In Lieu of Heaven

About the Book

In Lieu of Heaven follows two men as they search for God. One man’s path is directed by tradition and the sanction of an ancient faith. The other man, however, is compelled by a vow of vengeance. Only one of them finds his God, and he swears the other man will not be as fortunate.

In Lieu of Heaven presents a bold challenge: Do we examine all we’ve been told about our God’s character or do we remain in collective denial? Do we look at the extreme severity as well as the much-celebrated passion? What if the resulting picture is one of a villain rather than a savior? According to biblical text, he was executed 2000 years ago. Do his own laws justify his execution?

At the book’s core is an underlying message: Whatever we accept in our God—be it goodness or evil, salvation or anti-human aggression—we will also accept in our families, our social structure, and our government. By confronting our culture’s dominant God, Archer challenges the very foundation of our society and nation. Both disturbing and uplifting, In Lieu of Heaven offers an undaunted and liberating examination of our shared faith.

About the Author

Author, poet, and performing musician Kevin Archer brings an extensive knowledge of the biblical text to In Lieu of Heaven. His unique view of the relationship between man and the Christian God developed during his tenure as a free-lance missionary and lay-minister among a Southern Fundamentalist sect. Having broken free of those confines, he now seeks the core that unites us and works to remove that which divides us.