Stephen A. Werner (born 1956) is a college instructor and writer from St Louis.“About the Author” The Handy History Answer Book (Visible Ink Press, 2021).

Biography

Teaching

In the 1980's, Werner was a religion teacher and dean of academics at St. Louis Preparatory Seminary.

For over thirty years, Werner has taught as an adjunct instructor of the humanities at several universities in the St. Louis area. Along with courses on religion, theology, mythology, and history; he has taught courses on American culture covering such figures as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.“About the Author.”

Writing Werner holds a Ph.D. in historical theology“About the Author” The Handy Christianity Answer Book (Visible Ink Press, 2019). and his academic writing has focused on influential St. Louis Jesuits. In 1992, Werner published a biography of Joseph Husslein, S.J. (1873–1952), a key early 20th century figure in the development of American Catholic social thought;“The Life, Social Thought, and Work of Joseph Caspar Husslein,” Annual Publication of the College Theology Society 38 (1992), Religions of the Book. A reviewer describes it "as a fine introduction to Husslein and his work." In 2021, Werner published The Restless Flame, Daniel Lord, S.J.: Thinking Big in a Parochial World!, a biography of this influential Jesuit. “And I am certain anyone who gives this book a read will become fascinated with the man and the works of Daniel A. Lord. This is an excellent biography, and worth the read. I give it top marks.” A Review by Roberty Rooney, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, July 2022. Werner's documentary film Daniel Lord S.J., The Restless Flame appeared in the 2018 St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase.

Werner has also written on Dismas Clark, S.J. (1901–1963), who set up in St. Louis the first halfway house for men coming out of prison, and was portrayed in the 1961 movie The Hoodlum Priest.“The Real Man Behind ‘The Hoodlum Priest’” America (October 7, 2024). Two years after Clark died Frank Sinatra did a fundraiser for Dismas House with his famous Frank Sinatra Spectacular concert.“Frank Sinatra and the Hoodlum Priest,” American Catholic Studies 129 (Winter 2016), 101-106. Knowledgeable about Catholic figures and Catholic historical sites in the area, Werner has also written about Pretty Boy Floyd's arrest for a St. Louis crime,"Charles Arthur Floyd: The Pretty Boy in St. Louis," St. Louis Cultural History Project (Summer 2022). and a St. Louis man named Stanley Kowalski who may or may not have influenced Tennessee Williams.“In Search of Stanley Kowalski,” St. Louis Cultural History Project (Summer 2022).

Werner wrote The Handy Christianity Answer Book:,The Handy Christianity Answer Book (Detroit: Visible Ink Press, 2019). which was described by Library Journal as "an ideal ready reference … will interest young adults, general readers, Christians curious to learn more, and those who are spiritual but not religious and would like to explore the basics and some of the mysteries of the religion". However, Catholic Library Journal said the book was "oversimplified and lacks objectivity and selectivity" and "certainly not recommended for Catholic libraries."

Based on his years of teaching religion he wrote How to Study Religion: A Guide for the Curious, an introduction to religion for college students or for those who are curious about religion.How to Study Religion: A Guide for the Curious (San Diego: Cognella Academic Publishing, 2019).

He also wrote the fourth (2020) edition of The Handy History Answer Book.The Handy History Answer Book, 4th ed., (Detroit: Visible Ink Press, 2020). The book received a positive review in Library Journal, "Anticipating basic questions, maintaining objectivity, and deploying an engaging style, Werner ably provides an introduction of Western history for general readers."

Other writing Werner's other writings include Life Hurts: An Exploration of the Pain and Suffering of LifeLife Hurts: An Exploration of the Pain and Suffering in Life (Press, Press, Pull – St. Louis, 2020). and a humorous satire: Elvis and Apocalypse: The Awful Disclosures of Maria, Matron of the Hotel Dew Beanery (Revised edition).Elvis and Apocalypse: The Awful Disclosures of Maria, Matron of the Hotel Dew Beanery, Revised edition (Press, Press, Pull – St. Louis, 2020). "‘Elvis and the Apocalypse’ is a very clever, funny and engrossing read. These combined with its imaginative premise differentiates it from most other fiction books about Elvis and provide a strong reason why it is a worthwhile addition to any fan’s Elvis library."Nigel Patterson, President, Elvis Information Network, February 2002 "'Elvis and the Apocalypse' is an unusual, enjoyable, satirical piece of fiction. Don't take it seriously, enjoy it, laugh with it."David Neale, Elvis Expert

Theatrical writing He has also written and produced several theatrical works such as The Back Road to Bethlehem, a children's Christmas musical; A Streetcar Named Ramona Junction;Glen Sparks, “’Streetcar’ pulls into St. Margaret theater,” Southside Journal, October 28, 1998, 7A. The Rum Luck of the Irish, a light-hearted farce set in St. Louis during prohibition;Jim Rygelski, “Werner’s latest play blends humor, history” Southside Journal, August 10, 1994, 1A. and Tobit’s Triumph a musical based on the biblical Book of Tobit.Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post Dispatch, August 6, 2006. The Book of Tobit is found in the Catholic Old Testament but not in the Protestant Old Testament. He wrote and composed an opera, Damn, You Gilgamesh! based on the ancient story The Epic of Gilgamesh.Listen to Damn You, Gilgamesh. Werner is also a composer. His song “Irish Farewell” is the most popular and is often performed at funerals around the world.Listen to “Irish Farewell.”

Academic articles “The Life, Social Thought, and Work of Joseph Caspar Husslein,” Annual Publication of the College Theology Society 38 (1992), “Religions of the Book.” "The Significance of Joseph Husslein, S.J." Catholic Culture. “Joseph Husslein and the American Catholic Literary Revival: ‘A University in Print,’” Catholic Historical Review 87 (October 2001): 688-705. “Frank Sinatra and the Hoodlum Priest,” American Catholic Studies 129 (Winter 2016): 101-106. “Daniel A. Lord, SJ: A Forgotten Catholic Dynamo of the Early Twentieth Century,” American Catholic Studies 129 (Summer 2018): 39-58. "The tragedy of Joyce Kilmer, the Catholic poet killed in World War I." America, 219, No. 2 (July 27, 2018). “‘The Birth of a Nation’ sparked decades of racial violence. This Jesuit understood its unholy power.” America, 224, No. 2 (February 19, 2021). “Daniel Lord, SJ, the Restless Flame: Supporting Catholic Families,” College Theology Society Annual Volume 66 (2020),48-58. "Sixty Years Later, ‘Black Like Me’ is Still Relevant for the Catholic Church." America (December 29, 2021). “Daniel Lord, S.J.: Booster for the American Nun,” St. Louis Cultural History Project (Spring 2022). "Charles Arthur Floyd: The Pretty Boy in St. Louis," St. Louis Cultural History Project (Summer 2022). “In Search of Stanley Kowalski,” St. Louis Cultural History Project (Summer 2022). “The Real Man Behind ‘The Hoodlum Priest’” America (October 7, 2024).

References