One Nation Under God by Vincent M. Whales

Description

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 include: 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.

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 Reviews "Not since The Handmaid's Tale have I been so spooked by a dystopian novel. One Nation Under God hits too close to home, especially for this Washington, D.C. native. But that's all the more reason to read Wales' book right now. Its heartfelt appeal for acceptance and diversity needs more advocates, before it's too late."
--Loraine Hutchins, co-editor of Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out

"I couldn't put it down! In the tradition of Robert Rimmer and Ernest Callenbach, One Nation Under God is simultaneously funny, deep, light hearted, serious, and inspiring. It goes down easy and smooth leaving a satisfying glow. Anyone who yearns for a positive future will love this book!"
--Deborah Taj Anapol, author of Polyamory: The New Love Without Limits

"Discerning what's real and what's arbitrary is a difficult personal task, whether it be about love, spirituality, or freedom. In One Nation Under God, Vincent M. Wales brings to light the process of unlearning and self-discovery that allows a person to find the truth for his/her own life. For those who are hard pressed to find art that illustrates and echoes their own searches and explorations, this book includes enough to begin to fill that need for reflection."
-- Ryam Nearing, author of Loving More: The Polyfidelity Primer