James Joseph[a] (born Carl James Joseph c. 1961[b]), also known as the Jesus Guy, is an itinerant preacher. After leaving his corporate job in 1991, Joseph began wandering by foot throughout the United States and internationally. Since 2010, he has lived in the Holy Land and since around 2015 has been living at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Early years

Carl James Joseph was born around 1961[b] to Louis and Bette Joseph in Detroit, Michigan, and moved to Toledo as a child. While he grew up in an irreligious family, he attended the Catholic Gesu Elementary School. At age twelve, he and his older were baptized as Catholics. After attending St. John's Jesuit High School for three years, Joseph graduated from Bowsher High School in 1978. He was confirmed a year later.[3]

Itinerant life

After finding an office job working a Christian organization in New York City stifling, Joseph began a wandering lifestyle in May 1991.[4][1] Wearing no shoes and a white robe, he began wandering throughout the United States, Mexico, and other countries.[1] In 1999, he was deported from Mexico after officials became concerned by the large crowds following him.[3] He was arrested on August 29, 1999, in Greenfield, Ohio for disorderly conduct.[5] While he was preaching on a sidewalk, the crowd spilled into the street; when police asked him to move, he refused.[6] In October 1999, he arrived in the Coal Region of Pennsylvania, where TIME Magazine reported on him, calling Joseph the "Appalachian Apostle".[7][8] Joseph moved to Jerusalem in 2010, and, as of 2025, had lived at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem for most of the preceding decade.[9][2] He traveled to Philadelphia for Pope Francis's 2015 visit to the United States.[1]

Considering himself both an evangelist and pilgrim, Joseph only carries a Bible, rosary, and toothbrush.[2][3] He attempts to live entirely by providence.[2] With a full beard, flowing hair, and long robe, his appearance has been called called 'Jesus-like'; however, Joseph states that he is not trying to portray Jesus, nor does he claim to be Jesus.[2][7][10] As of 2025, he had visited 47 American states and 21 countries.[2]

Joseph sitting in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 2019

A documentary entitled The Jesus Guy was released about Joseph in 2007.[3][7][11]

Notes

  1. ^ Joseph prefers to go by his middle and last name.[1]
  2. ^ a b His year of birth is unclear. He has been reported as 64 in 2025[2] and 46 in 2007,[3] and graduated high school in 1978.[3] However, he was also said to be 51 in 2015.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e McCoy, Terrence. "The incredible story of the Jesus Guy in Philadelphia". Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 14, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f d'Avillez, Filipe (February 28, 2025). "Meet Jerusalem's 'Jesus Guy'". The Pillar.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Yonke, David. "Evangelist from Toledo on barefoot path for 16 years". The Blade.
  4. ^ "'What's Your Name' is back in Northeastern Pennsylvania". Times Leader. June 18, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  5. ^ "Report: Ohio Warrant Out For `what's Your Name' The Preacher, Whose Real Name Is Carl Joseph, Was Accused Of Sneaking Into An Adult Movie Theater In 1991". Times Leader. February 19, 2000. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  6. ^ Jesus Christ Gets Arrested In Greenfield, Ohio (Carl Joseph) (YouTube Video) (News report). Channel 10.
  7. ^ a b c Kalinowski, Bob (February 21, 2009). "'Appalachian Apostle' again on roads". The Scranton Times-Tribune. p. A6. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  8. ^ Mogul, Fred (February 14, 2000). "Appalachian Apostle". TIME. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  9. ^ Light, Mia (June 18, 2014). "Christian traveler returns to Hazleton". Hazleton Standard Speaker. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  10. ^ Bray, Jack (March 21, 2008). "A barefoot journey of faith". Pasco Times. p. 2. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  11. ^ The Jesus Guy at IMDb
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_James_Joseph
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