The Kingdom

Backed by the American Christian Coalition for Biblical Authority, Reverend Matthew Winslow mounts a city-wide campaign to halt a Gay Pride celebration. The self-serving, self-righteous minister lunges at this opportunity to publicize his 8,000 member Holy Bible Fellowship congregation, curry favor with the Coalition, and earn the approval of his deceased father ... all in the name of the Lord. Matthew’s eighteen-year-old son, Nathaniel epitomizes the perfect child — valedictorian at Holy Bible Academy, athlete, winner of the coveted Bible Scholar Competition, a full scholarship to Freedom University, and most importantly heir to his father’s ministerial throne. He prays to feel attraction towards his girlfriend Martha Davies. He also prays that his sinful, unnatural dreams about Jason Daniels will stop. Matthew’s wife Miriam Winslow has but one marital vow — to obey her husband. Her intuition tells her that Nathaniel is grappling with a problem, but her intuition and desire to reach out to her son are trumped by obedience to Matthew. Sarah Elizabeth, Matthew Winslow’s daughter, also senses that her older brother is troubled. She knows that her father will never be as proud of her as he is of Nathaniel. She accepts that she is both a B student and a B offspring.

THE KINGDOM is the powerful story of how the revelation of a secret unlocks the door to the meaning of authentic love and forgiveness—of oneself and others.

"Clergy who have put the fear of God in their congregations through their words and actions should read The Kingdom where they can learn how to put the love of God in the minds and hearts of those they serve. This is a story that goes far beyond the need for unconditional love of family. If all Americans read The Kingdom and embraced Tom Hardin’s wisdom, we would ALL be better." ---Mitchell Gold, co-founder of Faith In America; editor of Youth in Crisis; co-founder Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams home furnishings

"A powerful story of redemption and transformation, The Kingdom by Tom Hardin, takes a hot-button issue of our day, makes it human, and helps us think and stretch and grow. This book is living proof that the greatest truths are found in stories." ---Philip Gulley, Quaker minister; author of the Harmony series, also If The Church Were Christian, Front Porch Tales, If Grace Is True and If God Is Love.

"It is often painful to read beyond the blistering stigma that Tom Hardin exposes in The Kingdom, but one is deeply rewarded with the promise of hope and healing. It is, ultimately, a story of resurrection, and a chilling reminder of the cost of a closed heart." --- Addison Ore, Executive Director of Triad Health Project; freelance contributor to Go Triad, Greensboro, N. C.