonviolence, activism, and the legacy of Dr. King. The discussion covers organizing tā¦
- #54 Charlene Howard, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA: "Don't be fooled into thinking that we are not gaining ground for the good and for peace, because we are.ā
Charlene Howard, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA, discusses the organization's work for justice, disarmament, and peace, and how to practice the nonviolence of Jesus. Howard emphasizes that progress is being made for peace, despite cā¦
- #53 With Robert Ellsberg, one of our best spiritual writers in the country, publisher and editor of Orbis Books and author of Volume 2, Blessed Among Us
Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books, shares insights from his book "Blessed Among Us," a collection of writings on saints. He emphasizes viewing saints as relatable human beings and highlights Dorothy Day's perspective on the socialā¦
- #52 A Special Year End One Hour Episode of Highlights of the Nonviolent Jesus Podcast from 2025 featuring Joan Baez, Cornel West, Joan Chittister, John Fugelsang, Martin Sheen, Richard Rohr and many more!
This special year-end episode compiles highlights from The Nonviolent Jesus podcast's 2025 season, featuring segments from various guests like Martin Sheen, Cornel West, and Joan Baez. The episode offers spiritual insights and words of hopā¦
- #51 With John Dear: "Epiphanies come at night. They are political. The story of the Magi is our story!"
This episode reflects on the biblical story of the Magi from Matthew 2, framing it as a personal journey towards the nonviolent Jesus. It encourages listeners to find inspiration in the Magi's civil disobedience and to embrace a life of peā¦
- #50 With John Dear: Did a Holy Jewish mother teach Jesus to be nonviolent? Mary's story of her Advent journey.
This episode examines Mary's Advent journey through the lens of nonviolence, as described in Luke's Gospel. It explores the Annunciation as contemplative nonviolence, the Visitation as active nonviolence, and the Magnificat as prophetic noā¦
- #49Ā with former Mennonite pastor, blacksmith, author, activist and founder of RAWtools.org Mike Martin: "We're using raw tools, not war tools to transform the world".
Mike Martin, a blacksmith and founder of RAWtools.org, transforms guns into garden tools and crosses, a creative Christian peacemaking initiative. His project offers a way for gun violence survivors to process trauma by destroying instrumeā¦
- #48 With Congressman Jamie Raskin: ""We're in the fight of our lives and have been since the beginning of this nightmare.ā
Congressman Jamie Raskin joins The Nonviolent Jesus to discuss the importance of democracy, nonviolence, and the ongoing efforts to protect the Constitution. Raskin shares personal accounts of defending democracy and emphasizes the need foā¦
- #47 With network producer, filmmaker and author Gerry Straub: "In this horrible place of screaming kids and gun shots, something beautiful was created.ā
Filmmaker Gerry Straub shares his experiences directing "General Hospital," traveling to create films about extreme poverty, and founding the Santa Chiara Childrenās Center in Haiti. He discusses his book "The Cross of Love, The Pain of Poā¦
- #46 With Wes Granberg-Michaelson, global ecumenical leader, speaker and author of "The Soulwork of Justice": "Here are my 8 guideposts for activists"!
This episode features Wes Granberg-Michaelson, a global ecumenical leader and activist, discussing his book "The Soulwork of Justice." They explore four transformative movements in his lifelong work for justice and he offers eight guideposā¦
- #45 With Dr. Ivana Hughes, President of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation: "Weāve been really lucky that nuclear war has not happened. There have been many, many close calls.ā
Dr. Ivana Hughes, president of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, shares insights on nuclear disarmament and the urgent need to prevent nuclear conflict. She highlights the foundation's mission and the global risks associated with nuclear wā¦
- #44 With legendary folk singer/songwriter, activist, and artist Joan Baez: āCarry your light into the shit storm!"
Joan Baez reflects on her 60-year career in activism and music, discussing her influences, including Quaker parents and Dr. King, her commitment to nonviolence, and her poetry.
- #43 With Sr. Simone Campbell, author, activist, attorney and 2022 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom on her new book "Hunger for Hope": "I love being on fire!" Part 2 of 2
This episode features Sr. Simone Campbell discussing her book "Hunger for Hope," emphasizing the connection between hope, community, and addressing societal pain. She shares insights on "prophetic imagination," her daily Zen practice of "dā¦
- #42 With Sr. Simone Campbell, author, attorney, leader of "Nuns on the Bus" and recipient of 2022 Presidential Medal of Freedom: "Liar, liar, pants on fire" Part 1 of 2
In part one of a two-part conversation, Sr. Simone Campbell, author and activist, discusses her journey in social justice advocacy, her work with "Nuns on the Bus," and its impact on the Affordable Care Act. She also touches on authoritariā¦
- #41 John Dear With author, educator and former military Captain Paul Chappell: āThe idea that peace is inevitable is dangerous.ā
Paul Chappell, an international peace educator and author, discusses his concept of "Peace Literacy" on The Nonviolent Jesus Podcast. He argues for teaching peace as a practical skill set, akin to reading and writing, emphasizing its necesā¦
- #40 With John Dear on the nonviolent Jesus and the Things that Make for Peace: "America, America, if this day you only knew the things that make for peace!"
This episode discusses Jesus's lament over societal violence and his teachings on peace, drawing parallels to contemporary issues like warfare, nuclear weapons, and environmental destruction. It emphasizes learning from Jesus's nonviolentā¦
- #39 With John Fugelsang, actor, podcast and radio host, comedian and bestselling author of "Separation of Church and Hate": āWhy should I listen to Trump and Stephen Miller and reject the words of Jesus?ā
John Fugelsang joins the Nonviolent Jesus Podcast to discuss his book "Separation of Church & Hate." He critiques Christian nationalism, prosperity gospel, and advocates for practicing Jesus' teachings of love and nonviolence, contrastingā¦
- #38 With Archbishop John Wester: "Who's really naive? Those who think we can live with nuclear weapons or those who think we can live without them?"
Archbishop John Wester shares his experiences from a peace pilgrimage to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, discussing his pastoral letter advocating for nuclear disarmament and the formation of "A Partnership for a World Without Nuclear Weapons." Heā¦
- #37 with John Dear on Gandhi, and why he was one of the greatest Christians who ever lived...
John Dear discusses Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings on nonviolence on The Nonviolent Jesus Podcast. Dear considers Gandhi a significant follower of the nonviolent Jesus and emphasizes the importance of actively opposing evil and resistā¦
- Episode #36 with Stanley Hauerwas, "America's Greatest Theologian": āYou can kill us, but you cannot determine the meaning of our death.ā
This episode features theologian Stanley Hauerwas discussing nonviolence and its connection to worshiping Christ. Hauerwas explains that to worship Christ is to witness nonviolence to the world, drawing from his own experiences and insightā¦
- #35 with Rivera Sun, activist and author of "The Dandelion Insurrection": "Find what you want to work on and do that, because we need you in the movement!ā
This episode features activist and author Rivera Sun discussing her work in nonviolent resistance and activism. Sun shares insights on movements like One Million Rising, strategies to combat authoritarianism, and six holistic practices forā¦
- #34 with Ken Butigan, author, organizer, activist and nonviolence trainer: āWe have been preparing for this moment; we have more power than we think!ā
Dr. Ken Butigan, an author and activist, shares his experiences in social change movements, emphasizing the power of nonviolent action. He highlights successes like contributing to a test-ban treaty and helping to end the US war in Iraq, sā¦
- #33 with activist Brad Wolf on "The Ministry of Risk": "Philip Berrigan was the first priest ever to get arrested in the US!"
This episode features activist Brad Wolf discussing Philip Berrigan's "A Ministry of Risk." Wolf highlights Berrigan's lifelong commitment to nonviolent activism against war and nuclear weapons, including his numerous arrests and acts of cā¦
- #32 Former priest, author, organizer Terry Rynne: "It all started with Gandhi's salt march and I found two heroes in one day".
This episode features Terry Rynne, author and co-founder of Marquette University's Center for Peacemaking. He discusses the influence of Gandhi's Salt March and Jesus's life on nonviolent resistance against oppression and violence, emphasiā¦
- #31 John Dear: "This verse contains the most radical, political, revolutionary words in the Bible!"
This episode features John Dear discussing a profound Bible verse containing radical, political, and revolutionary teachings, challenging the Just War Theory and advocating for universal nonviolent love as central to Jesus' message and theā¦
- #30 Michele Dunne, director of the Franciscan Action Network: "I was a diplomat but I was also much part of the empire that approves of force, violence, oppression, and unjust policies "
Michele Dunne, director of the Franciscan Action Network, shares insights into the organization and her motivations, drawing inspiration from St. Francis's emphasis on kinship with humanity and creation, and encourages listeners to find thā¦
- #29 with Rev. Charles McCarthy: "Action not motivated by love is ineffective in countering evil and death, my enemy is not God's enemy."
Rev. Charles McCarthy defines nonviolence as the nonviolent love of friends and enemies, modeled by Jesus. He asserts that actions not imbued with Christlike love are ineffective in countering evil and death. McCarthy has dedicated over fiā¦
- #28 Art Laffin, peaceactivist, author and Catholic Worker: "Miracles have occured during our protest actions".
This episode features an interview with peace activist Art Laffin, discussing his involvement in faith-based nonviolent movements, his experiences with the Plowshares movement and subsequent imprisonment, and the influence of Jesus's teachā¦
- #27 Author of the national bestseller "Race Matters", Dr. Cornel West: āWe are witnessing the collapse and implosion of the American empire in real time.ā
Dr. Cornel West joins The Nonviolent Jesus to discuss the implosion of the American empire, attributing it to military overreach and a spiritual void. He uses a Moby Dick analogy to highlight the dangers of idolatry and stresses the importā¦
- #26 with Kathy Kelly, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and peace activist: "Don't be afraid, seek ways to embrace the so-called enemy."
Nobel Peace Prize nominee Kathy Kelly, a long-time peace activist, is coordinating a 40-day fast protesting the US-backed Israeli actions in Gaza. She advocates against US military funding for Israel and highlights her extensive work in coā¦
- #25 : Professor Michael Nagler on teaching nonviolence through meditation and spirituality and the destiny of the human race
Professor Michael Nagler explains that nonviolence is fundamental to our being and humanity's future, citing progress towards nonviolence. He shares insights on teaching nonviolence through meditation and spirituality, drawing from his worā¦
- 24 "We are 89 seconds to nuclear midnight": Activist and author Frida Berrigan shares her experiences growing up in a household of full time resistance
This episode features Frida Berrigan, daughter of activists Philip Berrigan and Elizabeth McAlister, sharing her experiences growing up in a household of full-time resistance. She discusses her work for disarmament, the significance of theā¦
- 23: "We're in the middle of a coup": with theologian, Episcopal priest and activist Matthew Fox.
Theologian and Episcopal priest Matthew Fox joins host Fr. John Dear to discuss current political challenges, describing a movement toward authoritarianism. They explore the intersection of deep spirituality and nonviolent, prophetic actioā¦
- Episode #22. John Dear on the Most Revolutionary--and Most Disobeyed--Teaching in the Gospels: Mt. 5:39
This episode features John Dear examining Jesus' command against violent resistance, as found in Matthew 5:39. It explores how this teaching influenced Tolstoy, Gandhi, and Dr. King, presenting nonviolent resistance as a "Third Way" to couā¦