One Nation Under God

by Vincent M. Wales

It began in the 50s, advanced during present-day, and a scant quarter-century from now, America is a country united by... and divided by... religion. In the year 2021, eleven-year old Mary Christopher is the spunky daughter of the latest President vowing to return America to its righteous roots. Her mother is a well-known "family values" activist, and her "Uncle" Gene Sisco is head of the largest evangelical Christian organization in the land. Against the backdrop of an America where Christian fundamentalism has brought about tremendous change in Washington, Mary's is a conflicted coming-of-age story, in which she questions everything from her faith to her sexuality, and ultimately becomes one more victim of her father's repressive legislation. Other figures in her life Jude, an atheist Mary befriends on the Internet; Vicki, the girl at camp for whom Mary develops confusing feelings; J. E. Cooper, the freelance reporter who labels Gene Sisco the most dangerous man in America; and Jefferson Paine, the mysterious figure behind the infamous Voice of Reason website, dedicated to challenging the Christopher administration at every turn. The novel takes events from present-day and extrapolates them to a possible conclusion two short decades from now. The list of controversial topics in this fable is long, covering everything from radical education techniques to communal living, group marriages to the failings of religion. Yet, through it all, ONE NATION UNDER GOD maintains a positive world-view, a hope that our society might one day get its collective act together, before it's too late. One Nation Under God
It's closer than you think.
Or fear.

Genres: Dystopia, Politics, Religion

448 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

Vincent M. Wales was raised in the small town of Brockway, Pennsylvania, where he frequently complained about the weather. Since then, he has worn many hats, including writing instructor, suicide prevention crisis counselor, essayist, Big Brother, freethought activist, wannabe rock star, and award-winning novelist.

He spends most of his writing time in coffee shops, since his cats fail to grasp the entire concept of “writing time.”

He currently lives in Sacramento, California, where he frequently complains about the weather.

Reviews

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes you wonder about anyone in the presidency, especially this last, soon to be over, leaving us this mess, one. Gives a good education of other lifestyles and why we should be tolerant if not LOVING others unlike ourselves.

I need my own copy!

[Kylene Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

(7-26-2009) WOW!!! What a read. I wasn't sure what I was getting into reading this book. From the moment I started reading it until I finished it a few minutes ago, I could hardly put it down. I had to force myself to do other things, including sleep. I think this book is so good at pointing out how important acceptance is. I know people that are non-believers or non-traditionalists will love the book but can't help but wonder about the others. Unfortunately, those that NEED to see the message of this book are possibly too close minded to see it. I, myself, am not sure where my beliefs are anymore. Was raised Catholic, was a preachy Christian for a while, and now definitely do not believe in that god anymore. The more our government has been adding religious dogma to our country the past few years has really disturbed me and has made me pretty vocal in my non-organized religious rants, much to the dismay of many of my family members, including my husband.

(05/03/2015) Just finished this book for the second time. My life has changed a lot since the first time. I still think this is a great book and am glad that I recommended it for our book club for my Atheist and Skeptic group. Unfortunately, this book is currently not being printed so getting it is not an easy task but it is well worth it. This book follows ten years of our country going down the "Christian" road and how the laws passed are so detrimental to people that do not follow the fundamental Christian ways. It is a dangerous road that many people seem to want us to follow but the founders of this country would be rolling in their graves over many things that happen in this book and, unfortunately, things that are happening in real life. We need to keep religion out of our government as that was what our country was founded on. Let people believe what they want to believe- God or no god. We can all be good people and love each other. Why does religion have to be so harmful and divisive? Belief or non-belief does not make anyone better than or worse than anyone else. Some people need religion, some do not. Live and let live.

[Mirana Burrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting reading about 2021 written in 2004. It's much of contemporary thriller written with possible near future elements.

[Tabatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book very much. It sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading it. Some of that was due to the journal entry/ website type format which always has you wanting to read just one more page before you stop. Big things happen quickly, with a little allusion, then the news story after the fact. That seems accurate. No one really writes about huge events while their happening.
Yeah, the characters are extreme, but that's the point. Father Montoya seems to be the closest to middle ground. If we wanted to model ourselves on anyone in the book, it should be him. Accepting and loving all humanity and secure enough in ourselves that alternative religions and lifestyles don't bother him in the slightest.
Do I think we are headed this way? I surely hope not. I hope that a nation that has seen so many positive changes happen as a result of civil disobedience would explode in outrage the first time a law tries to disembowel the first amendment. But realistically, the changes are never that blatant. Our liberties are picked away at a little at a time and we get used to it without seeing the slippery slope we are on.
If you read the book, you're probably interested so I'm preaching to the choir but all I can recommend to prevent something like this or worse from happening is Pay Attention! When Congress tries to pass new legislation, whether or not it's a good idea, ask yourself if it should be the government's job to regulate these things? At what point do we let people be responsible for their own choices? How should laws be worded so that they are not subject to abuse? Do your representatives represent what you want?

[Sarena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting skew on the current political realm gone to the extreme. In 2004, this would have been absolutely chilling, however, time has a way of making all distopian novels dated. It is an interesting read right before the current election, since once again many righteous beliefs are once again stirred up.