Overview

“With the Third World War being fought piecemeal as our Holy Father Pope Francis regularly reminds us, and the violence of handguns and assault weapons daily taking the lives of God's children in the U.S., we Christians need to be reminded that the Gospel of Jesus is about peace. . . .  Father John Dear's book [assists] us in becoming blessed peacemakers ourselves.” —Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., Bishop-President, Pax Christi USA

“Prepare to be inspired, as John Dear guides you on a journey into the nonviolent revolution grounded in Jesus and his Way of Love. Along the way, you will encounter anew the steadfast fearlessness of figures like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, and Oscar Romero . . . and find yourself ready to join them in this holy work.” —The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church; author, The Power of Love 

“John Dear’s is a beautiful message of peace!”—Anne Lamott, author, Traveling Mercies and Almost Everything  

 “Each time I consult this magnificent commentary for insight into a particular gospel passage, I am drawn further into the nonviolent teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.  As John Dear convincingly demonstrates, Jesus was their inspiration. The Gospel of Peace lovingly confronts us all with what it means to follow Jesus in all dimensions of life. It is a master class on Christian discipleship.”—The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC.   

In this original and inspiring new commentary Father John Dear walks us through every line of the three synoptic Gospels, pointing out Jesus’ practice and teachings of nonviolence each step of the way.   

As Dear shows us, Jesus is—like Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. —nonviolent to the core, a disarming, healing presence toward those in need. This Jesus is also a revolutionary disrupter of the unjust status quo and a political threat to the ruling authorities. Those authorities succeed in killing him, only to push Jesus to the heights of nonviolence through his death and resurrection. 

This original commentary brings a fresh new approach to the Gospels for all those who preach or engage in social ministries. It is sure to inspire everyone in this time of permanent warfare, gun violence, racism, poverty, and climate change.   

Cover art: Jesus the Peacemaker, © Laura James  

Cover design: Diane Mastrogiulio 

Related Materials

Click Here For The Table Of Contents

Click Here For The Book Introduction