For over thirty years, Werner has taught as an adjunct instructor of the humanities at several universities in the St. Louis area.[3] Along with courses on religion, theology, mythology, and history; he has taught courses on American culture covering such figures asFrank Sinatra andElvis Presley.[4]
Werner holds a Ph.D. in historical theology[5] and his academic writing has focused on influential St. Louis Jesuits. In 1992, Werner published a biography ofJoseph Husslein, S.J. (1873–1952), a key early 20th century figure in the development of American Catholic social thought;[6] A reviewer describes it "as a fine introduction to Husslein and his work."[7][8] In 2021, Werner publishedThe Restless Flame,Daniel Lord, S.J.: Thinking Big in a Parochial World!, a biography of this influential Jesuit.[9][10] “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.”[11] Werner's documentary filmDaniel Lord S.J., The Restless Flame appeared in the 2018 St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase.[12]
Werner has also written onDismas Clark, S.J. (1901–1963), who set up in St. Louis the firsthalfway house for men coming out of prison, and was portrayed in the 1961 movieThe Hoodlum Priest.[13] Two years after Clark died Frank Sinatra did a fundraiser for Dismas House with his famousFrank Sinatra Spectacular concert.[14] Knowledgeable about Catholic figures and Catholic historical sites in the area,[15] Werner has also written about Pretty Boy Floyd's arrest for a St. Louis crime,[16] and a St. Louis man named Stanley Kowalski who may or may not have influencedTennessee Williams.[17]
Werner wroteThe Handy Christianity Answer Book:,[18] which was described byLibrary 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".[19] However,Catholic Library Journal said the book was "oversimplified and lacks objectivity and selectivity" and "certainly not recommended for Catholic libraries."[20][21]
Based on his years of teaching religion he wroteHow to Study Religion: A Guide for the Curious, an introduction to religion for college students or for those who are curious about religion.[22]
He also wrote the fourth (2020) edition ofThe Handy History Answer Book.[23] The book received a positive review inLibrary Journal, "Anticipating basic questions, maintaining objectivity, and deploying an engaging style, Werner ably provides an introduction of Western history for general readers."[24]
Werner's other writings includeLife Hurts: An Exploration of the Pain and Suffering of Life[25] and a humorous satire:Elvis and Apocalypse: The Awful Disclosures of Maria, Matron of the Hotel Dew Beanery (Revised edition).[26] "‘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."[27] "'Elvis and the Apocalypse' is an unusual, enjoyable, satirical piece of fiction. Don't take it seriously, enjoy it, laugh with it."[28]
He has also written and produced several theatrical works such asThe Back Road to Bethlehem, a children's Christmas musical;A Streetcar Named Ramona Junction;[29]The Rum Luck of the Irish, a light-hearted farce set in St. Louis during prohibition;[30] andTobit’s Triumph a musical based on the biblicalBook of Tobit.[31] He wrote and composed an opera,Damn, You Gilgamesh! based on the ancient storyThe Epic of Gilgamesh.[32] Werner is also a composer. His song “Irish Farewell” is the most popular and is often performed at funerals around the world.[33][citation needed]
^“About the Author”The Handy Christianity Answer Book (Visible Ink Press, 2019).
^“The Life, Social Thought, and Work of Joseph Caspar Husslein,”Annual Publication of the College Theology Society 38 (1992), Religions of the Book.
^Lee, Kevin (April 2002). "A Prophet of the Christian Social Manifesto: Joseph Husslein, S.J., His Life, Work, and Social Thought".The Journal of Religion.82 (2):312–313.doi:10.1086/491080.ISSN0022-4189.ProQuest195620136.
^Mason, Nancy (January 2005). "Prophet of the Christian Social Manifesto: Joseph Husslein, S.J.: His Life, Work, & Social Thought".Catholic Historical Review.91 (1):187–188.ISSN0008-8080.ProQuest200030223.
^McEvoy, Steven R (June 24, 2022)."Book Reviews – July 2022".Homiletic & Pastoral Review. RetrievedJuly 19, 2025.
^Hayes, Patrick (December 2023). "The Restless Flame: Daniel Lord, SJ: Thinking Big in a Parochial World!".Catholic Library World.94 (2): 118.ISSN0008-820X.ProQuest2919455790.
^A Review by Roberty Rooney,Homiletic and Pastoral Review, July 2022.
^Glen Sparks, “’Streetcar’ pulls into St. Margaret theater,”Southside Journal, October 28, 1998, 7A.
^Jim Rygelski, “Werner’s latest play blends humor, history”Southside Journal, August 10, 1994, 1A.
^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.
