The Problem with Religion – and Why we Can’t See it

September 28, 2023 By James Werning

It’s time we humble ourselves and stop believing our faith-practices are indisputable. “The first problem with your religion,” says Jesus, “is how right you think you are. That prevents you from seeing an even greater problem, which is how your rituals and public professions of faith have become more important to you than love, the greatest commandment of all.” Jesus sits on a park bench beside a historic church building, surrounded by stately trees, wrought iron fences and bronze plaques... Read more

Be a Hero: 7 Essentials for Saving America

July 3, 2023 By James Werning

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~ Are you heroic enough, first and foremost, to do battle in your own heart? ~ I’ve learned a lot since I had it all figured out; since I tried to save America while working in Christian Media; since I promoted political activism and got arrested at abortion clinics. I was fully immersed in that early wave of Christian activists, newly awakened to the potential and power of our Christian crusade. My regrets and triumphs through that tangled maze of... Read more

A World of One

June 5, 2023 By James Werning

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How can we awaken our superhuman powers to transform the world for good? This is part 3 of a 3-part series. See: A World of 100 and A World of Three. A woman and teen await a free meal at Haywood House in San Francisco’s Mission District.[1] Unlike many of the homeless patrons, this couple is pert and stylish: The 30-ish woman is dressed in a floral skirt, spaghetti-strap blouse and jangly earrings. The Latina youth has designer jeans, dark... Read more

A World of Three

June 4, 2023 By James Werning

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What if we treated other nations as if they actually were our neighbors? This is part 2 of a 3-part series. For part 1, see: A World of 100 For many years, our small planet has been populated by just three people. It’s a cute little planet with a beautiful assortment of flora and fauna, the circumference of which you can hike in about two hours. In the beginning, the three occupants of this little planet settled on three equal... Read more

A World of One Hundred

June 3, 2023 By James Werning

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What if the population of the world was 100, and the land we shared was just 100 acres? Imagine that the world’s population is 100 people, all living on 100 acres — in the same proportions as today. In this small world, 60 Asians live on 30 acres, 17 Africans live on 20 acres, 10 Europeans live on seven acres, nine Latin Americans live on 12 acres, and five North Americans live on 16 acres.[1] Now imagine that you are... Read more

The Problem with “Agreeing to Disagree”

May 24, 2023 By James Werning

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~ Are we bold enough to solve big social problems by working on small differences? ~ “We don’t see things eye to eye,” said my friend. “We’ll never agree. This conversation is over.” Then he walked away. This is the “normal” outcome of many conversations about controversial topics today. The parties peacefully part ways. And yes, this is an “okay” resolution. It’s better than fighting. It’s the best outcome we can expect with people who are not in our inner... Read more

How to Spin 2000+ Bible Verses about Social Justice

May 4, 2023 By James Werning

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What if we stopped rewriting the Bible’s clearest truths? Today’s Bible (with qualifications) reads: Share with God’s people who are in need … unless you think there won’t be enough to go around. Practice hospitality … unless they aren’t your kind of people. Look after orphans and widows … unless they come from a dangerous part of town. Anyone who has food should share with those who have none … unless they are addicts and felons and you’re not comfortable... Read more

Banana Land: Our Delightful, Delicious Delusion

April 26, 2023 By James Werning

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The eye-opening backstory to 19 cents of fruity fantasy. Five young women gather for tea in a swanky suburban home. “Were you raised here?” asks Laurel, addressing Dora, the attractive 30ish Latino woman. ““I’m originally from Guatemala,” Dora says, setting her napkin on her skirt, “but I lived here since I was 13.” “Kent and I had such an incredible time in Central America,” says Kylie. “We stayed at a gorgeous resort on a lake with hot tubs heated by... Read more

God is “Love” (in a human, dysfunctional sort-of way)

April 22, 2023 By James Werning

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~ Would a God of love turn into a hideous monster at the stroke of midnight? ~ Your village has gathered to hear the king describe a wonderful new city he’s built. “The walls glimmer with diamonds and the streets are paved with gold,” he says. “You will lack nothing there and all are welcome!” “And what will it cost us?” asks the cobbler. “Our firstborn children?” “My gift is free!” exclaims the king. “Only say ‘yes’.” You turn to... Read more