The Real Human Problem: Isolation, Not Limitation

In this clip from Day1 Episode #4205, Rev. Dr. Sam Wells, vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, joins me to explore how Christianity speaks to one of today’s deepest challenges: loneliness.

Drawing from his well-known theology of being with, Wells distinguishes between limitation and isolation, challenging our modern obsession with progress and independence. He reminds us that the essence of the gospel—and of the Trinity itself—is relationship. “If you think the problem is isolation,” he says, “we’ve already got the things we need, which is one another.”

Watch the Clip

Transcript

Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime:
In what ways does Christianity offer some help in the problem of loneliness, writ large for our culture right now?

Rev. Dr. Sam Wells:
I think our culture is obsessed with the assumption that the human problem is limitation, and we put all our research and investment and reward into overcoming limitation. We celebrate people who run 100 meters quicker than it's been done before and do brain surgery, or, you know, these kind of things, obviously A.I., but I think the problem of our society is isolation, and the thing is, if you think the problem is limitation, then you need to invest vast amounts of money in research for things we don't have. If you think the problem is isolation, we've already got the things we need, which is one another.

And it's because we find it so difficult to be reconciled with one another and to live together that we try and find all these technological alternatives to somehow find a bypass to avoid relationships if you actually think the kingdom of God is relationships, if you think the Trinity is a relationship, if you think God's whole purpose is to be in relationship with us, then you know that the relationship is the gospel. Do you see what I mean? I think this is a particularly strong thing in America because the word independence is written into the DNA of the country.

Reflection

Dr. Wells’ words remind us that the Kingdom of God begins in relationship—not achievement, not isolation, and not independence. The gospel itself is an invitation into being with—with God, with one another, and with creation. Wells’ theology challenges us to move from working for or working with others to being with—a way of life modeled by Christ’s own ministry.

Reflect:
- Where in your life might God be calling you to move from independence to interdependence?
- How can your community model the gospel through genuine relationships?
- What practices help you see connection as a holy gift rather than an obligation?

Link to Full Sermon Transcript

Explore Rev. Dr. Sam Wells’ full sermon from episode 4205 >>>