The Nonviolent Jesus

Our guest this week is Sister Helen Prejean , a spiritual powerhouse and one of the world's leading voices against the death penalty. Sister Helen’s journey into activism began in the shadows of death row, and her relentless pursuit of justice has captured hearts around the globe. Sister Helen is a Sister of St. Joseph of Medaille, and is one of the most well-known Catholic leaders in the modern e...

This week’s guest is Dr. Bernard Lafayette , one of the great heroes and leaders of the Civil Rights Movement who was also Dr. Martin Luther King ’s assistant. He is an activist and organizer who was part of the Nashville student movement with Rev. Jim Lawson , John Lewis and Diane Nash ; one of the Freedom Riders ; played a leading role in the Selma voting rights movement; and then served as Dr....

This week’s guest is actor and activist Martin Sheen, one of our most celebrated, award-winning actors from movies such as “Apocalypse Now,” “Gandhi,” “Selma,” “The American President,” “Gettysburg,” “The Way,” “Badlands,” and many more, and the star of the TV series, “The West Wing,” where he played President Bartlett. Martin is perhaps the most committed activist celebrity, who has been speaking...

What does it mean to practice ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ in a world often ruled by violence? The Beatitudes aren’t just ancient sayings—they’re a bold, countercultural call to action. In this episode, we’ll explore how nonviolence isn’t just the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of love in action and creative activism. We can create real change, stand up to injustice, and find the courage t...

What if the key to a more peaceful world is following the path of the nonviolent Jesus? Join Fr. John Dear—priest, author, activist, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee—for The Nonviolent Jesus , a weekly 30-minute podcast. Each episode reflects on the radical teachings of Jesus through the lens of active nonviolence, inspired by the traditions of Gandhi and Dr. King. Featuring compelling conversations...