Have A Little Faith

Have A Little Faith is an enlightening web series from SoulPancake that aired between 2013 and 2014, aiming to explore and deconstruct religious stereotypes in our society. Made famous by Rainn Wilson, known for his role in the iconic comedy show 'The Office,' SoulPancake is a platform designed to create and distribute impactful, inspiring content that explores life's big questions. Have A Little Faith is one such effort rooted in exploring complex faith-based ideas in a palatable, entertaining, and engaging format.

In Have A Little Faith, the host, Zach Anner, popular for his dynamic personality and hilarious wit, set off on a spiritual journey to learn about and better understand the world religions in a unique way. Wheelchair-bound since infancy due to his cerebral palsy, Anner remains undeterred in his quest for knowledge and is an enigmatic character who brings warmth, humor, and sincerity to every episode.

Throughout the show, Anner explores a variety of different faiths and religions, using a conversational approach to help viewers gain insights into global religions and different belief systems. The series helps broaden perspectives, fostering understanding and acceptance for varied cultures, traditions, and religious practices. It's a refreshing take on the multi-faceted world of faith, offering an inviting platform to demonstrate the diverse opportunities for spiritual growth and understanding.

What makes the series different is how it incorporates humor and light-hearted conversations into the heavy topic of religion. It is a show that doesn't take itself too seriously, while not undermining the significance and importance of the subject. The aim is simple and clear - to demystify, without offending, while entertaining and illuminating viewers at the same time.

Anner’s style of inquiry is not purely academic. He is lighthearted and playful, often sharing good-natured banter with the religious leaders and faith practitioners he encounters. Despite the humor, the show doesn’t mock or belittle any religion. Instead, it invites people from different backgrounds to share their beliefs and wisdom, helping to create a genuine and open dialogue about faith.

Have A Little Faith is packed with disarmingly honest interactions, enlightening conversations, and unexpected snapshots of religious reality, interwoven with Anner's characteristic humor and wit. From insightful sessions with a Rabbi to enriching exchanges with an Islamic Imam, soulful encounters with Buddhist practitioners, and enlightening conversations with Christian personalities, every episode is a deep dive into a different faith, aimed at exploring and understanding their essence.

The show also focuses on a broader thinking approach where shared values and cultural diversity are celebrated rather than suppressed. It depicts faith as a deeply human, profoundly beautiful, and universal aspect of existence, rather than something that should separate us.

Despite its relaxed tone, Have A Little Faith doesn’t shy away from posing tough questions and wrestling with complex concepts. Conversations delve into the nature of religious belief, the role of religion in a modern society, and the ongoing challenge of religious pluralism. Yet, thanks to Anner’s approachable personality and the show’s open-minded spirit, these discussions never feel intimidating or inaccessible.

There is a lightness to Have A Little Faith that many traditional religious discussions lack, which helps to make topics like faith, religion, and spirituality accessible and engaging to a wide demographic. It is a show that encourages viewers to address their assumptions, open their minds, and join in the conversation about what faith means in the 21st century.

In summary, Have A Little Faith from SoulPancake is not for those seeking a dry theological debate. It’s for those who want to better understand the world around them, expand their perspective, and find humor and humanity in the multitude of belief systems that people adhere to. It’s an invitation to build bridges, to foster understanding, and to have a little faith in the power of collective wisdom.